4 Reasons Hemp Oil Is Good for Your Skin

With the list of benefits of hemp-derived CBD on your state of mind, it can be easy to overlook the other advantages of regular hemp use—but there are many. Like marijuana, hemp is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, they are each unique in their makeups: Marijuana contains high levels of THC, the psychoactive component that creates the feeling of being “high”; hemp contains very low levels of THC but is rich in the component cannabidiol, or CBD.

CBD is extracted from the leaves, flowers and stems of the hemp plant, and hemp oil is extracted from its seeds. When taken orally, hemp oil delivers essential fatty acids that may help ease inflammation throughout the body; it may also prove to be beneficial to those suffering from hormone fluctuations due to PMS or menopause. And just as hemp oil can positively impact your mental and physical health, it can also be a powerful and effective part of your daily skin care routine.

“Hemp oil and hemp-derived CBD are finally gaining the traction they deserve in the clean beauty and wellness industries,” notes Sarah Mirsini, founder of MASK CBD Skincare. “As the first brand to rely on the latest research that extols how beneficial CBD is to skin—and the first to use technology to harvest CBD for skin care—we have been at the forefront of incorporating truly clean ingredients with the power of CBD into our MASK products. We have seen firsthand the positive effects hemp oil and CBD can have on skin.” Here are our top 4 reasons hemp oil is good for nearly all skin types and skin conditions—and why you shouldn’t wait to try it for yourself.

1. Hemp oil is a powerfully effective moisturizer

Because of its rich fatty acid content, hemp oil makes a powerfully effective moisturizer. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp seeds that works to support skin’s barrier function—the “invisible wall” your skin needs to protect it from environmental stress and dehydration. With strengthened function, this barrier can help skin retain moisture. In addition, GLA works as an anti-inflammatory, soothing dryness and irritation and encouraging healthy skin cell growth. Hemp oil also contains a variety of omega-3 fatty acids (the kind found in fish oil), which deliver much needed hydration to skin without clogging pores.

Whether you reach for a straight seed-derived oil as your hemp face moisturizer or opt for a hemp infused moisturizer instead, your dry skin will thank you for caring for it with such a nourishing, natural ingredient.

2. Anti-inflammatory hemp soothes irritated skin

Acne, eczema, psoriasis—if you’ve ever struggled with any type of inflamed skin condition, you know how frustrating it can be to try and regain control and reclaim calm, clear skin. But hemp oil, derived from the cannabis plant, is renowned for its ability to soothe inflamed and irritated skin because of its rich fatty acid content, as noted above. And, because it’s naturally antibacterial, hemp oil helps keep the bacteria that can lead to breakouts at bay.

3. Hemp oil is balancing formula for oily skin

Hemp oil is generally well received by skin, and because the smaller molecules in pure plant-derived oils penetrate the skin’s surface instead of sitting atop it like conventional lotions and creams, hemp oil can address oil production at its source.

Often, skin that is oily is actually suffering from dryness below the surface; skin compensates by overproducing oil as an emollient. Hemp oil can permeate skin to hydrate where it’s needed it most, thereby helping to regulate oil production and helping to control oily skin. And, unlike other popular natural moisturizers like coconut oil, hemp oil will not clog pores—leading to clearer, calmer looking skin.

4. Anti-aging hemp oil delivers a youthful glow

Rich in linoleic and oleic acids, hemp oil is chock full of anti-aging properties that protect skin from environmental stressors that can prematurely age skin—and it can help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

A powerful omega-9, oleic acid is a fatty acid that’s found in beneficial foods like olive oil; when combined with other fatty acids like linoleic acid—or Vitamin F—the two can strengthen the skin barrier, moisturize and plump the look of skin for a more radiant, youthful glow. This powerhouse fatty acid duo penetrates the skin's surface to help improve the look and feel of it from the inside out—and that means boosted radiance and anti-aging protection. Such effective ingredients work beautifully overnight, when skin naturally regenerates.

Moisturizing, soothing, balancing and anti-aging: while hemp oil cannot claim to treat, cure or prevent disease, its virtues are overwhelmingly positive. Adding CBD infused skin care to your beauty regimen is an ideal way to incorporate hemp oil into your life. When combined with other ingredients like the natural humectant hyaluronic acid, the results from using hemp oil in your daily routine become even more noticeable. It’s no wonder that hemp is growing in popularity in beauty products—and its skin benefits are just one more reason we’ll be using CBD for life.