It is safe to say that we have tried and tested all kinds of oils to keep our skin healthy and glowing. Be it almond oil, coconut oil, or essential oils, we have managed to incorporate them into our daily skincare routine. If you feel you’ve tried it all, well, you are in for a pleasant surprise, for hemp oil is the new trend in beauty care. Let’s see what the fuss is all about.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp is the strand of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is low in THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the compound of cannabis that induces psychoactive effects, which you may know as feeling high. Hemp seeds are free of THC, making them non-psychoactive and safe for skincare products.
Hemp oil is commonly called hemp seed oil, for it comes from the hemp plant's seeds. It is pretty different from cannabidiol oil or CBD oil, which comes from the buds, stalks, and leaves of hemp. If you are looking for high levels of THC, you can opt for cannabidiol oil or THC delivery. Hemp seeds, on the other hand, go through a process of thorough cleaning, which removes THC and then cold-presses them to get raw hemp oil. The most common way of using hemp seed oil is in the unrefined form, which is green in color and can have a nutty taste.
How can it benefit your skin?
Our ancestors have been using hemp oil for centuries, making the most of its benefits. Among the many ways hemp oil nourishes you, giving you healthy skin that stands out. Here is how it is suitable for your skin:
1. Keeps excess oil away:
If you have oily skin, it can be challenging to find the right moisturizer. No matter what you use, it will still be too heavy and clog your pores. Hemp oil can come to your rescue, for it is suitable for all skin types. It can balance out the oil from your skin, hydrate it naturally, and control excess oil production. Research by the University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei, states that hemp is a sebostatic agent that removes excess oil.
Dry skin also induces the production of excess oil, which stimulates acne. Hemp oil can work wonders here as well, gently nourishing your skin and removing the dryness and excess oil.
2. Stops skin from aging:
With growing age, the thought of our skin aging and losing its shine takes our sleep away. Well, you can stop worrying about aging skin and use hemp oil to nourish it, which is discussed widely in this study of Shandong University, China.
Hemp oil contains linoleic and oleic acids, which are generally not present in our bodies. Both these ingredients are famous for their anti-aging properties. Using hemp oil can not only prevent the early signs of aging but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you glowing skin.
3. Soothes inflammations:
Dryness, lack of moisturization, and neglect of skin care can lead to inflammation. Your skin needs nourishment from within to regain its original glow, and hemp oil can help.
As we said, hemp oil contains omega-6 fatty acids like ganna-linolenic acid, which is responsible for making it an anti-inflammatory oil. It can soothe your irritated skin and give you much-needed relief.
4. Treats dermatitis:
Dermatitis is a common name for all kinds of skin irritations. These can include itchiness, redness, dry skin, rashes, or even swollen and reddened skin. A study by the University of Kuopio, Finland, proved that the antibacterial properties of hemp oil can help cure the symptoms of dermatitis in 20 weeks.
Hemp seed oil can also cure various other skin diseases, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and even skin cancer. Using hemp oil regularly further promotes the growth of new skin cells and rejuvenates them from within.
How to use it?
Hemp oil has many benefits, although its effectiveness depends on how you use it. You can choose the way, product, and amount per your requirements. Here are a few ways to make the most of hemp oil for your skin:
1. Topical use:
The first way to use hemp oil is by directly applying it to your skin. Topical use is beneficial if you are seeking relief from dry and irritated skin that you wish to soothe instantly. You can apply it directly onto clean and dry skin and then cover it up with a bandage for the next 24 hours. If you feel any irritation, you might be sensitive to hemp oil and avoid using it.
Another way to use hemp oil is to mix it into the essential oil mixture. You can add 1/4th cup of hemp oil, 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil, and then 4-5 drops of essential oil to get a nourishing mix. Lavender and rosemary oils go well with hemp oil and can be used topically.
2. Oral use:
The second way of taking hemp oil is orally. Ingesting hemp oil through the mouth can help you get healthy skin, among many other overall health benefits. Hemp oil takes a little longer to show results when taken orally, although the effects last for longer. It also reduces the chances of skin irritation or breakouts.
You can consume hemp oil by directly taking 1-2 spoons of it daily, either once or divided into doses. Hemp seed oil has a nutty taste, and you might not like it at first. If this is the case, you can infuse it into your diet by adding it to your daily food. Add it to soups, smoothies, coffee, or salad dressings.
Whether you take it orally or apply it directly onto the skin, hemp oil offers plenty of benefits for your skin. Using Indica will ensure that you retain the healthy and glowing skin of your youthful days and keep inflammation and irritation at bay, which is evident from the study of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
