One of the latest trends in beauty is the use of hemp oil in skincare products. Touted as a wholesome product that can reduce inflammation and relieve tension, hemp oil seems to be a skincare ingredient that’s here to stay. At We Are Wild, we believe in using natural products to keep your skin looking rejuvenated. Here’s everything you need to know about hemp oil. 

A History of Hemp

Hemp oil is not a recent discovery, despite its growing popularity in today’s natural oil markets. Hemp oil was already used in 6,000 B.C. First cultivated in modern day Taiwan more than 10,000 years ago, hemp was used to condition the soil of agricultural farms in China. 

When leaves fell to the ground, the hemp aided the natural process of forming mulch and fertilizer. This provided the soil with nitrogen, oxygen and other nutrients. Hemp is widely considered to be the first agricultural crop built around sustainable civilization. 

Hemp oil is produced from the varieties of cannabis that don’t have a high concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is obtained from the seeds of the plant and it also doesn’t contain any CBD (cannabidiol). Hemp oil has many uses, but primary among them is skin care.

Looking for the best face wash for dry skin? See what We are Wild offers for all skin types!

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a mixture of CBD extract from the hemp flowers and carrier oil like coconut oil. It’s typically applied topically, but it can also be ingested through capsules. CBD oil is not to be confused with CBD tincture, which is made by steeping the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant in high grain alcohol left to cook on low heat for hours.

CBD oil is popular with healthcare professionals who prefer it as a natural pain reliever over synthetic drugs that have harsh side effects. CBD oil typically doesn't have high levels of THC so the user doesn't get the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant.

Benefits of hemp oil for skin 

Hemp oil is typically unrefined, so it looks green and has a nutty aroma. Its compositional purity and natural composition make it excellent for use on the skin. Here are some hemp seed oil benefits for skin.

Soothes inflammation

The oil contains Omega 6 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This fatty acid treats epidermal hyper-proliferation, which results in trans-epidermal water loss, also known as TEWL. 

When applied to the skin it calms and soothes irritated skin while providing nourishment and encouraging the generation of new skin cells. It’s an excellent option for people suffering from skin health issues like psoriasis, eczema or acne. These skin conditions are known to worsen with dryness or any sort of inflammation.

It's also used to treat atopic dermatitis, especially in children. That’s because it is natural and soothing with fast acting effects. Continued use of hemp oil to treat this condition can lead to complete rejuvenation of the skin and long spells without flare ups.

Regulates oil production

Hemp oil is easy to apply topically because it is non-comedogenic. In other words, it doesn’t grease up the skin and quickly absorbs into the epidermis. People who have acne typically have oily skin and, as a result, clogged pores.

But using hemp oil helps keep the skin moisturized so that it doesn’t overproduce natural oils. When the skin is dry it can tend to overcompensate for the dryness by overproducing the natural oils. This helps people who get acne because of dry skin.

Has anti-aging properties

This oil has substantial quantities of oleic and linolenic acids which can’t be produced naturally by the body. These oils are exceptional at combating premature aging and giving skin a youthful glow. It’s also a humectant, meaning it retains moisture in the skin. It creates suppleness and plumpness, which diminishes the fine lines of aging.

Related: Probiotic cleanser

Different types of skin CBD oil can treat

Hemp oil for acne prone skin

Hemp oil is great for acne prone skin because it regulates its oil production. Unlike other topical applicants, it doesn’t block up the skin’s pores because it is super absorbent. Look for an oil that is advertised for its linoleic and oleic acid concentration. 

Both fatty acids can’t be produced naturally by the human body so they need to be obtained through diet. They are excellent anti-inflammatory agents that combat skin irritation in acne prone skin, effectively soothing the skin and promoting healing.

Hemp oil for wrinkles and anti-aging

The oil contains antioxidants that help combat the free radicals that cause premature aging. It contains vitamin E and A which are powerful antioxidants. Vitamin E helps with anti-aging and also protects the skin from ultraviolet damage. It has exceptional skin barrier properties that come in handy in the protection of the epidermis. It’s also naturally anti-inflammatory.

The body converts carotene into vitamin A, which is essential for healthy, supple skin. The carotene is broken down in the liver into the vitamin. It boosts the repair and maintenance of skin cells damaged by age or pre-existing skin conditions like acne. It also provides antioxidant protection to the skin to help beat wrinkles, dry flaky skin and premature aging.

Hemp oil for sensitive skin

Hemp oil is soothing and all natural, which guarantees people with sensitive skin an oil without artificial additives or preservatives. Hemp oil is extracted using the cold press method and the oil is left in its natural state, giving it the nutty flavor and scent. 

Different types of CBD products

These are products that only contain CBD as the sole compound from the cannabis plant. It has been isolated from other compounds like THC, meaning it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.

Full spectrum

These are CBD products that contain the full spectrum of compounds found in a cannabis sativa or hemp plant. The products can have psychoactive effects on the user. 

The Cannabis plant has over 100 compounds including THC, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, anandamide and terpenes among others. A full spectrum CBD product comes with all the compounds in the cannabis plant. In some cases, it may have more noticeable nourishing effects than CBD isolate.

Broad spectrum 

Broad spectrum products contain THC but with a modified potency. Typically, CBD products that don’t contain THC but have all the other compounds of cannabis intact are considered broad spectrum.

Other names for hemp oil

Hemp oil is also known as hemp seed oil. It derives its name from its sources, which are the hemp plant and its seeds. Hemp oil can be used orally or ingested in food or capsule form. When checking the label during purchase, make sure the ingredients listed include hemp seed, not hemp stalks or flowers. 

Hemp products made from extract from the flowers and stalks of the plant contain CBD. CBD oil on the other hand is produced from a mixture of CBD extract from a cannabis plant and a carrier oil. The CBD is extracted from the high CBD hemp flowers through methods like ethanol extraction or CO2 extraction.

How else can hemp oil be used?

Hemp oil has been used medically to improve brain development in patients with diseases like Parkinson’s disease. It is also great for boosting a healthy heart and women have also used it over the years for regulating the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause and PMS. 

Hemp oil is also used to regulate mood disorders. When ingested, it promotes a healthy gut and immune system.

Related: Natural Skin Cleansers for Active People 

Side effects of hemp oil

There are a few side effects experienced by new users of hemp oil. These include

• Lightheadedness and fainting
• Drowsiness
• Lowered blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Liver injury

Finding the best CBD skin care

To choose CBD skin care products, focus on the ingredients in the label. These should show that not only does the product clean the skin it moisturizes. 

Also, look for quality assurance certification so that the product one is safe and legal. Some CBD products are not legal because of their extract sources.

The takeaway

Hemp oil is excellent for keeping skin healthy and youthful. The secret lies in finding the right hemp oil product. There are other natural oils besides hemp that can nourish your skin, like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, shea butter oil, and more. Looking for an all natural skin care solution to your acne or to prevent aging?

Check out We Are Wild! Our Solid Oil Nourishing Stick uses 12 natural oils to help restore dry skin to feel fresh and moisturized.