How to Use Hemp Oil for the Skin

Hemp oil, more accurately called hemp seed oil, is the cannabis product most often used in topical over-the-counter skin care products, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals. What is unique about hemp seed oil and why are so many people using it in their skincare routines?

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp seed oil is obtained from pressing the seeds of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Unrefined hemp seed oil is a dark greenish color with a mildly nutty aroma. Refined hemp seed oil is clear with little to no smell, but it doesn't contain as many of the skin-health benefits.

Hemp seed oil has become a very popular skincare ingredient. It's also used in cooking.

Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana

Understanding the differences among cannabis, hemp, and marijuana can be confusing because marijuana and hemp all come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa. The distinction is the variety of the plant.

Think of the types of tomatoes you find at the grocery store, like big beefsteak tomatoes versus small Roma tomatoes. Both come from the same plant (tomato vine) but are different varieties, and therefore, they produce different results if you were to cook with them. They would vary in nutrients, taste, texture, and more.

In the case of cannabis, the varieties differ in the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that they contain. THC is the psychoactive constituent responsible for the high that cannabis gives.

Hemp generally contains very little THC, so it has no psychoactive effects. As a result, hemp seed oil contains trace to no amounts of THC.

This, however, is under some scrutiny as some studies have shown that certain hemp seed oils may have detectable levels of THC. This could be the result of the oil becoming contaminated with other parts of the hemp plant during production.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

Hemp oil and cannabidiol (CBD) oil are also often confused with one another. Although they are obtained from the same plant, hemp oil and CBD oil are very different.

CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant (both marijuana and hemp). You may be surprised to learn that hemp seed oil is naturally rich in CBD.

Hemp seed oil is comprised of a wide variety of different compounds, with CBD being just a tiny part. CBD is found throughout the entire plant, including stalks, seeds, leaves, and flowers.

While hemp seed oil is produced by simply pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, CBD oil is created by extracting and isolating the CBD compound. This compound is then blended with different ingredients to create a CBD product. Olive oil is most often used as a base to create a CBD oil.

CBD itself does not have psychoactive effects, but it can be formulated with THC for a product that does cause a high. CBD oil is often used for medicinal purposes.

It's also important to know that hemp oil is not the same as marijuana oil or cannabis oil, either. Cannabis oil is extracted from the entire plant and has both CBD and THC. Cannabis oil is legal only in states that have legalized marijuana.

Skincare Benefits

Hemp oil is widely incorporated in many skincare products and cosmeceuticals. In fact, it's become quite a trendy ingredient. Hemp oil is not just trendy, but it can offer benefits for your skin.

• Moisturizing: This is the biggest and most well-verified benefit that hemp seed oil can deliver. Hemp oil is emollient and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
• Antioxidant qualities: Hemp seed oil is high in antioxidant constituents: fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidant skincare products may help give your skin some protection against premature aging.
• Anti-inflammatory: Hemp oil contains components that have anti-inflammatory properties, and current research suggests it may help relieve skin inflammation. There's more research that needs to be done here, though, to fully understand how this works on the skin.
• Potential antibacterial qualities: Studies also suggest that hemp oil has antibacterial qualities. What effect this has on the skin, if any, is still being looked at.

Hemp oil, CBD oil, and other cannabinoids are being studied as possible treatments for a vast array of skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Side Effects

Hemp seed oil has no side effects on its own, although it's possible you may be sensitive to the ingredient.

When trying any new skincare product for the first time, be on the lookout for any signs of irritation: redness, itching, burning, or rash. If you notice any of these, stop using the offending product and give your healthcare provider a call if irritation doesn't improve after several days.

Choosing a Hemp Oil Product

Hemp oil is incorporated in many cosmetic products, from soaps, lotions, balms and salves, facial products, and bath products.

• Take a look at the ingredient listing. Sometimes manufacturers will put just a small amount of hemp oil in the product, simply so they can market their product as a trendy "hemp" product. Hemp oil needn't be the first ingredient, but it shouldn't be last, either.
• Consider your skincare goals. Don't just choose a skincare product simply because it contains hemp oil. Consider what the product is designed to do and see if it aligns with your skin's needs. For example, if your skin is dry, you'll be happier with a more emollient cream rather than a light lotion.
• Look at the other ingredients. The other ingredients in a product are going to have a lot to do with how the product functions, too. For example, if you're looking for a highly moisturizing product, one that also contains hyaluronic acid is a good bet. For anti-aging, retinol or glycolic acid are good additions.
• Experiment. All hemp oil skincare products are going to feel differently on the skin. If you don't care for one, don't be shy about switching it out for another brand you may like better.

How to Use Hemp Oil for Your Skin

You may decide to forgo the store-bought products and apply unrefined hemp seed oil directly on the skin, too. Hemp oil is considered noncomedogenic, which means it isn't likely to clog your pores.

Some ideas for using hemp seed oil:

• Massage a few drops over a cleansed and moisturized face, for a DIY facial serum.
• Apply after bathing or showering as a body oil.
• Use as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.

Unrefined hemp seed oil is fragile and can quickly go rancid. To extend its shelf life, keep your hemp oil in the refrigerator.

A Word From Verywell

More research is being done to really know how hemp oil works on the skin. Although preliminary findings are intriguing, much more research needs to be done. Overall, you should like the way a product makes your skin feel and be happy with the results (and the price).

For treating skin problems, though, you should not rely on hemp-based skincare products for improvement. Many skin problems can be treated by your primary care physician. Your healthcare provider can also refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

Remember, hemp oil is a unique addition to your daily skin care regimen, but it's not a miracle cure. It shouldn't be used as a substitute for a healthcare provider's care.