Look no further than hemp seed oil! This potent botanical ingredient, known as the queen of oils, provides numerous benefits and helps improve the look and feel of your skin. Read on for a complete guide to using hemp seed oil for skin care.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds through cold pressing—crushing the seeds to release the oil. The result is clear, mild green-yellowish oil with a subtle nutty aroma. It is called “cold” pressing because no heat is used during the extraction process, which preserves the oil’s beneficial qualities.
The oil’s rich nutritional profile includes two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), Vitamin E, plus minerals including phosphorus, potassium, sodium, Sulphur, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
How is hemp seed oil different from CBD oil? Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant rather than the seeds. Hemp seeds do not contain the psychoactive component of marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
5 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Your Skin
With potent and concentrated vitamins, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, hemp seed oil balances the skin and addresses various skin concerns. Its gentle yet powerful nature makes it safe and beneficial in targeting inflammation, breakouts, signs of premature aging, dryness, dehydration, and rough skin texture.
1. Deeply Moisturizes & Hydrates
Arguably the most significant benefit of this exquisite oil is its ability to moisturize the skin deeply. With its outstanding emollient properties, hemp seed oil can transform dry, dehydrated skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. For this reason, the hemp seed oil is a popular choice for dehydrated skin.
The oil’s high content of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, effectively moisturizes and hydrates the skin while being rapidly absorbed. These omega fatty acids reinforce and smooth skin’s surface, boost hydration, and target signs of flaky, dehydrated-looking skin without feeling heavy.
2. Calms Inflamed, Problematic Skin
Do you struggle with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or sensitized skin? Hemp seed oil can be a soothing savior, and the oil’s calming nature reduces the redness and discomfort of problematic skin.
An impaired skin barrier is common in inflammatory skin diseases and sensitized/sensitive skin. It increases trans-epidermal water loss, leading to further dryness, itching, and general discomfort.
The fatty acids of hemp seed oil have emollient properties that seal moisture into the skin, helping compensate for barrier damage. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid in the oil, has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps reduce inflammation and stimulates the growth of new cells, supporting the regeneration of damaged skin. Hemp seed oil is also rich in vitamin E, accelerating healing. With both inflammatory and regenerative properties, the hemp seed oil is soothing and beneficial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
3. Balances Sebum Production
Does hemp seed oil on oily skin reduce shine and excessive sebum? It’s linoleic acid, which helps regulate sebum production. Linoleic acid is found naturally in sebum.
When there is a lack of linoleic acid, your sebaceous glands go into overdrive to create more sebum, contributing to concerns such as acne, congestion, and shiny skin. Hemp seed oil supports a balanced complexion by compensating for the lack of linoleic acid in an unbalanced face and encouraging normal sebum production.
Non-comedogenic by nature, hemp seed oil won’t clog pores either, which makes it an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.
4. Improve Signs of Ageing
The oil’s benefits for mature skin can be attributed to its high levels of vitamins A and E. These potent antioxidants support collagen production and improve skin elasticity and firmness. The oil also contains phytosterols, molecules related to cholesterol found naturally in plants, which stimulate collagen production in the skin.
The rich fatty acids in hemp seed oil also support a vibrant, plumper-looking complexion by deeply moisturizing the skin and restoring barrier function. Carotenoids keep skin bouncy by repairing and regenerating collagen and elastin fibers, making the skin thicker and more robust.
Carotenoids can also slow the appearance of premature wrinkles by blocking an enzyme called elastase. This multi-functional, botanical oil is a prime example of natural ingredients effectively targeting signs of sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Don’t underestimate the power of what botanical ingredients can do for your anti-aging skincare routine!
5. Fights Environmental Stress
With high antioxidant activity, including vitamin E and carotenoids, this hardworking oil can help defend the skin against the attack of free radicals. Exposure to environmental stressors such as UV and pollution sparks free radical activity, leading to the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers, speeding up the signs of premature aging.
Free radicals essentially “scavenge” electrons from healthy skin cells, damaging the cell and creating a domino effect of free radical activity. Antioxidants halt damage by donating an electron to the unstable free radical, neutralizing and making them less reactive.
Not only do antioxidants prevent free radical damage, but they can also help treat and improve existing damage, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Carotenoids, in particular, play a key role in aiding in the repair and protection of skin cells.
Final Words
Who Can Benefit from Hemp Seed Oil? All skin types can reap the beautifying benefits of hemp seed oils. It is especially suited to dry, sensitive, mature, and blemish-prone skin types. Incorporate hemp seed oil into your routine and enjoy your benefits.
