Using Hemp Seed Oil for Skin

Are you considering hemp seed oil for skin? And wondering if it could help you manage breakouts? Well, you’re not alone!

Acne is an all-too-common skin condition that affects you physically while delivering a blow to your self-esteem. Maybe that’s why there are so many over-the-counter acne solutions. But, unfortunately, they don’t always deliver great results. In fact, some so-called solutions end up making everything worse.

If you’re suffering from acne and feel discouraged by failed solutions, hemp seed oil may be a better choice. Recently, we’ve learned more about this ancient ingredient, since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp growth. And that’s why, today, we’re able to tell you a bit more about how hemp seed oil may help improve your skin’s appearance.

What Causes Acne?

While everyone thinks of acne as a teenage problem, people of all ages experience breakouts. And that fact has nothing to do with your hygiene routines. After all, even people who follow rigorous skincare regimens experience acne.

More often than not, breakouts develop because of excessive hormonal activity. But bacteria, excess oil production, or clogged follicles can also cause trouble. As a result, traditional acne treatments focus on keeping your skin clean and preventing excess oil production.

Now, Isotretinoin is a prescription drug that’s very effective against acne. Still, it may trigger side effects ranging from excessively dry skin to spontaneous nosebleeds. Needless to say, many people would prefer a more natural skin solution.

Hemp seed oil is now one of the most popular alternatives. And to help you understand why, we’ll  explain how and why it affects your skin.

So, What is Hemp Seed Oil?

Due to the rise in popularity of CBD oil, many people hemp seed oil contains CBD. But that’s just not the case.

Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. Because CBD is a cannabis plant extract derived from the fully grown hemp plant’s leaves and flowers.

Yes, hemp plants contain CBD. But their seeds don’t. Which is why there are no cannabinoids in hemp seeds. But hemp seed oil, which comes from cold-pressing hemp seeds, offers its own benefits.

Compared to CBD oil, high-quality hemp seed oil remains unrefined. And that means it’s extracted mechanically without any chemicals. It is also greenish in color, with a pleasant nutty flavor.

Hemp seed oil is popular due for its potentially therapeutic effects. And those go beyond your skin! This oil offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit conditions such as heart disease. Moreover, it has some antibacterial properties so it may help fight bacterial infections. On another note, research suggests it could help deal with PMS and menopause symptoms.

Finally, hemp oil also has a slew of nutritional benefits. It’s rich in amino acids and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil also contains vitamin E and carotene, both of which are strong antioxidants. While hemp seed oil is great for your health when consumed, when you use it topically, it can boost your skin health, too!

How Does Seed Oil Help The Skin?

In order to understand how hemp oil can help get rid of acne, it’s important to look at the various ways it helps the skin:

1. Skin Oil Production Moderation

According to dermatologists, skin dryness stimulates oil overproduction, which can result in acne. The excess oil, or sebum, clogs the skin pores, leading to the accumulation of waste and oil that manifests as acne.

Hemp seed oil helps prevent sebum overproduction, ensuring your skin stays supple without becoming clogged.

2. Alleviating Inflammation

Since hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fats, both containing gamma-linolenic acid, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help promote the growth of new skin cells. This is much helpful when it comes to easing skin irritation coming from conditions like psoriasis and acne. Hemp seed achieves this while also keeping your skin well-nourished

3. Helps Address Dermatitis

Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are much good for you in that they also address conditions like atopic dermatitis. In one study looking at the efficacy of hemp oil in people suffering from it, researchers established that it could alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms in around 20 weeks’ time.

4. Improves Skin Oxygenation

Hemp oil can also help improve your skin from the inside. This is due to the abundance of vitamin E that boosts the production of red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. Also, the oil can improve blood vessel dilation. As such, your skin remains healthy through the effective delivery of oxygen and nutrients thanks to improved circulation.

5. Fights Ageing

Hemp seed also contains vitamin F. This letter confidentially could pretty well stand for ‘fatty acids’ due to the importance of linoleic acid. As an essential fatty acid, the body does not produce it on its own and thus needs to get it from external sources.

Linoleic acid is vital to the skin as it strengthens the barrier of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. With a strong barrier, your skin is able to retain most of its water, thus remaining smooth, supple, and healthy. This ideally starves off outside threats that lead to premature aging.

6. Works with All Skin Types

Ever wondered why one skin product works for some and not others? It is because different people have varying skin types. An example is combination skin. Someone with this type of skin may have oily skin on the T-zone and dry skin on the rest. Also, some have a combination of dry and normal skin types. Others have normal but sensitive skin, meaning they can react to certain ingredients.

In addition, the quality of the skin changes as you age, becoming more susceptible to drying.

And one good thing about hemp seed oil is that it works on all skin types, so no need to read the label to see if it specifies yours particularly.

Using Hemp Seed Oil for Acne

There are two primary methods to use hemp seed oil for acne. You can either take it orally or apply it directly to your skin.

1. Taking Hemp Seed Oil for Acne Orally

Ingestion is one of the methods to consume hemp oil. The benefit of ingestion is that it reduces the risk of skin irritation. If the taste of unrefined hemp oil isn’t desirable, consider using it together with other foods like smoothies, salads, and soups.

2. Topical Application

This implies applying the oil directly to the skin, particularly on irritated or dry patches. To properly use hemp oil topically, start by washing the affected region and let it dry. Next, apply the hemp seed oil and leave it on for about 3 minutes before washing again.

An alternative is to combine the oil with other soothing products like coconut oil. For example, put a quarter cup of hemp seed oil in a bowl and add one tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Mix it up, and then apply the mixture to the affected region.

What are the Side Effects of Using Hemp Seed Oil for Acne?

Hemp seed oil has neither CBD nor THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid. Thus, it will not get you high. However, you should still consult your doctor to ensure it is all right for you to consume hemp seed oil. This oil is relatively safe for treating acne when compared to other alternatives. However, you may want to keep an eye out for the following potential side effects.

Skin Irritation

Hemp oil can lead to rashes if you are allergic to it. As such, it is advisable to first test it on a small patch of your skin to ensure it is okay to use before you go all out.

Inhibited Blood Thinners

If you happen to consume blood thinners for a different condition, then it is advisable to stay away from hemp oil. This is one of the primary reasons to consult your physician first.

Upset Stomach

Hemp seed oil, as hinted throughout the reading, is fatty. This means it can lead to an upset stomach and even loosened stools. If you want to consume it orally, consider starting with a small amount before gradually increasing your dosage.

Dermatologists Approve Hemp Oil for Treating Acne

As earlier mentioned, acne appears due to sebum overproduction, which clogs the skin pores. This results in pimples forming in the affected region.

Thanks to research, we now know for certain that hemp oil has the ability to regulate how much sebum the skin creates. In addition, the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, thus, limiting redness and tenderness. Hemp oil also has antibacterial properties that make it great at keeping bacteria and the resulting breakouts at bay.

Hemp Seed Oil for Acne – The Takeaway

Possible one of the best acne alternatives that you never heard of, hemp seed oil continues to show the versatility of hemp and hemp-derived products. If you are suffering or knows someone that suffers due to cane, hemp seed only might one of the best answer we presently have for the condition, give it a try.