Hemp Oil for Skin
Hempseed oil, often called “hemp oil,” is harvested by cold-pressing hemp seeds. It is often unrefined, clear green, and can have a nutty flavor.
It’s different from cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is an extract of the cannabis plant and utilizes hemp flowers and leaves for its production.
Hempseed oil is made from the hemp seed itself and usually doesn’t contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component, although this seems to be a widely disputed Trusted Source. According to 2017 research by Trusted Source, CBD oil may also have very low and insignificant levels of THC.
Hemp oil has numerous health benefits, including improving skin health. Its nourishing vitamins and moisturizing qualities make it beneficial for skin health.
How does hemp oil benefit your skin?
Hempseed oil can be used topically or consumed for several skincare benefits.
Moderates oil production
Hemp oil is perfect for most skin types, as it moisturizes without clogging pores. It can even help balance oily skin by hydrating it and regulating its oil production.
Dryness can also cause your skin to overproduce oil, which in turn can stimulate acne. Hemp oil can prevent dry skin without clogging pores, helping reduce acne caused by excess oil.
Moisturizes and soothes Inflammation
One of the omega-6 fatty acids that hemp oil contains is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell generation.
This can help to calm inflammation and irritation on the skin, including acne and some conditions like psoriasis, while keeping the skin nourished and moisturized.
Treats atopic Dermatitis
Part of what makes hempseed oil so beneficial to the skin is that it’s rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming these nutrients can help to treat skin conditions like atopic Dermatitis.
One randomized, single-blind crossover study found evidence that dietary hempseed oil reduced the symptoms and appearance of clinical atopic Dermatitis after 20 weeks.
Has anti-aging properties
In addition to moisturizing and soothing the skin, hemp oil has anti-aging properties. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and prevent signs of aging from developing.
The body can’t produce the linoleic acid and oleic acids found in hemp oil, but they can play a crucial role in skin health and anti-aging, so they’re important nutrients to add to the diet.
How is hemp oil used?
You can use several methods to get the skin benefits from hemp oil.
Topical use of Hemp oil
The first method is to apply the hemp oil directly to your skin. This can work if you have immediate irritation or dry patches of skin that you want to soothe quickly.
Before using the oil, try a patch test to make sure you won’t get an unwanted reaction:
- Wash and dry a small area of your upper arm (such as the crook of your elbow).
- Apply a small amount of the pure hemp oil. (If using the hemp and essential oil mixture described below, test in a separate spot from the pure oil and at a different time.)
- Cover the spot with a bandage and leave it in place for 24 hours, being careful not to get the bandage wet.
- If any redness, burning, itching, or other irritation occurs, you can assume you’re sensitive to the oil and shouldn’t use it. Remove the bandage immediately and wash the spot with soap and water if you react.
- The oil is probably safe if you don’t see or feel any reaction.
If you’re using hemp oil to treat acne and want to apply it topically, apply it directly to clean skin and leave it on for one to two minutes before washing it away with warm water.
Hemp oil and essential oil mixture. You can also combine hemp oil and other anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients with a recipe like the following, which can be applied directly to the skin:
- 1/4 cup hemp oil
- Two teaspoons melted coconut oil (can be melted in the microwave; place the desired amount in a microwaveable container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted)
- 4 to 5 drops of skin-boosting essential oil, like lavender or rosemary oil
Note: Essential oils like lavender or rosemary should only be used topically and in a diluted mixture. Do not take essential oils internally. Many are toxic.
Oral use of Hemp oil
The second method is to ingest hemp oil, which can provide the same skin benefits and additional overall health benefits as using the oil topically. If you take hemp oil orally, there’s less risk of any skin irritation or breakouts, although it may cause some temporary digestive upset.
Talk to your doctor before taking hemp oil orally.
If you do take it orally, you can have 1 to 2 teaspoons daily—either all at once or divided into two doses.
If you don’t like the taste or consume hemp oil straight, you can also use it in different recipes. One option is to mix it into foods, like smoothies, salad dressings, or soup. You can also use it for cooking.
Disclaimer: This article is originally published on https://www.healthline.com/
