Hemp Oil also known as Hemp Seed Oil, is extracted from Hemp Seeds under very high pressures.
Hemp oil out-competes all plant-based products for its uniquely high omega-3 and omega-6 content. [1] These nutrients are natural moisturizers and essential to maintaining healthy skin.
We will first understand the common symptoms of skin disorders and how certain hemp oil properties can help in treating them.
Note: Hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same; they differ in chemical composition. Thus, always check the ingredients of the product before buying.
Overview of Skin Disorders
Skin disorders are not restricted by age, gender or nationality. Most people are likely to experience at least one disorder in their entire lifetime. The most common ones are acne and eczema.
Skin disorders are generally not life-threatening. The symptoms appear quickly and can be easily identified. Most diseases are accompanied by itchy, dry inflamed skin.
Research states hemp oil is highly suitable to treat these symptoms as, it has strong antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. [2],[3]
This article explores in-detail the vast array of disorders hemp oil has shown potential in either via clinical trials or animal studies.
Also, the precautions necessary to be taken before going ahead and buying hemp oil products are stated at the end.
Benefits of Hemp Oil for Skin Disorders
Hemp oil is a rich source of healthy fatty acids (80% by volume) known to re-moisturize the skin and promote anti-aging. [4],[5]
The anti-inflammatory activities allow it to be used for treating eczema and psoriasis. [6] It provides relief from pain and itching.
The antioxidants regulate oil build-up in acne and may boost skin rejuvenation in sunburns, dermatitis and lichen planus. [7]
1. Relieves Inflammation in Acne
Every teenager is bound to experience some form of acne during puberty. The bacteria P.acnes acts on the face and causes excessive oil secretion by skin cells. [8]
A 2018 cell culture study proved hemp oil was successful in breaking down the oil produced by the body. [9]
Furthermore, hemp oil showcased anti-microbial activity as it prevented bacteria from delivering the toxins inducing oil build-up into the skin.
Skin inflammation results in enlarged hair follicles. Hemp oil suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, in turn alleviating inflammation, redness, and pain.
Hemp oil promoted the synthesis of collagen. This protein is responsible for maintaining smooth and elastic skin.
This oil may be the new way forward in anti-aging treatments as it’ll prevent wrinkling and sagging skin. [10]
What does this Mean? Hemp oil defends against acne infection by reducing inflammation and regulating oil production. The skin is kept smooth and moisturized.
2. Provides Smooth and Bright Skin
Deficiency of beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E in the body causes dry skin. [11] Hemp oil contains all 3 of these nutrients and together they can provide even stronger moisturizing.
Another reason for dry skin is when too much water is lost. This regularly occurs in dermatitis and psoriasis disorders. [12]
Hemp oil is a preferable choice for treating these conditions as it prevents above-normal water loss.
What does this Mean? Hemp oil contains a balanced mixture of the nutrients needed to moisturize dry skin in everyday routine and extreme cases of dermatitis and psoriasis.
3. Treats Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
This is one of the most common types of skin disorders. The skin inflames and generates strong itching sensations. [13]
It can be caused by deficiencies in a specific type of omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). [14] Hemp oil is abundant with GLA (55% of total fat content).[15]
A 20-week clinical trial found hemp oil was better than olive oil for treating eczema. [16]
Patients reported back with reduced itching and dryness of the skin.
Further, into the trial, patients took fewer conventional eczema medicines as they could visually see and feel hemp oil’s effects.
What does this Mean? Clinical trials prove hemp oil is effective at treating red, itchy patches on the skin. The oil is able to overcome the deficiency of GLA seen in eczema.
4. Treats Psoriasis
During this condition, there is an overproduction of cells. This can lead to bleeding skin and swollen joints. [17]
Hemp oil returns the cells to a normal life cycle so that they don’t die as quickly. [18]
In addition, the proinflammatory responses are reduced so, the skin is no longer under immune stress and it can begin healing itself. [19]
Experimental evidence for treating this disease with hemp oil has existed for a while now as, in 2011 a Chinese medicine containing hemp oil was patented and sold in the market.[20]
What does this Mean? Hemp oil battles skin bleeding by regulating the body’s immune system and promoting healthy skin re-growth. Products for treating psoriasis have been in the market for many years now.
5. Can Promote Anti-Aging
Upon comparison to soybean, sunflower and rice oils, hemp showcased the largest supply of vitamins A, C, and E.3
These chemicals are crucial for preventing cell damage by radicals and reactive oxygen species.
During skin disorders, discoloration of the skin is often seen. This is a result of excessive cell death.
The antioxidants in hemp oil are able to accelerate cell growth and provide faster recovery of healthy-looking skin. [21]
Hemp oil promoted the synthesis of collagen. This protein is responsible for maintaining smooth and elastic skin.
This oil may be the new way forward in anti-aging treatments as it’ll prevent wrinkling and sagging skin. [22]
What does this Mean? Hemp oil contains more antioxidant chemicals than many other herbal products, making it one of the best choices for returning skin colour and texture to normal after damage during a disorder. It boosts skin rejuvenation, which is essential to maintain young healthy skin.
6. Can Relieve Discomforts of Sunburns
Sunscreens with vitamin E have proven to protect the skin from UV radiation better than those without. [23] Hemp oil contains a decent amount of vitamin E.
Skin culture studies reveal hemp oil reduces the pain and symptoms associated with sunburns. [24] The anti-inflammatory constituents increase oxygenation and blood flow to the skin.
Further studies found hemp oil provided protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Although most sunrays are UVA, both have the capacity to induce skin cancer. [25]
This offers further evidence to conclude hemp oil effective against cancer.
However, a mouse study noted that only dietary supplements prevented UVB-induced skin damage and topical applications provided no benefit. [26]
What does this Mean? Anti-inflammatory chemicals in hemp oil have proven to reduce pain from sunburns. Some evidence is seen for hemp oil protecting the skin from cancer-causing UV radiation.
7. May Ease Inflammation in Seborrheic Dermatitis
In this condition, the oily parts of the body become swollen. For example the face, chest and upper back. [27]
A human study found evidence for decreasing oil production and inflammation after applying a hemp oil mixture. [28]
The cause behind this disease is unknown so, it’s difficult to understand how hemp can provide benefits.
More experimental evidence is needed to prove hemp oil as a potent medication.
What does this Mean? There is some experimental evidence suggesting hemp oil can reduce inflammation and pain in this condition however, it is still an ongoing area of research.
8. May Provide Relief from Symptoms of Varicose Eczema
This disorder is common in individuals suffering from varicose veins, which is a condition in which the veins in the leg become enlarged.
In this case of eczema, there can be swellings on the inside of the leg, known as ulcers. [29]
Dozens of studies have suggested the high omega-3 and omega-6 content of hemp oil can reduce blood pressure and maintain steady blood flow. [30]
This may allow the intensity of the swelling to reduce and thus, provide relief from pain and itching.
What does this Mean? Hemp oil can control blood pressure, which may provide relief from the pain and itching due to enlarged blood vessels.
9. May Help in Reducing Symptoms of Skin Staph Infections
The S.aureus bacterial population infects the skin and leads to the presence of boils, rashes, and ulcers. [31]
A recent experimental study found hemp oil acted as a natural defense against this bacterial type.
The ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in hemp oil was concluded as essential in providing such anti-microbial properties. [32]
What does this Mean? The proportions of healthy fatty acids in hemp oil are necessary to protect against bacterial infections and reduce symptoms, like: boils and rashes.
10. May Provide Anti-Skin Cancer Properties
Omega-3 and omega-6 have long been known to provide much-needed moisturizing of the skin and protection from water loss.
In olive oil, the antioxidant character of the fatty acids was suggested to prevent tumor formation. [33]
The abundance and ratios of omega-6 and omega-3 are much better in hemp oil.
Several clinical trials and animal studies were done to identify if hemp oil was beneficial in treating nonmelanoma skin cancer. [34]
Some improvement was seen but, it was not enough to conclude hemp oil offered viable cancer therapy.
What does this Mean? The extremely high omega-3 and omega-6 quantities of hemp oil may provide an opportunity for its use in cancer therapy. But, more clinical trials and studies have to be done to confirm this.
11. May Ease Inflammation in Lichen Planus
This is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s immune system attacks its own cells.
Hemp oil has been proposed as a potential treatment but, research is still ongoing in the area.
GLA has been found to reduce inflammation by inactivating the pro-inflammatory cytokine molecules released in this disease. [35]
Studies have found that medicines used to reduce blood pressure can induce this disease.[36]
Hemp oil has shown to reduce blood pressure thus, it is extremely important for a complete understanding of the relationship between this disorder and hemp oil before it can be prescribed as a medication.
What does this Mean? Initial experiments are identifying GLA fatty acid useful in treating this disease. However, further research is absolutely essential to prove hemp oil a suitable treatment as, it may have the potential to worsen the disease instead.
Precautions
Hemp oil is classified as a low allergen and is highly unlikely to cause any allergic reactions.[37] Make sure to test the product in a small area of the skin before applying on damaged skin.
The oil can be tested around the elbow, on the back of the knee or on the side of the neck, if it is to be used on the face.
The fatty acids in hemp oil may inhibit clot formation by manipulating platelet activity. This can escalate bleeding time. [38],[39]
Thus, individuals with problems related to insufficient blood clotting may be at risk from hemp oil.
We advise you to consult a doctor before using topical or dietary hemp oil with your regular medicine.
Excessive amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 can affect cardiovascular health.[40] Consult a doctor for dosage before consuming hemp oil orally.
Dosage
A 12-week clinical trial found hemp oil dietary supplements equating to 2 g/day ineffective to increase GLA concentration in the blood. [41]
A different clinical trial revealed consuming 30 ml/day of hemp oil orally for 4-weeks produced a significant increase in GLA and other healthy fatty acids. [42]
Thus, large doses are needed in order to produce desirable results.
For topical application, you can use as much needed to cover all the areas of the face and other parts of the body. Use in moderation.
Summary
Hemp oil can dominate the skincare market for its deep moisturizing, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.
It can provide relief from common skin disorder symptoms, like: itching, pain, and dryness. The vigorous anti-inflammatory effects alleviate pain and itching by controlling immune system responses.
A large proportion of the oil is composed of fatty acids, which assist in reducing the severity of acne by breaking down oils causing inflammation.
The antioxidant chemicals guard from cell damage and boost skin rejuvenation. They leave the skin glowing and firm after treating dryness and redness.
Mouse studies prove hemp oil a powerful dietary supplement for reducing symptoms of sunburn.
Clinical trials involving eczema patients have proven hemp oil effective in reducing symptoms and the need for conventional drugs.
Further research needs to be done to ensure safety and efficiency for the treatment of skin cancer, lichen planus, and dermatitis.
The topical application of hemp oil shows promising effects with no side effects. Dietary supplements need to be taken with care.