In a crowded market with competing (manmade) skincare products claiming to be the best, the reality is none of them surpass the reward that mother nature gives us from the super crop we get straight from the Himalayas. Hempseed oil, popularly known as “hemp oil”, is obtained by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Hemp oil is left unrefined and remains as pure as the virgin slopes of the Himalayan mountains where it is grown. The oil is beautiful, silky and clear with a tint of green – no fancy sounding chemicals, no ridiculous claims, just pure, natural and organic.
The amazing health benefits of hemp oil are well documented but are not well known. Partly due to the myths surrounding anything with ‘hemp’ in its title being associated with recreational drug taking. These outdated attitudes have suppressed the benefits of hemp oil for decades but are now starting to change and hemp is once again gaining its rightful place as a natural super crop.
How exactly hemp oil benefit your skin?
Regulates oil production
Hemp seed oil contains natural nourishing vitamins and moisturizing qualities and can be applied either topically or by consuming it in our foods. Hemp oil goes very well with almost all skin types as it moisturizes without clogging your pores. It helps to balance out oily skin by hydrating and keeping a proper regulation of the skin’s oil production. Sometimes, dryness can also cause lead to overproduction of oil by your skin which in turn can lead to outbreaks and acne. Hemp oil actually prevents clogging of pores and makes your skin more breathable.
Moisturizes and cures inflammation
Hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the omega-6 fatty acids which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while promoting skin growth and new cell generation simultaneously. This helps to cool inflammation and irritation on the skin like acne and some conditions like psoriasis, at the same time keeping the skin nourished and supple.
Remedy for atopic dermatitis
The major factor that makes hemp oil stand apart is because it’s rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. If you consume these nutrients, it can help to treat skin condition atopic dermatitis. A study even found evidence that dietary hempseed oil has brought a reduction in appearance and symptoms of clinical atopic dermatitis after 20 weeks.
Holds anti-aging properties
Hemp oil can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent signs of aging. The linoleic and oleic acid which is found in hemp oil can’t be produced by the body but needs to be added to our diet as it plays a very significant role in skin health and anti-aging. Despite many claims from mainstream beauty product companies, nothing can stop us from aging but using pure natural hemp oil can help slow down its effects on our skin.
How to apply hemp oil
The first method is simply to apply the hemp oil directly to your skin. This works well if you have immediate irritation or dry patches of skin that you want to soothe quickly. Before applying the oil for the first time, its is always sensible to try a patch test.
Hemp oil, when used for treating acne, should be applied topically. Apply the oil directly and leave it for a couple of minutes before washing with warm water for best results.
Consuming hemp oil
The other way is to add hemp oil to your food, which can also provide similar skin benefits and overall additional health benefits. Hemp oil tastes nutty and can be an acquired taste, however, it can be added to a multitude of things and used in different recipes such as salads, smoothies or even soup.
So, in conclusion, hemp oil for your skin whether applied topically or taken in your food offers a number of benefits for skin health and the health of our planet. Hemp oil is 100% chemical free, organic, sustainable and is safe to use for almost everyone.
Post Script:
Hemp Oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil which it is often confused with. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and uses hemp flowers and leaves for its production, whereas hempseed oil for the skin is made from the hemp seed itself and doesn’t possess any of the psychoactive component (THC) found in CBD.
Hemp Oil is derived from Hemp Seed which is considered to be a nut. People with nut allergies should avoid contact with hemp seed oil.
