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In these times of shelter-in-place and mask-wearing, skincare is more important than ever! We’re more stressed, anxious, worried, and overwhelmed than normal. Plus, those masks really don’t help with skin irritation. Luckily, there is a relatively new plant-based, skincare agent to lend you a hand!

Hemp oil!

While hemp oil is definitely not a new product to hit the market — this oil has been used since ancient times for a myriad of health issues — its specific skin-related benefits are somewhat new. Hemp oil is rich in a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, all of which target the health of your skin. From reducing inflammation to naturally moisturizing to nourishing with vitamins, hemp oil can offer daily doses of what your skin may be lacking. This is especially true when it comes to those suffering from regular acne flare-ups! Hemp oil has a few targeted natural compounds that seek to reduce the causes of certain acne-causing agents.

Read on to learn all about this wonderful skin and body-boosting oil!

What is Hemp Oil?

Let’s clear up two myths about hemp oil right off the bat.

First, hemp oil is not cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD oil is “an extract of the cannabis plant and utilizes hemp flowers and leaves for its production.” While CBD oil usually doesn’t contain the psychoactive agent of marijuana, depending on the type you purchase it could have small amounts. With that said, CBD oil is known to be a powerful relaxant and pain reliever.

Secondly, hemp oil that is formulated for your skin and sold online should not and generally doesn’t contain the psychoactive component of marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Alright, now that we’ve got that cleared up, what is hemp oil?

Hemp oil, referred to as hempseed oil, is “harvested by cold-pressing hemp seeds.” Good quality hemp oil should be unrefined — which means its been harvested mechanically and without chemicals — and is generally “clear green oil” with a lovely nutty flavor if its a consumable version.

Hemp oil is known for a slew of health benefits and not just for your skin!

This wonderful oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, — which has been linked to “diseases such as cancer and heart disease” — and is an antibacterial agent, which means it can “inhibited the activity of various types of bacteria.” It’s been found to be a great natural treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.

Skin Boosting Health Components

We know that hemp seeds and hemp oil are excellent plant-based sources of lots of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, but why is hemp oil so great for your skin in particular?

There are actually a few wonderful skin-boosting benefits specifically connected to hemp oil.

First and foremost, hemp oil helps to moderate oil production, which is one of the most challenging aspects of skincare. This means that hemp oil is actually “perfect for most skin types as it can moisturize without clogging your pores.” On top of that, hemp oil balances “out oily skin, hydrating it and regulating the skin’s oil production.”

Secondly, hemp oil is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory agent! This is due to an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), “which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell generation.”

And finally, hemp oil has also been found to have anti-aging properties. How so? It’s all due to linoleic acid and oleic acid, which “can play a crucial role in skin health and anti-aging.” Plus, hemp oil “can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent signs of aging from developing.”

How Hemp Oil Treats Acne

Maybe you’re convinced that hemp oil is a boon for the overall health of your skin, but does it really actually help with acne? Most of us have been down multiple product roads only to be highly disappointed with the promised benefits and real-life results.

What’s so different about hemp oil?

While every skin type and skin condition differs — even when it comes to acne — hemp oil offers a few broadspectrum ingredients that are meant to treat the underlying causes of acne.

To begin, those that suffer from acne caused by the overproduction of oil may just fall in love with hemp oil. Hemp oil is a natural moisturizer and it “can prevent dry skin without clogging pores,” which is one of the most frustrating aspects of dryness-caused acne flare-ups. Hemp oil’s ability to moisturize and balance oil production of the skin may also help stem the acne flare-ups.

Remember when I mentioned that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)? These anti-inflammatory fatty acids are known to “calm inflammation and irritation on the skin, including acne, …. while keeping the skin nourished and moisturized.”

Another agent that helps reduce acne is vitamin E. Vitamin E is an “antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment,” as well as reducing inflammation. On top of that, vitamin E is also “beneficial at reducing UV damage to [the] skin” and has been shown to effectively reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Depending on the type of hemp oil you purchase, you generally will get about 100 to 150 milligrams of vitamin per 100 grams of hemp oil.

How to Use Hemp Oil for Skincare

First and foremost, before beginning your experimentation with hemp oil, it’s highly recommended to speak with your doctor, dermatologist, nutritionist, dietitian, or another healthcare professional beforehand. Once you get the all-okay from your doc, do a bit of research on the types of hemp oil usage of which there are two: topically and orally.

Using Hemp Oil Topically

Topical application is best for immediate relief of irritated or dry skin.

This type of application involves applying hemp oil directly to the skin or in a mixture of other oils or lotion. If you’ve never used hemp oil before, began with a “test patch” of skin first that is not on your face. It’s recommended to try out hemp oil on a clean and dry area of your upper arm. Cover the hemp oil with a bandage and let it marinate for at least 24 hours to see if you experience any unwanted reactions.

When using topical hemp oil specifically for acne treatment, “apply the oil directly to clean skin and leave it on for one to two minutes before washing it away with warm water.”

Using Hemp Oil Orally

If you’re going to be taking hemp oil orally, talk with your doctor first!

One of the more popular methods for using hemp oil is through consumption. While topical uses target skincare exclusively, by consuming food-grade hemp oil, you’re infusing your entire body with the wonderful health benefits of this oil!  A great pro for oral ingestion is that you generally reduce the “risk of any skin irritation or breakouts, although it may cause some temporary digestive upset.”

It’s recommended to keep your daily hemp oil intake to around one to two teaspoons — “either all at one time or divided into two doses.”

Vegan Organic Hemp Oil Skin Products to Try!

Alright, you’re sold!

Now you want to actually try out this whole hemp oil skincare regimen for yourself and see if it works.

It’s important to not jump on the first hemp oil you see. First and foremost, look for a plant-based or vegan-friendly oil. You’re not only doing one for the planet, but you’re also avoiding any animal-based inflammatory ingredients that they may use. Secondly, it’s always a good idea to go with an organic skin product. This way you’re more likely to avoid harsh chemicals and preservatives that can cause inflammation that leads to acne. Here are a few to get you started!

Owe Uself Hemp Oil

Owe Uself Hemp Oil

Owe Uself Hemp Oil/Amazon.com

This Owe Uself Hemp Oil has one simple ingredient — organic hemp seed oil! Along with boosting skin health, Owe Uself Hemp Oil also improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and infused the body with natural nutrients including flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. This product is formulated to help support your overall well-being! Plus, it comes in a tasty orange flavor to consume raw or add to your favorite smoothie. A 2-pack of 1-fluid ounce bottles costs $23.99.

Sweet Essentials Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil

Sweet Essentials Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil

Sweet Essentials Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil/Amazon.com

This Sweet Essentials Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil is filled with skin-boosting amino acids, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and omega fatty acids including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. This combination allows for hemp seed to deeply moisturize your skin without clogging your pores. This hemp oil is not only great for your skin, but it’ll also boost the vivacity, thickness, strength, and health of your hair and nails. This specific formula is suitable for edible consumption or to apply directly to your hair and skin. This product is non-GMO, unrefined, extra virgin, cold-pressed, preservative-free, and contains only one ingredient — organic hemp seed oil. A 4-fluid ounce bottle costs $9.50.

Hemp King Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops

Hemp King Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops

Hemp King Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops/Amazon.com

These Hemp King Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops are 100 percent natural, organic, and pure! While they’re great for your skin — mix them in a smoothie or your favorite lotion for topical use — these drops are also formulated to retain high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help revive pain, boost mood, reduce anxiety, and support your overall wellbeing. Hemp King promises a pure product through their Co2 extraction method, which retains its natural ingredients. This product is vegan-friendly, certified organic, and non-GMO! A 1-fluid ounce bottle costs $17.94.

Renewalize Organic HEMP SEED OIL Facial Moisturizer

Renewalize Organic HEMP SEED OIL Facial Moisturizer

Renewalize Organic HEMP SEED OIL Facial Moisturizer/Amazon.com

I guess you could say it’s all in the name of this one! This Renewalize Organic HEMP SEED OIL Facial Moisturizer is specifically formulated to renew your facial skin. Renewalize is proud to offer a hemp seed facial moisturizer that is USDA certified organic, cold-pressed and unrefined, — meaning it was mechanically expressed instead of chemically! — non-GMO, hexane-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly. This product will infuse your skin with a plethora of vitamins, — A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E — potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and skin-loving essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. A 4-fluid ounce bottle costs $20.99.

LUVV Labs Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops

LUVV Labs Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops

LUVV Labs Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops/Amazon.com

These LUVV Labs Organic Vegan Hemp Oil Drops are rich in plant-based omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to not only boost the health of your skin, but also protect your body from inflammation, aid in cell repair, boost brain function, and even act as a natural form of pain relief. Specifically, it’s been found that hemp oil can alleviate inflammation and pain in the joints! This product is vegan-friendly, organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Plus, it’s got a super tasty peppermint flavor, so feel free to add a few drops to your morning coffee to give yourself a beautiful skin-glow all day long. A 30-milliliter bottle costs $5.94.

Related Articles

While hemp oil may be newer to the scene and a great natural product to try out, it’s not the only avenue to go down when seeking healthier, acne-free skin! Looking to learn a bit more about organic, natural, plant-based skincare? Take a moment to peruse some of these additional One Green Planet resources.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

Crunchy Hemp Coconut Fruit Salad

Crunchy Hemp Coconut Fruit Salad/One Green Planet

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

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