Benefits of Hemp Oil in Skincare
Renowned for their incredible health benefits hemp seeds are rich in the vital nutrients, such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, your body needs to stay healthy. In fact, hemp seeds are one of only a handful of plant proteins that contain all 20 of the amino acids, which are used to stave off infection, fight disease and prevent muscle atrophy.As a result, the list of benefits hemp seeds and hemp seed oil provide is almost endless. Regular ingestion or application of the oil can help boost your immune system, maintain healthy eyes, improve digestion, increase liver function, improve blood flow and strengthen bones.
But there is another benefit to add to the list. Hemp oil can dramatically improve the condition of your skin. Introducing hemp oil to your daily skincare routine can help alleviate a range of skin conditions and reduce the signs of ageing. All completely naturally without the use of chemicals or injections.
Still not convinced? Here are 12 benefits hemp oil can provide for your skin:
1. Deep cleansing face cleaner
Applying hemp seed oil to your face each morning can help cleanse your pores by dissolving sebum and driving out dirt from deep within the skin. Simply massage one tablespoon of hemp oil into your face for around a minute. Repeat the process up to three more times for a super smooth complexion.
2. Moisturiser
Hemp seed oil makes a great moisturiser for both oily and acne prone skin types, due to the fact it has a comedogenic rating of 0. This prevents the clogging of pores, allowing your skin to breathe and giving you a more natural glowing complexion. The anti-pollution properties contained in hemp seed oil also provides a protective coating which helps to protect your skin against elements in towns and cities.
3. Prevents acne
If you suffer from acne you will be aware that many carrier oils such as jojoba and coconut oil can cause acne breakouts. This can prevent you from using such oils, but with hemp oil, you don’t have to worry. The astringent properties of the oil balance sebum production in the skin, which helps to control the amount of grease released, reducing the risk of acne breakouts. Internal ingestion of the oil can also help regulate hormone production, which can help alleviate hormonal acne.
4. Alleviates and soothe dermatitis
Hemp oil is rich in the essential fatty acids, omega 3, 6 & 9 which are useful in helping to alleviate dermatitis. A recent study published in the ‘Journal of Dermatological Treatment’ found that common dermatitis symptoms such as dryness and itchy skin showed considerable improvement following regular application of hemp seed oil.
5. Controls oily skin
The light consistency of hemp oil makes it an excellent moisturiser for oily skin. The astringent properties of the oil help reduce open pores which produce excess levels of sebum. It is this that gives your skin its oily appearance. Applying hemp oil daily can reduce the appearance of oily or greasy skin giving you a bright clear complexion. Simply apply a couple of drops each morning as part of your daily skincare routine.
6. Naturally treats Eczema
Hemp seed oil is one of the most effective ways of alleviating dry and inflamed eczema patches. For best results, it is advised to mix ¼ cup of hemp oil with 10 drops of lavender essential oil to create a completely natural and toxin free method for soothing eczema. This solution can be stored in a bottle and should be applied twice a day during a flare up to relieve symptoms.
7. A powerful anti-ageing ingredient
We all want to look and feel younger right? Well, hemp oil can help turn back the clock on your skin by replacing lipids and removing antioxidants. This helps to improve the skin's elasticity while increasing water retention deep inside the tissue. The result is tighter, firmer skin which looks and feels youthful while remaining supple to the touch. It can also reduce sagging skin around the eyes making you look and feel younger.
8. Helps soothe skin rashes
Hemp oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which when combined with its soothing moisturising properties can help to alleviate dry, sore, itchy and inflamed skin. Simply massage hemp oil to the affected area and wipe off any excess oil with a cloth. Repeat as necessary until the rash clears.
9. Reduces the appearance of varicose veins
The high levels of Omega 3, 6 & 9 in hemp oil give it blood-thinning properties which can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins. When applied to the skin or taken orally hemp seed oil reduces the build-up of blood in the vein which reduces the pronounced bulge of varicose veins.
Warning: Hemp oil has anticoagulant properties so you should consult your doctor before using hemp oil if you suffer from any of the following conditions: Heart disease, Hypertension or any other chronic health condition.
10. Softens rough skin
Being rich in the essential fatty acids Omegas 3 & 6 hemp oil reactivates the skins natural barrier to help repair rough and scaly skin. Hemp oil can be easily applied to areas which often suffer from rough skin such as the elbows, heels and knees. For an extra luxuriant touch, mix hemp oil with shea butter for an indulgent lubricating body lotion.
11. Shrinks large pores
The light and thin consistency of hemp oil allow it to get deep into the pores of the skin while its astringent properties reduce the appearance of open pores. Large open pores also secrete excess sebum which causes greasy skin and blackheads. By applying hemp oil daily you can tighten the skin on your face reducing the appearance of large pores.
12. Reduces psoriasis
There is strong evidence that Psoriasis is linked to a deficiency in Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Because hemp oil is rich in these acids and other essential oils it can help fight psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. Simply apply the oil to affected areas to help soothe and moisturise inflamed and itchy skin. Hemp oil supplements can also be added to your diet to prevent Psoriasis from reoccurring.
As you can see hemp oil has many benefits for both your wellbeing and appearance. But many people are put off using it due to its close relation to the marijuana plant. However, although hemp is from the same family as marijuana it is, in fact, an entirely different plant, containing less than 0.3% THC compared to 5-10% for marijuana.
So don’t be put off from using hemp oil, you won’t get high from applying it to your skin or ingesting it. There is a very good chance you will have a beautifully smooth complexion, however.