What Are Hemp Oil Cosmeceuticals? Can They Improve My Skin?

One of the more interesting business trends in the beauty world over the past decade or so has been the rapid rise of hemp as a cosmetic product. It has become extremely trends and popular. There are dozens of types of hemp oil products on the market now. Hemp has turned into a major business thanks to its relative ease in which it is grown and a changing legal scene.

Hemp is absolutely an area worth looking at, and particularly hemp oil and the impact which hemp oil may have on your skin.

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is made from industrial hemp and contains no or trace amounts of THC. Like CBD, it has a long history and has been active for many centuries in many different countries. Hemp is similar to CBD, as both trace their origins to the cannabis plant. However, hemp oil is different than CBD because they are made from different products. CBD is produced from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp Oil (also known as hemp seed Oil) is actually produced from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant.

As a result of this different manufacturing, CBD has higher levels of THC. Hemp oil has no CBD and no or trace amounts of THC (even less than CBD, which typically has no more than .3% THC). But it has a variety of other compounds which can be extremely beneficial to your body.

Unlike other oils, hemp oil cannot be used for frying, and is typically used as a supplement to one’s diet or a food oil.

How is Hemp Oil Made?

Hemp oil is made via pressing hemp seeds, thus releasing all the nutrients and oil inside of them. Numerous processes can be used, but the most common method is cold-pressing the hemp seed to create hemp oil. The color of hemp is usually some shade of green.

What is in Hemp Oil?

The answer obvious varies depending on the specific type of processing and strain of hemp seed which has been pressed. However, about half of the weight of a hemp seed is an edible oil. The makeup of that oil is as follows:

• 76% polysaturated fat.
• 5-11% monosaturated fat.
• 5-7% saturated fat.

What are Hemp Oil Cosmeceuticals?

Hemp oil cosmeceuticals are cosmeceuticals which have been made primarily from hemp seed oil. They are often mixed with a variety of other chemicals which have skin benefits and are usually rich in a variety of vitamins (such as A, C & E) and come with antioxidants which are good for your skin. They come with a slew of other benefits, including the following:

The Benefits of Antioxidants

As noted above, hemp seed oil comes loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds within your body which can prevent damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are actually unstable molecules which your body produces in response to negative environmental challenges. Free radicals can cause a variety of problems in your body, including cell damage, illness, and aging. This is why certain environmental challenges, such as smoking, pollution and UV radiation can cause skin damage.

Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can help combat free radicals. This, in turn, can help keep your skin looking younger, cleaner and healthier. And this is one of the reasons why hemp oil can be so helpful to skin care.

Additionally, the work of antioxidants is enhanced by the other nutrients which are in hemp oil, including vitamins.

Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Hemp oil, like CBD, appears to be beneficial when it comes to reducing inflammation of the skin. This can help reduce skin irritation and make skin appear healthier.

Even more interestingly, a 2011 study found that the introduction of omega-3s to the body can help reduce overall inflammation. It’s not just of the skins, but of various organs. This is particularly important because the reduction of inflammation has been tied to a variety health benefits. It includes a reduction of heart disease, cancer and even depression. At least one study chalked this up to the fact that hemp oil contains polyphenols. This is a product which may have a role in protecting the brain from inflammation. However, the study which made this connection was done in rats – more human study is needed in order to be better able to accept this conclusion from a scientific perspective.

Moisturizing Agent

Regarded by some as the most definitive benefit of hemp oil, hemp oil is an emollient. This means that it can sooth the skin and leave it feeling softer and healthier, particularly when it comes to addressing dry skin.

Furthermore, hemp seed oil comes in a variety of types. It can be combined with other moisturizing agents and whatever it is combined with can then work together. This results in an even stronger product and healthier skin.

Antibacterial Qualities

It appears that hemp oil can be used as an antibacterial agent, as numerous studies have found that hemp oil is capable of killing bacteria on the skin and stopping it from growing. Some articles have even suggested that hemp oil is capable of addressing numerous skin disorders, including acne, rosacea, psoriasis, lichen planus and even skin cancer. However, more study is needed in order to make these claims more conclusively. While the reasons for this are not fully understood, it is likely because of hemp oil’s composition. It includes omega-3s, omega-6s and gamma linolenic acid. All of which have been shown to help address skin disorders and increase skin health.

Additionally, a 2017 study found that hemp oil slows the growth of various bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus. This means that not only can hemp potentially improve skin disorders, but it may even be able to slow the growth of bacteria which can cause other, more serious infections. An earlier 2014 review backed up these findings. It note that hemp seed oil can strengthen the skin and help prevent infections.