Hemp Seed Oil Benefits for the Skin

Unlike CBD oil which is an extract of the Cannabis sativa plant deriving from the hemp flowers and leaves, hemp seed oil is harvested by cold pressing the seeds of the plant to produce a clear green oil. The hemp seed oil is often unrefined, and it’s claimed that it has numerous health benefits, especially in relation to the skin, thanks to its combination of vitamins and moisturising qualities.

What Kind of Benefits Does Hemp Seed Oil Have for Your Skin?

When hemp seed oil is either applied topically or consumed as an oral supplement, it may have the ability to:

• Moderate the production of sebum. The composition of the oil means that it moisturises without clogging up the skin’s pores. It may also help to regulate the skin’s oil production, balancing out the oil on the skin whilst providing hydration. This potential reduction in sebum may also help to reduce the occurrence of acne.
• Soothe inflammation. Contained within hemp seed oil is gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is known to act as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps to encourage new cell generation and skin growth while calming skin irritation and inflammation
• Moisturise the skin. Hemp seed oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which provide natural moisturisation for the skin and may even help with treating common skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. One study has shown that taking an oral supplement containing hemp seed oil can reduce the symptoms and appearance of clinical atopic dermatitis.
• Provide anti-ageing properties. Some users of hemp seed oil believe that its use can help to reduce fine lines on the skin. This is due to the linoleic acid and oleic acids in the oil which play a vital role in skin health.

How to Use Hemp Oil

There are several ways to use hemp oil to benefit from its potential moisturising and anti-ageing properties. The first is to use it topically, i.e., to apply the oil directly to the skin. This is the ideal way to take advantage of its moisturising properties, especially if you have skin irritation or dry patches. However, as with all new products, you should always do a test patch before you use it over large areas. Hemp oils can also be combined with other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as essential oils to treat specific skin concerns.

Hemp oil can also be taken orally as a dietary supplement to gain similar benefits to topical application.

Using CBD Oil for the Skin

Skin products containing CBD oil made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant may also be extremely beneficial for the skin. CBD is extracted as a powder and usually mixed with an oil such as hemp, coconut or olive. CBD oil is rich in cannabinoids whereas hemp seed oil only has trace amounts, which help to soothe and balance the skin. Just like hemp seed oil, it may provide benefits and relief for skin that’s too dry, too oily, inflamed or prone to acne and offers antioxidant properties to help lessen the visible signs of ageing and improve both dullness and redness to the skin.

At Green Box, we offer a range of natural skincare products and serums containing CBD oil that can be used alone or in conjunction with your current skincare range to soothe and improve the condition of your skin. Indeed many people are choosing to incorporate hemp oil derivatives, both hemp seed and CBD, into their regular skincare routine.