Hemp oil has been met with apprehension in the natural skin care market in the past. No scientific data was available, nor was anyone willing to understand the plant’s potential as a profound skin care oil. Today, there have been many studies and clinical trials conducted to shed light on the hemp plant’s exceptional versatility and many health benefits.
Hemp is in the same family, and is close cousins with the marijuana plant. Both share the same botanical genus and species, and to most consumers this can be somewhat confusing. One major point to note is that industrialized hemp contains almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component found in marijuana strains, and therefore does not pose any potential risk to anyone using hemp products topically or internally.
Hemp is rich in essential fatty acids and provides a nice profile of omega’s 3 and 6. Gamma linoleic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid are several metabolites found in hemp, and can aid with certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. The plant contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a perfect addition for those with very sensitive skin or prone to dryness, itchiness and redness. The acids within the hemp plant help to reduce skin irritations and gradually improve overall skin quality.
Hemp oil is not only great for your skin, it moisturizes and improves the elasticity of hair. Adding a few drops of hemp oil to your daily hair routine can revive dull, brittle hair, resulting in a shiny, healthy look. Massage hemp oil into the scalp to alleviate dryness and dandruff.
Always opt for organic, cold-processed hemp oil. Refined hemp oil has been heat treated to remove impurities, destroying most of the plant’s natural chemical profile. As with essential oils, keep hemp oil out of direct UV light and store in an environment less than 75 degrees F. Hemp oil can be refrigerated to increase its shelf life. Hemp oil can be a bit costly compared to other oils used in Essential Oil Therapy, but it does make a great essential oil carrier for many of your skin care needs.
