Benefits of Hemp Oil on Skincare

Love it or hate it, hemp is considered nature’s ‘ultimate gift to mankind’ by some. Derived from marijuana plants, it has been used for many centuries in food, fiber and medicines. In fact, sailors have been using hemp rope and sails for hundreds of years, and the crop’s abundance was valued greatly during the Revolutionary War era.

Via Wikimedia Commons

The “Perks” Of Hemp Oil

Over the years, research has shown that hemp oil can do wonders for a person’s hair, skin and body. Here’s how:

• Serves as a great moisturizer

Studies have determined that hemp oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness in order to help alleviate itching and irritation.

• May slow the aging process

Researchers have also found that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin.

• Helps detoxify the skin and even out skin tone Since hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids, health experts say it is capable of penetrating our cells and lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well.

Along with several skin benefits, health experts say hemp oil may help people lower their cholesterol, cancer risks while promoting normal brain function.

Common Products With Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a popular ingredient commonly found in many lotions and soaps. In fact, we use it here at Dr. Squatch. It’s one of five types of oils we use when making our natural soap bars. Over the years, we have found that hemp oil contains a great number of nutrients and vitamins to help keep your skin healthy and soft.

If you enjoy staying fresh, smelling good and reaping the health benefits—check out our awesome selection of soaps.

Via Wikimedia Commons

The Controversy

Hemp oil doesn’t come without its fair share of controversy. Surprisingly, hemp is classified no differently than marijuana. According to The Washington Post, both are labeled as Cannabis sativa L. The only reported difference between the two is that marijuana contains at least 3 percent THC by weight, whereas hemp falls way below that threshold. THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive substance found in pot.

Proponents of hemp oil argue that hemp oil has many healing effects. Rick Simpson of Canada has actually been making hemp oil and sharing it with friends and neighbors for decades.

In small doses, he says it makes you feel better without getting you high.

“Well, you can’t deny your own eyes can you?” Simpson told Canada.com. “Here’s someone dying of cancer and they’re not dying anymore.

Critics, on the other hand, argue that it’s “miracle cure” status has never actually been proven. This may be why Rick has had his own troubles with the law. Authorities confiscated 1,600 marijuana plants from his backyard some time back, plants he claims were grown for medicinal purposes. Possession of marijuana is still illegal in Canada.