Skin Care 101: Is Hemp Seed Oil Good For Your Skin?

Gone are the days when clear, glowy skin was just a pipe dream. Now that we have a slew of skincare products propelled by rising worldwide demand, all it takes to get that dream radiance is some TLC and a little diligence in finding the best product that suits your skin's individual needs.  

We've all heard about the purported benefits of incorporating essential oils into our daily skin care regimen. From clear skin to a brighter complexion and evened-out colour, essential oils are deemed to hold potential in supplementing symptoms of various skin conditions experienced by many of us. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that some essential oils aren't ideal for all skin types— particularly the delicate pimple-prone. 

For instance, Olive and coconut oils are considered 'comedogenic', which means that they tend to clog the pores of our skin and cause a breakout as a result. So, step aside, coconut and olive oil. Today, we introduce you to the next "It" oil on the beauty market: hemp seed oil.  

Hemp seed oil has been showing up as a friendly mate to all skin types, making a potential supplement to other essential oils that might cause some adverse side effects. Unlike those comedogenic oils, hemp seed oil is touted to provide many possible health benefits, including those that may improve our skin health and beauty without causing us to break out. 

If you're new to hemp seed oil, you're probably wondering whether this new holy grail can really give you the skin benefits you're looking for. Before we get to the answer, let us first clarify a few common misconceptions on some key terms surrounding hemp seed oil.

The terms' hemp oil' and 'hemp seed oil', are often used interchangeably, as they sound nearly the same. However, failure to determine the difference between the two distinct products could lead to a growing number of consumers not receiving the proper products they are seeking due to misinformation. Therefore, it is essential to note that the critical difference to look out for on these labels is the word "seed". 

Hemp oil is a blanket term for all the extracted oils from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of hemp, a cannabis strain that is widely distributed for its industrial and purported health benefits. These essential oils include CBD oil, a hemp-derived oil that contains cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids (essential compounds) found in the plant, sometimes including small amounts of another cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is strictly regulated due to its potential intoxicating properties. 

Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is cold-pressed from the hemp seed itself. When we say cold-pressed, it means that the seeds go through an extraction process where the oil is carefully distilled from the seeds of plants under intensive cold temperatures. 

So, why do we use the cold-press method when extracting hemp seed oil? Basically, the case of quality versus quantity is one of the most-considered factors when it comes to oil extraction. For instance, utilising a heat source to extract the oil from the plant may produce a greater quantity of oil, but heat can damage the precious nutrients of the oil (including its purported vitamin and mineral content). In order to retain the quality of our hemp seed oil's natural properties, we make sure the hemp seeds undergo a cold-pressed extraction. As with all kinds of oils, those that are cold-pressed are deemed to be the most nutritious.

Aside from the extraction process, hemp oils and hemp seed oil may also vary when it comes to their individual content. Other kinds of hemp oil (including CBD oil) are rich in cannabinoids as mentioned, but hemp seed oil typically contains no (or few) cannabinoids. Instead, it makes up mostly omega fatty acids that are understood to possibly regulate the skin's oil production, prevent breakouts, and minimise signs of ageing. Thus, it is often used in large quantities for making various cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and skin oils.

Hemp oils, such as CBD oil and hemp seed oil, may be derived from the same plant, but they have differing purported impacts on the skin. Both are likely to offer different experiences since they are extracted from entirely different parts of the hemp plant, containing altogether different essential components. 

As mentioned above, hemp seed oil is full of elements that may possibly act as a supplement for your skin, leaving it healthy and nourished all day long. Although further studies are needed to discover the complete range of potential health benefits that hemp seed oil may provide, many advocates swear by its holistic potential in supplementing the treatment of symptoms of various skin conditions, including symptoms often associated with atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema). 

There are four basic types of skin, including normal, dry, oily, and a combination of all three skin types. While skin type is mostly determined by genetics, it may also vary according to different internal and external factors affecting the skin, including the environment around you. 'Normal' skin refers to a well-balanced skin, which is neither too dry nor too oily.

'Dry' is a term used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum (an oily substance produced by our body's sebaceous glands) than normal skin. It is characterised by tight, rough skin that often looks dull. On the contrary, Oily skin has a glossy appearance with visible pores due to the overproduction of sebum in the skin. Last but not least is 'combination skin', which is distinguished by a mix of skin types, meaning some areas of the skin may be normal, while others may be dry or oily.     

To help you come up with your own verdict as to whether or not hemp seed oil is right for your skin type, allow us to break down its potential benefits- from how potentially great it may be for our skin, to why we should try including it into our dietary plan to achieve that glow inside and out. 

As strange as it may sound, hemp seed oil may be the perfect oil for oily skin. Unlike other essential oils and serums, hemp seed oil has a moisturising effect that doesn't run the same risk of adding to the problem. In other words, it may potentially regulate the skin's oil production without clogging your pores. 

Our skin needs to balance its sebum production in order to maintain a healthy state. Hemp seed oil is purported to be a rich source of polyunsaturated fats (like Omega-3 and Omega-6), which may help restore the skin's protective barrier by locking up moisture and hydration into the skin and thereby preventing excessive oil production.  

Likewise, hemp seed oil may help manage acne caused by dry skin. Dryness may also trigger your skin into overproducing sebum, which, in turn, may stimulate pimples and breakouts. The essential fatty acids found in hemp seed oil may have the ability to manage oil production and maintain oil balance according to skin type. 

Similar to other essential oils, hemp seed oil may potentially supplement symptoms of any temporary skin irritation, according to a recent study on its possible therapeutic effects. One of the omega-6 fatty acids that hemp seed oil contains is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may help combat redness and other related symptoms that can cause general skin discomfort. This makes it a superb ingredient to use as a supplement in topical applications on irritated skin. GLA may also be used as a natural shampoo ingredient that may help supplement treatments for scalp inflammation symptoms.

As we age, we tend to experience many visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles (which is characterised by skin sagging) and hyperpigmentation (a condition in which skin patches become darker than the normal surrounding skin tone). While these signs are completely common, it's still normal for a lot of us to feel a bit self-conscious about how these symptoms might make us look older than we feel. Hence, whether we admit it or not, we all like to go through great lengths to care for our skin, just to minimise those noticeable signs of ageing.

Like many natural oils and typical beauty products, one of the best hemp seed oil uses is as a potential moisturiser that may help prolong the youthful look and feel of the skin. A study published in 2017 has proposed that the gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp seed oil may help supplement the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at lower doses. There are no more long journeys to get to the mystical fountain of youth when you can easily find a handy hemp seed oil to potentially shower your skin with the same benefits.    

If your skin appears to be naturally dry and flaky, then you must know the nuisance of applying moisturiser all the time just to conceal the peeling.

A review in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery has reported the potential benefits of omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of various skin conditions, including the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, both of which are characterised by redness and dryness of the skin. In this light, the omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seed oil may help enhance your skin's ability to retain moisture on its own. 

Not all of our systems are located inside our body, as there is one we wear on the outside: our skin. Deemed the largest organ of the body, our skin has plenty of vital roles to play, from protecting us against microbes and other environmental elements, to moderating body temperature and allowing the sensation of touch. Indeed, it's more than just what we see in the mirror. 

The epidermis, known as the outer layer of skin, is a protective barrier made of fats called 'lipids'. Similar to hemp seed oil itself, these lipids are water-insoluble. Instead, they often welcome solvents, such as oils, waxes, alcohols, and fatty acids naturally produced by the body. Due to their interaction with lipids, oily compounds (including hemp seed oil) are more easily absorbed into the skin. When applied topically, the active ingredients of the oil may pass through the skin pores and then act locally on various sensory receptors in the skin layer, impacting the affected areas of the skin. 

While there is limited evidence confirming topical products' ability to reach the bloodstream, taking hemp seed oil sublingually is probably one of the most convenient ways to absorb its organic properties via the sublingual glands under our tongue. 

As we live in a social media-driven era, where everyone flexes their Instagram-filtered skin online, it seems hard not to look in the mirror and wonder why our skin is not as perfect as the ones we see on advertisements and magazine covers. We know trying so hard to meet clearly unattainable skin goals usually achieved by Photoshop or unfairly excellent DNA may be the most challenging part of skincare.

While it's not wrong to wish for "perfect" skin (whatever that means for you), it's essential to set some realistic skin goals that work for you as an individual. Here are a few easy skin care tips you can take using your newest skincare friend, hemp seed oil, to help you obtain the best skin possible. 

Stick to a healthy dietary plan

A healthy diet is one of the most remarkably important factors that affect our overall wellness, including skin health. Since our choice of food literally becomes who we are, it is necessary that we pay attention to what we eat. One study found that frequent consumption of added sugars may be linked to a greater risk of developing symptoms of acne breakout.

While limiting your sugar intake, you may include our hemp seed oil capsules into your daily dietary plan to potentially receive the skin balancing benefits you need. Additionally, drinking lots of water is just as important as eating a well-balanced meal for your general health. It keeps you hydrated, and prevents your skin from developing visible signs of ageing and becoming more vulnerable to contaminants (such as acne and irritation).  

Conduct your daily skincare routine 

There are lots of skincare rituals that you may follow, but we highly encourage sticking to a regimen that works best for your skin. When selecting a skincare product, it doesn't have to be pricey. More importantly, look for something that may benefit any skin type (something for which hemp seed oil is generally known). Once you have your products ready, from cleansers to moisturisers, it's time to give your skin the proper care and treatment it deserves. 

Step 1: Cleanse - Any beauty regimen always starts with washing the face with a mild cleanser to remove any buildup of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris from the skin. This practice is an essential part of any morning and evening skincare routine, and it's important not to skip it if you are prone to breakouts. 

Step 2: Exfoliate - Unless your skin type is sensitive to exfoliation, using exfoliating products is also beneficial in removing the dead skin cells on a deeper level and promoting new cells to grow. This results in a new layer of healthy skin that's usually firmer and smoother than what came before.   

Step 3: Moisturise - This procedure keeps your skin from peeling due to dryness and developing fine lines and wrinkles as you age. You may wish to apply hemp seed oil to your skin as a potential moisturiser that doesn't clog your pores or cause breakout due to overproducing oil.

Step 4: Cover up - Daily wearing of sunscreen is one of the most frequently overlooked parts of skincare routines. Perhaps not a lot of people know that ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate through the windows, which is why it is essential to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 even while you're inside the house or when it's cloudy. Sunscreens may protect your skin from extreme UV exposure, which can contribute to the development of some ageing symptoms. Hence, make it a habit to incorporate sunscreens into your daily skincare routine, starting today!      

Get plenty of sleep. 

According to one clinical report, an insufficient amount of sleep is one of the many factors that can contribute to skin breakouts. Likewise, it may trigger stress by reducing your body's ability to produce serotonin, a hormone responsible for regulating your mood. A connection between stress and acne has been a centre of discussion for many past studies.

Hence, it is crucial to aim for at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to keep your skin healthy, both inside and out. That's where hemp seed oil comes in! Research suggests that the Omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seed oil may also help improve your sleep quality. So, before you go to bed, you may wish to take hemp seed oil topically or sublingually to potentially get a restful night of sleep. 

Hemp seed oil may provide numerous potential benefits for your skin. As research in the field continuously develops, there are bound to be more additional benefits to be discovered in the near future. Alongside the use of hemp seed oil as part of your daily skincare routine, focusing on individual lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet and good quality of sleep, can also make a big difference to your skin's health and overall wellness.