Acne is a health condition that affects physical wellness and may affect self-esteem. The main issue with acne is that many solutions listed do not produce impressive results. Unfortunately, some might actually worsen the problem.
If you are suffering from acne and have been discouraged at failed solutions, it is time to smile because hemp seed oil is finally here. Although the oil has been in use for years, only recently, after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill and legalization of medical marijuana in some countries, it has become more popular. In this post, we are going to tell you how to use hemp seed oil for acne.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil, as the name suggests, is produced from the cold press of hemp seeds. The oil differs from cannabidiol (CBD) in that the latter utilizes leaves and flowers.
Hemp seed oil pressed from hemp seeds does not have the psychoactive component, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), or it is in very small quantities. This means that you will not get high after using hemp seed oil to treat acne.
The oil contains healthy fatty acids such as Omega 6 and Omega 3. Further, it can contain Vitamin E, carotene, and powerful antioxidants that are very useful for enhancing the health of your skin.
Can hemp seed oil help the skin?
Before we look at how you should use hemp seed oil for the skin, it is important to understand how it works. The seed oil works in the following four ways:
- Moderating skin oil production
Dryness of skin is known to stimulate the overproduction of oil (sebum), which can cause acne. The excess sebum clogs the pores resulting in the accumulation of waste plus more oil that manifests itself as acne.
Hemp seed oil works by helping to mitigate this overproduction and ensure your skin remains supple without getting clogged.
- Soothing inflammation
Because hemp seed oil is very rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fats that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps to promote the growth of new cells. This is crucial in calming skin irritation that comes from conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Note that it does this while keeping the skin well-nourished.
- Helps to address dermatitis
Another benefit of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is that they can address conditions such as atopic dermatitis. In one of the studies, the efficacy of dietary hemp seed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis, published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, researchers established that the oil could be used to help reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis in about 20 weeks.
- Anti-aging qualities
Apart from its soothing and moisturizing properties, hemp seed oil is known to have anti-aging properties.
How to use hemp seed oil for acne
There are two main methods that you can use hemp seed oil for acne. You can either apply it directly to the skin or take it orally.
- Topical application of hemp seed oil
Applying the hemp seed oil directly to the skin. (Especially on dry or irritated patches of skin!)
To use hemp seed oil directly, you should start by washing the affected area and let it dry. Then, apply the oil and leave it for about three minutes before washing with water.
Another method of using the oil is combining it with other soothing ingredients such as coconut oil. For example, place ¼ cup of hemp oil into a container and add 2 teaspoonfuls of melted coconut oil. Then, use the mixture to clean the affected area.
- Try hemp oil orally
The second method of using hemp seed oil for acne is ingestion. The main benefit of oral use is that it comes with less risk of skin irritation. If the taste is not desirable, you can also use the oil together with other foods such as soups, salads, and smoothies.
Does Using Hemp Seed Oil for Acne Have Side Effects?
Because the oil does not contain THC, there is no danger of getting high. If you opt to apply the oil topically, there could be some mild skin irritation. To prevent this, start with a lower dose and work your way up to the targeted daily dosage. As always, consult your primary care physician for any specific questions related to dosing.
The Takeaway
Whether taken orally or applied topically, hemp seed oil comes with impressive skin health advantages. Studies have demonstrated that it is beneficial to support the body.
*https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/2018-farm-bill
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/
*https://patents.google.com/patent/US20100129472A1/en
*https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630600621946
*https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630510035832
*https://patents.google.com/patent/US9597279B2/en
*https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780203730591/chapters/10.1201%2F9780203730591-14
