Hemp Seed Oil for Skin – Should I use Hemp in my Skincare Routine?

Hemp seed oil has many benefits, however perhaps the most well known is that of its impact on skin, and how it can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. But what can hemp actually do for your skin?

Moderates oil production

Hemp oil can moisturise skin without clogging your pores, making it the perfect answer for most skin types – it can even balance out oily skin by hydrating it and regulating the skin’s oil production! Alternatively, if you have dry skin, this can cause your skin to overproduce oil and therefore stimulate acne. Hemp oil is effective at preventing dry skin without clogging pores, therefore reducing acne caused by excess oils.

Moisturises and soothes inflammation

Hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Alongside this, GLA can also encourage skin growth and new cell generation, helping to calm inflammation and irritation on skin such as acne and psoriasis, while keeping skin nourished and moisturised. Hemp oil can restore the skin barrier and help it retain moisture, leading to a longer lasting moisturising effect. In addition, it is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture to the skin & effectively preserves it whenever needed.

Treats atopic dermatitis

As hemp oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, it is extremely beneficial to the skin and can help treat skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema). One study found that consuming hemp seed oil orally reduced the symptoms and appearance of eczema after 20 weeks.

Has anti-aging properties

Hemp oil also has anti-aging properties, and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains linoleic and oleic acids which our bodies cannot produce naturally – however they can really benefit skin health and anti-aging, so it’s important to add them to your diet, particularly if you’re looking to treat your skin.

Prevents free radical damage

As hemp seed oil repairs the skin barrier, it can protect against a wide range of environmental aggressors that can promote premature ageing and long lasting skin damage. Some of these include:

• Sunlight
• Radiation
• Pollution
• Cigarette smoke
• Exposure to extreme temperatures

Minimising exposure to these environmental factors shields your skin and helps to keep toxins at bay, as well as allowing your skin cells to continue growing healthier without the barrier of constant skin damage.