How Does Hemp Seed Oil Work For Hair & Skin?

Dryness

Hemp seed oil is rich in unsaturated fats such as linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and α-linolenic acid. These three fatty acids help improve skin structure by helping the skin retain moisture. They also have a beneficial effect on dry, rough skin and can influence the fluidity of cell membranes and the transport of electrolytes. Studies have proved that an emulsion that contained hemp seed oil helped moisturize the dehydrated skin. The hemp seed oil also contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and people with omega deficiencies can develop rough, scaly, acne skin. 

UV damage and Hyperpigmentation

The hemp seed oil contains both α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which helps repair UV skin damage, increasing the removal of melanin. Melanin is the name for a broad group of natural skin pigments that give the skin’s upper layer its color.

Both α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, or excessive skin darkening, that tends to occur with sun exposure, by suppressing the production of melanin.

Acne and Acne Scars

The hemp seed oil contains several compounds with oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help improve acne vulgaris. Trusted Studies proved that compounds in hemp seed oil, help improve acne scars by reducing healing time, and boosting collagen levels.

Symptoms Of Skin Aging

According to a 2015 journal article, hemp seed oil can treat and prevent the skin symptoms associated with aging. This is purely because people who consume higher amounts of linoleic acid seem to have a lower likelihood of developing age-related dryness and atrophy or thinning. The hemp seed oil also contains compounds that combat signs of skin aging by:

• stimulating skin regeneration
• improving skin elasticity and firmness
• reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• reducing skin dullness and improving skin brightness
• retaining moisture in the skin
• increasing collagen production

Infection

The hemp seed oil contains antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants that can help destroy microbes, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, that cause disease.

It also contains compounds that help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, making it harder for microbes to enter the skin and cause infection or disease.

How To Use Hemp Seed Oil For Your Skin

Hemp seed oil is considered non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog your pores. Hemp seed oil is considered a "dry" oil. This means it absorbs rather quickly and has a non-greasy feel, as far as lipid oils go. Options for using Hemp Seed Oil:

• Apply Hemp seed oil on your face and neck every morning for a half-hour prior to showering.
• Massage a few drops over a cleansed and moisturized face, as a facial serum morning and evening.
• Apply after bathing or showering as a body oil or you can mix a few drops to your favorite body cream of your choice.
• Use as anti-skin aging and treatment of acne and to get rid of scarring.
• Use as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.

Unrefined Hemp seed oil is greenish in color with a nutty flavor and smell and contains more nutrients than refined oils. Refined hemp oils tend to be clearer and have fewer nutrients. Unrefined hemp seed oil is fragile and can quickly go rancid. To extend its shelf life, keep your hemp seed oil in the refrigerator.

Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil For Hair

Omega-3 and Omega-6 and antioxidants are considered to be good for hair when taken orally. The hemp seed oil has plenty of it all. 

For example, a 2015 study by trusted Source found improvement in the hair diameter and hair density of participants who took omega-3 and omega-6 oral supplements over the course of six months.

Researchers in the study also discovered that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in combination with antioxidants prevented hair loss in participants who took them.
The hemp seed oil has a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. It also contains three other polyunsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid, stearidonic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid.

A tablespoon of hemp seed oil contains 14 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 12.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat. The hemp seed oil also includes:

• antioxidants, such as vitamin-E 
• carotene
• phytosterols
• phospholipids
• chlorophyll

Using hemp seed oil for hair for both men and women, whether applied topically or taken as a supplement orally, suggests that the oil will

• moisturize hair
• stimulates hair growth
• strengthens hair
• fortifies hair strands for thicker and fuller hair 
• completely non-greasy nourishment
• Natural Keratin production and loaded with antioxidants 

Hemp Seed can play a role in protecting hair from damage by:

• Preventing too much water from being absorbed by hair
• Helping to prevent the penetration of certain substances into hair follicles
• Prevent hair breakage by enhancing lubrication of the shaft.
• Prevent hair breakage by reducing the combing force of wet hair

How to Use Hemp Seed Oil For Your Hair

Options for using Hemp Seed Oil:

• Apply Hemp seed oil as a daily hair styling oil for both men and women
• Take a few drops and run through the hair to avoid wavy and static hair, especially for women
• Moisturize the hair ends every day to avoid dryness and split ends
• Massage your scalp well a couple of hours prior to washing your hair
• Use it as a serum after hair wash 
• Being a dry oil you can apply it to the hair only (not the scalp) every day for a shine  

Choosing The Right Hemp Seed Oil Product

Hemp seed oil is incorporated in many cosmetic products, from soaps, lotions, balms and salves, facial products, bath products, hair oils, and hair masks.