CBD Series Part 2 | Exploring The Natural Skincare Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil
In Part 1 of this series, I talked about CBD oil and answered the main questions that I was curious about. In Part 2, I will be talking about hemp seed oil. Many people think that hemp and CBD oil are the same thing - is this true? I will be breaking everything down for you. I am excited about this topic because skincare is one of my most loved things to learn about and to practice. I am always wanting to learn and share more about natural skincare products, so let’s get into it!
Hemp seed oil vs CBD oil
What’s the difference?
Is there a difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil? The answer is yes! It’s easy to get confused about the many terms that are circulating around when referring to cannabis in general. It’s also common to assume that since it comes from the same plant, it’s the same thing. However, that is not true. As I showed you in Part 1 of this series - What Is CBD Oil? Is CBD The Same As THC? + Other Questions Answered - there are many important distinctions that need to be made.
When referring to hemp seed oil, many confuse it as being one and the same with CBD oil, and phrases such as hemp oil and cannabis oil also add to the confusion. Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are extracted from industrial hemp, but in different ways. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, and CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks (whole plant). Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil contain trace amounts of THC, which I explained is the effect of using industrial hemp to produce these oils instead of cannabis. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains trace amounts of THC. Compared with CBD oil which contains up to 15% of CBD, hemp seed oil does not contain CBD.
Hemp seed oil contains high levels of fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) are found in a ratio of 3:1, which is believed to be the optimal ratio. Hemp seed oil also contains high levels of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. It can contain up to 100-150g of vitamin E per 100g of hemp seed oil. It is also the only edible oil that contains greater than 80% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a very nutritious and beneficial oil when used in both oral and topical applications.
To understand the purpose of CBD oil, make sure to check out Part 1 of this series where I dive more in depth into its uses and benefits.
hemp seed oil for skin
What are the benefits of hemp seed oil?
Since hemp seed oil is so rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and Vitamin E, and other beneficial nutrients, it makes it a perfect candidate for skincare products. Here is a list of hemp skincare benefits:
Hemp seed oil is an effective hydrator meaning it actually puts moisture into the skin as opposed to just laying on the surface of the skin and only keeping moisture in like typical moisturizers do
Hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. The fats or lipids in the oil are similar to that found in the skin, so it regulates the skin’s oil production
Hemp seed oil increases the elasticity of the skin by locking moisture into the skin, so it can also be used in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks
Hemp seed oil is an effective anti-aging treatment due to its high antioxidant protection, which fights free radicals that can damage skin cells
Hemp seed oil is a skin plumper, so it fills skin with moisture and stimulates the natural production of collagen, which prevents fine lines and wrinkles
Hemp seed oil regenerates the hydrolipidic layer of the skin by preventing it from dehydrating and providing a natural skin barrier that protects it from irritants and environmental stresses
Vitamin E protects protects against oxidative damage and provides a protective shield for the skin in the form of antioxidants
In addition to the nutritional makeup mentioned previously, hemp seed oil also contains vitamin a, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, which when taken as a dietary supplement, nourishes the body from the inside out providing antioxidant, hormone regulating, and anti-inflammatory properties
Hemp seed oil is an effective acne prevention and control method due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviates redness. Its fatty acid content makes it a perfect oil for preventing dry skin without clogging pores
Due it its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, which is an anti-inflammatory, hemp seed oil is also an effective treatment for healing the skin and treating other skin inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis
hemp skincare products
what products are available?
When looking for hemp skincare products, look for products that contain non-GMO, organic hemp seed oil and that are eco-farmed following ecologically friendly processes. Also make sure that the company is committed to ensuring the best extraction process to retain all of the beneficial molecules of the plant and that there are no synthetics contained in the product.
You can find various hemp skincare products available such as hemp lotions, hemp creams, hemp scrubs, hemp masks, hemp body butters, hemp serums and hemp moisturizers, hemp body sprays, hemp fragrances, and even oral supplements. Each will serve a particular purpose so that you can enjoy the benefits of hemp seed oil in various skincare applications.
thoughts
will i be using hemp seed oil for skincare?
I am amazed about the many benefits of hemp seed oil for the skin, and I feel like I have been missing out, but is it too good to be true? Will I be trying out skincare products that contain organic hemp seed oil? We shall find out in Part 4 of this series! I am also curious about eating hemp seeds now, because if applying it to the skin is good, imagine what it can do from the inside out? I have heard that it contains loads of protein - and we can’t forget about those good omega fats that it contains. Those do wonders for the body. I have seen it in stores and heard about many people using hemp seeds in smoothies and as a topping for fruit bowls and things like that, but I have never tried it out. I heard it has a nutty flavor, which is maybe the reason I am thinking about trying it out. My research continues in this series, so I still have some things to learn. I hope you are following along because in Part 3, I will be talking about CBD oil and its use in treating dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Follow along for more!
are you also shook about the many skincare benefits of hemp seed oil?
Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.