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Hemp, and hemp oil, come from the cannabis plant. But the uses of hemp oil can be very different to other types of CBD oil that are most often used in medicine, and prescribed by clinics like Alternaleaf.
Firstly, it can be sold over the counter in supermarkets. And with it being so easily accessible, and its benefits being explored, it’s becoming more and more popular.
But, will it be beneficial to what you’re trying to target? We’re going to explore hemp oil for acne, hemp oil for sensitive skin and a handful more skin benefits of hemp oil below so you can decide if it’s right for you, or if you want to look for more effective treatments with Alternaleaf.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is simply an oil extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant. It’s rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega 3 and 6 which are sometimes described as “good fats”. It’s mainly used in cooking or skin care.
Hemp oil contains very low levels of CBD and does not contain THC. These are two cannabinoids, or compounds, found in the cannabis plant that you’ve probably heard of. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids that interact with receptors in our cells and alter the release of chemicals in the brain. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel “high”. And THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that “high” feeling when used recreationally.
Because hemp oil contains no THC, it won’t make you feel high. However, this also means that it may not offer the same degree of therapeutic effects associated with the cannabinoids CBD and THC. In other words, it's just not as effective as medical cannabis that can be prescribed by clinics. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re targeting skin concerns.
Key Benefits of Hemp Oil for Skin
There’s reliable evidence to demonstrate the skincare benefits of hemp oil.
- Moisturisation: In addition to its nutritional properties, hemp oil can be used directly on the skin for its nourishing and moisturising effects. Because of this, it is found in many skincare products and cosmetics.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research has shown that essential fatty acids (“good fats”) found in plant oils can help ensure that your heart is healthy and may also reduce inflammation and anxiety.
- In 2005, researchers found hemp oil made a significant difference on atopic eczema, by boosting levels of GLA (a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid), alongside essential fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid.
- A 2014 paper weighed up 15 separate psoriasis trials that used omega-3, which is found in hemp oil, to see its effect. It found that 12 of these showed “clinical benefit”.
- Skin Barrier Protection: Dry skin can overproduce oil and in turn cause acne. Hemp oil can moisturize the skin without clogging your pores, and can therefore help reduce acne that’s caused by excess oil.
- Anti-aging Effects: Linoleic acid and oleic acids found in hemp oil can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Hemp Oil for Skin
Topical Use
Applying hemp oil products directly to the skin can target pain and inflammation. This method is great for people who want relief from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, without the need for inhalation or ingestion. It may also be beneficial for people with skin irritation or dry patches that need soothing quickly.
Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only.
Oral Use
Ingesting hemp oil can provide the same benefits as topical use, but can also have additional benefits to your overall health. This method reduces the risk of skin irritation or break outs, but can increase the risk of temporary digestive upset - however this is an unlikely side effect.
If you’re ever worried, speak to your doctor. They’ll be able to advise you on the best method to consume hemp oil for your needs. And if you’re with a clinic like Alternaleaf, our clinicians are available to answer any questions you have.
Precautions and Side Effects
Given its chemical makeup, hemp oil side effects are less of a concern than side effects of THC and CBD-dominant products. Yet hemp oil can still pose risks.
Hemp oil’s biggest risk is its impact on blood pressure. While it’s encouraging that hemp may help lower blood pressure among people with hypertension (high blood pressure), caution is strongly advised for anyone with hypotension (low blood pressure).
It’s also rare, but possible, for some people to experience irritation on the skin. The best thing to always do when using a new product is to patch test it. Apply a small amount of your hemp oil product to a small patch of skin, and wait to see if you have a negative reaction. And as we’ve mentioned, there’s a possibility of digestive upset.
Try to never use anything that is expired or a non-certified product. An expired product may react differently to how it did when it was in date, and non-certified products aren’t properly tested for safe use on the skin, so it’s just best to avoid both of these.
Summary
Hemp oil can be purchased over the counter in supermarkets due to the little to no THC content. It’s a great natural skincare product that has shown evidence to be beneficial for the skin. And due to the low risk side effects, there’s almost no harm in adding it to your skincare routine.
However, if you’re looking to target something more serious like inflammation or pain, you might want to consider a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Because whilst hemp oil has been known to target inflammation, it may not contain high enough levels of CBD or THC to have the same therapeutic effects as prescribed medical cannabis. Head to our website to find out more.