How is hemp oil used?

Extracted through cold pressing from the organic seeds of Cannabis sativa, the hemp oil has been used for several centuries for medicinal purposes.

Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is devoid of substances that can cause psychotropic effects.

Thanks to the properties of antioxidants and essential fatty acids (omega-3, 6 and 9) that make up its composition, hemp oil is brimming with benefits for external use: it improves the complexion, texture, comfort and appearance of all skin types, and prevents the onset of ageing signs. In addition to being non-comedogenic, it has a high affinity with the skin's natural lipids and therefore quickly penetrates the epidermis without leaving a greasy film, providing a moisturising and nourishing effect, offering a dry touch.

Even though it is suitable for all skin types, some will benefit more from its advantages:

• Hemp oil recommended for reactive skin types:

  Several cellular and animal studies have demonstrated that hemp possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, thanks to its richness in omega-3, hemp oil helps to soothe irritated skin, as well as redness and inflammation, by inhibiting signalling pathways that induce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules. This property is associated with the nourishing, hydrating and softening effects of the oil, thus helping to alleviate skin irritations due to its rich composition in omega-3 and 6, fatty acids that play a major role in the function of the skin barrier.

• Hemp Oil and Dry Skin:

  Dry skin does not produce enough sebum; therefore, the skin barrier is likely damaged. As a result, it becomes more susceptible to external aggressions and is prone to redness or even tightness. These skin types thus require nourishing and hydrating care. However, hemp oil provides essential fatty acids, which are natural components of sebum but also of cell membranes. Indeed, being rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it limits water loss and protects the skin from dehydration by rebuilding the hydrolipidic barrier.

• Hemp oil suitable for acne-prone skin:

  Inflammation and lipogenesis are the main factors involved in the onset of acne. In this scenario, certain bacteria become predominant, particularly the Cutibacterium acnes but also bacteria from the staphylococcus family (mainly S. epidermidis and S. aureus), which proliferate and exacerbate the imbalance of the microbiome. C. acnes, the primary bacteria implicated in acne, feeds on decomposing organic matter such as sebum, for instance.

  Indeed, a study in vitro has shown that hemp may have anti-acne activity, evidenced by its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipogenic properties. In fact, thanks to its rich composition in linoleic acids and linolenic acids (omega-3), hemp oil helps to regulate the excess sebum produced in the sebaceous glands, as well as inflammatory responses through the regulation of enzymes related to inflammation, their products, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• Hemp oil in the prevention of ageing signs:

  Due to its antioxidant properties, attributed to the abundance of Vitamin E, hemp oil helps combat the ageing effects of free radicals. It also aids in maintaining skin elasticity, thanks to the provision of omega-3, 6 and 9, by stimulating the regeneration of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, thehemp oil extract is used preventively in the appearance of signs of ageing.

The skin is predominantly composed of water and a small proportion of fatty substances. Unlike serums or moisturising creams, oils penetrate less deeply into the skin due to their single fatty phase, whereas serums or creams are primarily composed of a water phase. This is why hemp oil, and vegetable oils in general, should be the final step in skincare application, even if it leaves only a thin oily film on the skin.

Thus, on a clean skin that is dry, pour a few drops of hemp oil into the palm of your hand. Then, warm the substance between your hands and distribute it in a circular massage over your entire face to ensure the oil is well absorbed. It can be used just as well in the morning as in the evening.

• GRANT-KELS J. M. & al. Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Clinics in Dermatology (2010).

• LIU K. L. & al. Gamma-linolenic acid inhibits inflammatory responses by regulating NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Inflammation (2010).

• JANG M. Y. & al. Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Acta Dermato-Venereologica (2014).

• LEE M. Y. & al. The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes. PLoS One (2018).