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The Benefits of Cannabis Topicals for Your Skin & Hair

byhellomd3 minutes

Hemp seed oil has long been featured in beauty products due to its optimal balance of omega-3s and omega-6s, essential fatty acids that moisturize skin and make hair shiny and strong. Packed with a battery of vitamins and minerals, it’s been a standard in the beauty world since it got its start as a topical medication in the 18th century.

Hemp seed oil is slightly different than cannabis oil. Though it's a strain of cannabis sativa, hemp seed oil doesn't contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) so it doesn't have the same psychoactive qualities as the marijuana you typically think of. It does, however, still contain high levels of other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD).

Studies Show Cannabinoids May Help With Dry Skin or Acne

A Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology study showed that cannabinoids are responsible for lipid production: “Our preclinical data encourage one to explore whether endocannabinoid system-acting agents can be exploited in the management of common skin disorders,” said Tamás Biró, a scientist involved in the study. “It is also suggested that these agents can be efficiently applied locally to the skin in the form of a cream.”

This study gives a nod to the idea that hemp seed or cannabis oil could be especially beneficial in regulating dry skin and other conditions such as acne. Hemp seed oil is also full of alpha-linolenic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties make hemp seed oil helpful for easing everything from rashes to sunburns.

Hemp Seed Oil Has Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Properties

Pamela Hadfield, the co-founder of HelloMD, has found that using hemp seed oil can not only make a sunburn virtually disappear by the next day, it also acts as a great moisturizer. Hemp seed oil’s healing properties help rebuild and refresh damaged skin. The oil is said to resemble the protein found in human blood, making it very compatible with the human body’s natural process of repair. Hemp seed oil has a smooth application and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily cleansing and moisturizing.

Hemp seed oil is also rich in vitamins A, B1, B3, D and E, and it’s filled with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and phosphorous. High levels of antioxidants help slow and prevent cell damage and are responsible for hemp seed oil’s anti-aging properties.

These findings have led to a new boom in the world of hemp seed oil cosmetics. One such brand is Carun, a UK company that focuses on various hemp items from food to skincare products.

“Active cannabinoids, such as those found in the Carun product range, have shown promise in improving a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema," said Dr. Alexis Granite, a dermatologist consultant for the brand Carun, to the Daily Mail. "Cannabinoids are powerful antioxidants that may work by reducing inflammation and especially when combined with hydrating oils may help in maintaining the skin's natural barrier function.”

Cannabis & Beauty: A Growing Trend

Beauty authorities such as Elle and The Coveteur have released articles about cannabis beauty products listing myriad products ranging from pure hemp seed oil to lipstick and perfume. What's missing from the list, however, are products made with marijuana.

Marijuana oil-based products aren't yet on the horizon for the general public. Some cannabis topicals, however, are available for medical marijuana patients to ease pain and provide stress relief. All the buzz around hemp seed oil products is just another step towards gaining a wider understanding of the positive uses of cannabis sativa.

Photo credit: The Amazings

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