Written by October 6, 2019

Let’s talk HEMP and Skin Care

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Photo Credit: Phys.org

The cannabis sativa plant, also known as hemp, is a plant that can be benefited from in various ways. Since there are so many ways hemp is being used I decided to focus on one of the benefits, skin care, in this blog post and in the future will write about the others. Another reason why hemp is awesome, is because this plant is resistant against droughts, pests, has a low water requirement when compared to other crops, and it’s root system helps prevent erosion! A plant with various uses AND is more sustainable to grow! That’s a win-win-win all around!!!

Hemp Oil

Hemp Oil is made from cold pressing hemp seeds- not to be confused with CBD oil. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and hemp flowers, which is why CBD oil has been found to have small traces of THC vs hemp oil does not.

Acne

Hemp seed oil has been found to help balance out your skin and decrease acne due to the various vitamins and fatty oils in it. The face often has patches of dryness or oiliness, so putting hemp oil can help decrease production of more oil (over production of oil often means acne) as well as makes skin less dry. Fun Fact: A popular product that you may have heard of or use yourself is Dr.Bronner’s. Dr.Bronner’s uses certified fair trade oils, including hemp oil, in their products.

Eczema & other skin conditions

According to a research study published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, in a 20-week controlled single blind cross over study (AKA the experimenters only knew who was assigned to which group), the participants who were treated with hemp seed oil vs olive oil had significant decrease in their eczema symptoms. The study found that skin itchiness and dryness improved and that individuals with eczema used less medications to treat this skin condition. Other research studies have also been conducted in showing benefits of hemp oil in skin conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus, in which have shown helps decrease inflammation and fight infection.

Hemp seeds can be ingested or used topically. Hemp oil has been said to be less reactive on skin like other beauty products that often have lots of different toxins, however some people still have skin reactions. For those that do, they might want to try to ingest the seeds instead. However, if you have a sensitive tummy you might prefer to apply it topically.

Anti-Aging

Hemp oil has vitamin E, which serves as a natural preservative on our skin.Vitamin E helps protect against elements in the natural environment, such as sun rays and cold air.

Additionally, linoleic acid and oleic acid are found in hemp oil, which are fatty acids that our bodies do not generate. Therefore, we have to be intentionally about adding these compounds into our diet and one way is through hemp oil consumption. These fatty acids help strengthen skin and keep water in and irritants out. I am often in the sun either surfing, on a hike or enjoying the beach so anything I can do to help care for my skin I am in!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new! Protect what you love, live consciously, and invest in yourself!

“Every moment of one’s existence, one is growing into more or retreating into less.” ―Norman Mailer

Peace and love,

Joanna

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