Natural Skincare - 10 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil you Need to Know!

Does that long list of unpronounceable label ingredients in your skincare concern you?
Considering a switch to a more natural skincare routine? Yes? Read on…

We all understand to a degree that toxins and chemicals are bad for us. We avoid ingesting them… so why have we become so comfortable with having them included in our skincare?

Natural Skincare is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global cosmetics industry as people are growing increasingly mindful about what they put onto their skin. Many of the ingredients we apply topically are absorbed through the skin and into our bodies and when we consider how easily these toxins can be absorbed into our system, we begin to realise how our beauty choices can affect our overall health and wellbeing.

WHY natural skincare matters

Contrary to what many companies in the business of skincare might tell you, simplicity is the key. The answers do not lie in a cupboard full of skincare products or lengthy ingredient lists. The best solutions come courtesy of Mother Nature and incorporate skin-loving ingredients we can put on our skin as well as ingest. We call this ‘the inside/out approach’. Fortunately, nature offers a plethora of beautiful plant-based oils that work in synergy with our bodies to encourage a clear complexion. The beauty industry is awakening to this and many of these oils are coming to the fore now however not all plant-based oils are created equally.

We’ve talked about the attributes of hemp seed oil previously, but did you know – from a healthy skin perspective – it could be called a miracle in a bottle? Incorporating hemp seed oil into your daily diet and skincare routine offers endless ways to glow from the inside out. No wonder it’s one of the buzziest ingredients in the skincare industry right now.

What exactly IS Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil comes from cold pressing (minimally processing) the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. That may make you think of marijuana but while they come from the same plant family they’re more like cousins and siblings. Hemp seed oil is not psychoactive, contains insignificant amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) below 0.35 percent and is mostly made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids (good fats) including omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid).

Hemp Oil Benefits for MORE than just SKIN

Along with a healthy quotient of essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil contains the antioxidant power of vitamins A and E. Antioxidants are a mainstay in skincare offerings as they help protect against environmental and lifestyle stressors and have been shown to have anti-ageing properties.

Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega 3, 6, 9, including GLA. These essential fats help support the skin cells and provide nutrients to encourage cellular rejuvenation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The omega fatty acids in hemp seed oil soothe and lower skin inflammation – this is particularly true of the GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) component which helps to calm the redness of irritated skin, heal cracked dry skin, aiding skin repair, and wound healing.

Beneficial as a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

We absolutely recommend our Promise Hemp Healing Balm blended with Manuka and Kanuka oils.

When it comes to moisture, hemp seed oil is a multi-tasker. First off, it’s a humectant which means it draws moisture to the skin. In addition, the omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, plus vitamin E help form a skin barrier simultaneously softening and strengthening the skin and locking moisture in.

Try our Promise Serum with Rosehip is a pro-age, nourishing, hydrating and highly effective essential oil facial blend. To be used as a luxurious daily moisturizer for all skin types. A serum for healthy radiant skin!

Using oil on the skin combats oiliness. While this sounds counterintuitive, using oils can help to regulate the over-production of the skin’s natural oil, sebum. Hemp seed oil is particularly useful here as unlike some of the other plant-based oils, it won’t clog pores. This is brilliant news for those who experience acne as one of the main causes of this skin condition is excessive oiliness and dead skin cells which can build up and plug pores.

The omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil are particularly beneficial for both eczema and psoriasis. Studies have shown that dietary hemp seed oil reduced the symptoms of eczema (aka as atopic dermatitis) after 20 weeks. Because hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, (does not clog pores), it helps to regulate the production of sebum, and is anti-inflammatory making it a good option for those struggling with acneic skin conditions.

There are several options for treating symptoms with hemp seed oil, but the primary methods are by taking the seeds or oil orally or applying oil topically. Natural health advocates recommend unrefined, cold-pressed oil, as some other processes can destroy important nutrients.

Try our bottled Kiwi Hemp Seed Oil or Capsules to improve your skin conditions from the inside out.

In simple terms, hemp seed oil won’t clog pores. Some oils such as olive and coconut oil are good for the skin, but they contain properties which can lead to blackheads and pimples. Hemp seed oil is considered a ‘dry oil’ which means it’s absorbed quickly, doesn’t leave an oily residue and is not pore-clogging.

Well, this one is interesting! Hemp seed oil is the perfect cleanser because it’s a gentle but heavy-duty makeup remover. Massage a few drops of oil over your face for a few minutes then gently wipe away dirt and makeup with a warm microfibre cloth. We recommend using our Hemp Fibre & Cotton Facecloth.

Use hemp seed oil on its own or try our Promise Cleansing Oil with Frankincense.

Hemp seed oil’s rich quota of essential fatty acids or EFAs makes it a natural hair conditioner that will help to restore strength, hydration, and shine. Hemp seed oil can be taken as a daily supplement for added nutrition to help manage hair loss and promotes thickness and density or can be applied directly to your hair and scalp to moisturize and combat breakage. We recommend massaging a small handful of hemp oil into your scalp and ends of your hair and leave for 10 minutes, (or overnight), and then shampooing out. Or take the inside out approach to enhance your hair by doing both to produce happy, healthy tresses.

Hemp seed is a superfood loaded with vitamins. The best way to get strong nails is from the nutrients found in whole food. Vitamins and minerals found in hemp seed can help eliminate deficiencies that cause brittle nails. Alternatively, massage a small amount of hemp seed oil directly onto your nails and cuticles to nourish, hydrate, repair and strengthen, and the anti-fungal properties are a bonus!