When people talk about CBD oil, a lot of the time they forget to mention why CBD hemp oil benefits your face (or skin, in general). This is seriously surprising since hemp oil is, in my very humble opinion, the holy grail of facial oils.
CBD oil vs hemp oil: What is hemp oil?
CBD oil is credited with a lot of health benefits, but it’s not to be confused with hemp seed oil (AKA hemp oil) or CBD hemp oil. Both CBD and hemp oil are nonpsychoactive, so they can’t get you high and won’t alter your perception.
But CBD oil refers to the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids (excluding THC), essential oils, and terpenes from the hemp plant. Although topicals that contain CBD host a variety of benefits (which we’ll discuss later), its most common use in topical form is for the treatment of pain, itch, and other discomforts (you can think of it as the calamine lotion for arthritis).
While hemp seed oil refers to the vitamins, fatty acids, and essential oils collected from the hemp plant’s seeds, which don’t contain sizeable amounts of cannabinoids, like CBD, but do provide users with a wide range of benefits from numerous vitamins and minerals.
And as you could probably guess, CBD hemp oil is a combination of the two.
Benefits of hemp oil: What is hemp oil good for?
Hemp oil, like CBD oil, isn’t regulated so a lot of its health benefits haven’t been substantiated by the FDA. However, cosmetic chemists have found that incorporating hemp oil into your daily skincare routine has more benefits than any other natural or organic oil to date!
1) Hemp seed oil is antibacterial, antifungal, and noncomedogenic
Got sensitive, itchy or oily skin? Hemp seed oil won’t irritate your skin, clog your pores, or cause breakouts–this makes it a fabulous alternative to coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and palm oil. It’s also naturally antibacterial and antifungal, so it proactively fights certain types of acne and protects your skin from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Studies have also shown hemp seed oil to be useful in the treatment of certain skin conditions like psoriasis, scabies, and rosacea.
2) It’s a great source of amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients necessary for healthy skin
Hemp seed oil is rich with essential fatty acids (EFAs), so its easily absorbed by the skin and full of vitamins and minerals. Loaded with gamma linoleic acid (or GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid, vitamin E, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, magnesium and more, daily use has proven to reduce the appearance and symptoms associated with dermatitis and eczema in a double-blind study and improve circulation and blood flow in the cells of skin. This could be your holy grail ingredient if you suffer from inflammation, redness or dry skin, as hemp seed oil has proven to help rebuild and protect the outermost barrier of your skin.
Personally, I’ve found that applying an oat and hemp seed oil facial serum has improved the texture of my skin, appearance, and symptoms associated with rosacea.
3) Hemp seed oil is petro-chemical free
Petro-based products skeeve some people out because they’re derived from petroleum (a raw component of gasoline) and oftentimes are not fully refined, meaning they can still contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Which, for those of you with no more than high school chemistry knowledge, are very toxic chemicals. And regardless of how well the end product is refined, petro-chemicals aren’t sustainable or eco-friendly (sad!)–however, hempseed oil is!
4) Hemp seed oil that includes CBD is your secret to healthy, glowing skin
Aside from all the antioxidants that fight free radicals, CBD triggers a pretty unique homeostatic process in our endocannabinoid system (which is responsible for cell death, amongst other reactions) called “cutaneous cannabinoid (“c[ut]annabinoid”) signaling.” This is important why? Because it helps maintain our skin’s barrier formation and regeneration, soothing sensory nerves, and reversing the dysregulation contributed to several skin disorders (some examples being atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch).
Best CBD creams, lotions, and hemp oil for skin
For acne-prone skin that needs a hefty dose of TLC: Medterra’s CBD + Manuka Honey Cream
Sometimes your skin just can’t get enough moisture, which is totally normal but nonetheless annoying–especially when your face seems to pimple up every time you layer on the lotions. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to checkout Medterra’s CBD and Manuka Honey Cream. Not only will your skin soak up all the antioxidants and other skin-balancing and renewing benefits of CBD, it’ll be supercharged with the antimicrobial boosting power of Manuka Honey and 20 other soothing botanicals. Say hello to happy, clean, and hydrated skin!
Medterra’s CBD and Manuka Honey cream is lab-tested, pesticide-free, and made in the USA. It’s currently available in two formulaic strengths: 125mg or 250mg of CBD, I would recommend starting with the lower dosage first (unless you have severe psoriasis, eczema then maybe bump up to the 250mg) but it’s always a good idea to address your concerns with your dermatologist or PCP before trying anything new.
Price: $34.99-$49.99
For sensitive, hyperpigmented and/or severely dry skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oat & Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Earlier when I mentioned having success using hemp seed oil to treat rosacea, this is one of the products I was talking about. Not only does it contain the H.G. of facial oils (hemp seed oil), it’s also formulated with colloidal oatmeal which is great for soothing irritated, angry, sensitive, distressed, and overly dry skin. I use this one to two times a day, two to three times a week (alternating with various other serums or after a day of heavy wind/sun exposure) and I’ve noticed an incredible improvement in both skin redness, texture, and frequency of breakouts.
First Aid Beauty designs all their products with people who have sensitive skin in mind, so you can bet your bottom dollar that this serum is allergy-tested, clean, and free from toxic chemicals. You can find the full ingredient list for the Repair serum (and all other F.A.B creams, lotions, and serums) laid out for you online, but all you need to know is this baby doesn’t contain any alcohol, artificial colors or fragrances, sulfates, soy, nuts, Phthalates, talc, formaldehyde, or oxybenzone.
Price: $49.99
For irritated skin that’s itchy and painful: Extract Labs CBD Face Cream
By now the list of hemp oil benefits for skin should come to you like second nature, but I can still see how hard it may be to believe that this stuff actually works. So instead of just telling you how Extract Labs’ full-spectrum CBD cream works, I’ll show you too (just wait a second).
This particular CBD cream is vegan, non-GMO, and certified organic so there’s literally no reason to feel guilty about using it (if anything, knowing that the company sources and develops all its products in the U.S. makes me feel even better about the money spent). You’ll notice that this cream is way denser than any face moisturizer you’ve put on before and that’s intentional. The madness behind Extract Labs’ method is actually a key reason this stuff works so well. Instead of formulating with heat (like traditional processes call for), the developers whip all their simple ingredients together to form this thick and magnificent face butter. By doing so, Extract Labs’ products are able to retain more of the helpful and highly sought-after compounds the hemp plant is known for. Don’t believe me? Below is a photo of my rosacea before and after a single overnight use.
After one application (yes, you read that right, a single-use!) my skin was overall smoother and less red. It decreased the size and appearance of my rosacea bumps/breakout, while also tackling the soreness and pain associated with said inflammation!
All of that said, Extract Labs designs its topicals with a child-proof seal–which is great for keeping hands that don’t belong in there out. However, if you have arthritis or issues opening up prescription bottles, you may also have a tough time with this packaging.
Price: $90
For dull and rough skin: MyChelle Dermaceuticals Enhancing CBD Serum
We’re no stranger to the magician that is hiding behind MyChelle Dermaceuticals, but if you are that’s okay. The company’s recently released line of CBD-infused skincare products might just be what makes it a household name for you, too!
Aside from being formulated without parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors, MyChelle’s Enhancing CBD serum includes a slurry of rewarding ingredients. In it you’ll find, broad-spectrum CBD, hemp and Marula oil, and marshmallow root extract (among other beneficial botanicals) all of which will help hydrate, brighten, and smooth skin.
But unlike the other CBD and hemp oil products I’ve recommended, this one has a slightly hempy scent, so if you’re not into earthy odors this one may take some getting used to.
Price: Currently sold out online, prices vary by retailer
The Daily Dot may receive a payment in connection with purchases of products or services featured in this article. Click here to learn more.