Benefits of Hemp Oil for Skin
Hemp seed oil - which is usually referred to as simply "hemp oil" - is extracted via the process of cold pressing hemp seeds, rather than the leaves or flowers. The resulting cold pressed oil is quite often left in this unrefined state, and is a dark green colour with a nut-like flavour and more nutrients than a refined hemp seed oil.
There are various benefits to using hemp oil, including for the skin. Hemp seed oil benefits for the skin include helping the skin become more resilient and healthy, thanks to its ability to act as a moisturiser, while also providing beneficial nutrients.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
It’s perhaps better to describe what hemp seed oil isn’t - it isn’t the same as cannabis, despite coming from the same plant, the Cannabis sativa plant. It doesn't contain any THC either, which is the psychoactive element of cannabis, responsible for its ‘high’.
Hemp seed oil doesn’t contain any CBD either, but if you notice ‘full spectrum’ hemp seed oil products in shops and online, then this will contain CBD. Full spectrum hemp oil is a type of CBD oil made from cold pressing the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant, which unlike the seeds, contains CBD.
But again, CBD products contain zero, or less than 0.3% THC and therefore won’t cause any high or mind altering effects.
What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for the Skin?
Skincare with hemp oil can be beneficial when applied directly to the skin as well as when it's consumed internally. The benefits of hemp seed oil for the skin are plentiful…
Oily Skin
Firstly, hemp oil helps to moderate oil production. This is because it moisturises the skin but does not clog the pores. For people with particularly oily skin, it has also been found to help by balancing out oil production.
Dry Skin
In cases of very dry skin, the body can overcompensate and begin to produce too much oil. This in turn can lead to conditions such as acne and oiliness. Hemp oil for dry skin acts by moisturising without clogging the pores and it can help prevent breakouts from occurring.
Eczema Prone Skin
Using hemp oil for skincare has also been found to help with eczema.
This is because it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the perfect balance for healthy skin. Both fatty acids have been found to have a beneficial effect on eczema prone skin.
Ageing Skin
In addition to all its other benefits, hemp oil has been found to have anti-aging properties. It works in two ways. First of all, it will help to visibly reduce the external signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles.
Secondly, it helps to prevent these signs of ageing from developing in the first place. There are both linoleic and oleic acids in hemp oil and while these substances are not produced by the body, they do have anti-aging properties.
Sensitive Skin
For most people, including those with sensitive skin, hemp oil will provide numerous benefits. You can find hemp oil in Sönd's Calming Hydration Day Cream and Overnight Replenishment Night Cream.
Both have been developed to support the needs of the skin, deeply nourishing and hydrating, deep within the lower layers of the skin.
Using neat hemp seed oil directly onto the skin may cause some mild irritation, but using it in moisturisers such as ours can help to reduce this possibility.
Acne and Acne Scars
Hemp seed oil for skin can help to reduce the oiliness and inflammation caused by having acne prone skin, too. It also has an antimicrobial effect, which can also help to reduce the appearance and severity of acne breakouts.
Studies prove this too, with researchers discovering that hemp seed oil can improve acne scarring by boosting collagen levels, plumping up scarred skin, reducing wound healing time and stimulating cellular turnover and regeneration.
How to Use Hemp Oil for Skin
When you’d like to achieve quick results such as on an irritated patch of skin, hemp oil can be applied directly. If it’s being used to manage a condition such as acne, then it’s best to leave it on the skin for a couple of minutes before washing it away with warm water.
Or develop a skincare regime that includes a day and night moisturiser that contains hemp seed oil, and use them on a daily basis to support healthy skin!
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hemp-oil-for-skin
https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-oil-benefits
This article is not meant to treat or diagnose. Please visit your doctor for advice about any health concerns you may have.