What is Hemp Oil?

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is also sometimes known as hemp seed oil, and it is produced by cold-pressing ripened hemp plant seeds. Hemp oil is typically unrefined and has a slight green tint. It has been sold for decades in health food stores and can be used in both topical skincare and cooking, where it can give food a slightly nutty flavor.

Hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil, which uses hemp leaves and flowers during its production but is extracted from the cannabis plant. The labeling of some products doesn't always make their ingredients clear, so it is important for consumers to take care when purchasing.

Hemp oil has a variety of health benefits, particularly for improving skin health as it contains lots of nourishing vitamins.

Hemp Oil Moderates the Production of Oil

Hemp oil is suitable for most skin types because it moisturizes without clogging pores. Hemp oil can even help to bring balance to oily skin by regulating the skin’s natural oil production process and maintaining proper hydration levels. This is important because dryness can cause the skin’s natural oil production process to go into overdrive, which can lead to acne and other skin concerns.

Hemp Oil May Soothe Inflammation

Hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also encourage skin cell turnover, which can further calm irritation and inflammation associated with conditions like acne and psoriasis.

Hemp Oil Has Anti-Aging Properties

In addition to providing the skin with proper hydration, hemp oil can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oleic and linoleic acids found in hemp oil can play a significant role in preventing the first signs of aging, but because the body cannot produce these nutrients naturally, they must be consciously added to our diets and personal care routines.

Hemp Oil May Soothe Dermatitis

Hemp oil is rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to soothe the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis.

Hemp Oil Can Act as An Antibacterial Agent

In 2017, a study revealed that hemp oil has antibacterial properties that are effective at inhibiting the activity of many different types of bacteria, including those responsible for pneumonia, skin infections and heart valve infections.

How Can I Use Hemp Oil?

There are multiple methods that can be used to derive the maximum benefits from hemp oil:

- Using Hemp Oil Topically

Hemp oil can be directly applied to the skin as a topical treatment. This is often the best option for those who are experiencing dry patches of skin or any irritation that you want to soothe immediately.

It is important to conduct a patch test first to ensure that you aren’t going to experience any unwanted side effects. To do this, wash and dry a small area of skin on your upper arm and apply a small amount of hemp oil to this area. Cover with a bandage and leave for at least 24 hours, taking care not to get the area wet. If you experience a burning sensation or any itchiness or redness, you should assume that you are sensitive to hemp oil and should discontinue use.

If you want to use hemp oil as a topical acne treatment, it should be applied directly to clean skin and left for a couple of minutes. Then, you should take care to wash your face with warm water and pat dry.

- Using Hemp Oil Orally

Hemp oil can also be ingested. This method reduces the likelihood that you will develop skin irritations, but it can cause digestive upset due to the high concentration of fatty acids. Therefore, discussing this with your medical professional is vital, particularly if you are also taking other medication.

If it is determined that taking hemp oil orally is the best method for you, you will likely take between one and two teaspoons each day. Some people don’t like the taste of hemp oil. If this is true for you, you can mix it into a variety of different foods, including salad dressings, soup, and smoothies. This will disguise the taste but still ensure that you are getting all the benefits. Alternatively, you can use hemp oil for cooking.

Key Takeaways

Hemp oil can provide myriad benefits to a variety of different people, but make sure you have discussed its use with your medical professional. Hemp oil is generally considered to be safe to use, and as little as half a teaspoon per day may relieve a range of different symptoms.