Hemp oil used in care derives not from cannabis (having narcotic properties) but from Cannabis sativa L. The most valuable hemp oil is unrefined and cold-pressed at a temperature of up to 40 degrees Celsius. It has a yellow-green color and it’s famous for its valuable properties valuable to a wide range of cosmetic applications. For this reason, hemp oil is suitable for skin and hair care. What properties, use, and composition does hemp oil have?
Hemp oil and Hemp seeds
Cannabis plants grow in Central Asia. Their fibers were used for the production of paper, sails, and ropes, and the oil squeezed out of them was used to relieve skin lesions. In modern Europe, cannabis has not gained popularity in the cosmetics industry. Until recently, only the chemical industry derived from their properties and made them a popular component of paints and varnishes. This aversion to the Cannabis sativa resulted from the fear of cannabis and the ban on their cultivation. As a consequence, non-narcotic hemp plants have become infamous.
How is hemp oil obtained?
Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds. It is cold-pressed from selected varieties of these seeds. Hemp seeds contain up to 40% hemp oil. Fresh oil has a greenish color, and exposed to sunlight becomes almost colorless. Hemp oil has a pleasant, slightly nutty flavor.
Hemp oil – composition
Hemp oil according to INCI is called Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil.
Hemp oil is almost 80 percent composed of essential fatty acids (EFA), especially from:
- linoleic acid from the group of omega-6 fatty acids,
- linolenic acid from the omega-3 group. In addition, both acids have optimal proportions: the ratio of omega-6 acids to omega-3 acids is 3: 1, which allows the proper metabolism of lipids.
Hemp oil also contains other acids, that are:
- oleic,
- palmitic,
- gamma-linolenic, as well as carotene, proteins, amino acids, minerals, vitamins (A, D, E, and K), phytosterols and phospholipids. In addition, hemp oil contains a wealth of biologically active substances with anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antiseptic, antioxidant and sunscreen properties. These include tocopherol, cannabidiol and terpineol.
Hemp oil is one of the most effective vegetable oils with nourishing properties. It owes its name to its composition.
Hemp seed oil – cosmetic properties
Hemp oil rebuilds the hydro-lipid layer of the epidermis and repairs damage in the intercellular cement. As a result, the skin does not lose moisture, and the epidermis fulfills its protective functions better. In addition, thanks to the content of essential fatty acids, the hemp oil keeps the skin in good condition and increases resistance to external factors, including wind, frost, and sun.
Furthermore, hemp oil relieves inflammation at atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, and supports their treatment. What’s more, it reduces itching of the skin with dermatoses such as AD and skin allergies. Also, it minimizes the risk of irritation and discoloration, regenerates and nourishes the skin and prevents premature aging.
What’s more, hemp oil improves skin tone, regulates the secretion of sebum and restores skin elasticity and hydration. In addition, it softens and smoothes the skin, and – as a natural sunscreen – protects it from sunlight. In addition, it stimulates hair growth, enhances its shine and facilitates combing.
Hemp oil – cosmetic use
Hemp oil is rapidly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film on the skin. It can be used in a pure form directly on the skin or reach for cosmetics based on it, especially emollients for problematic skin or for the care of infants and young children. It is a popular ingredient in body lotions, soaps, face creams, and sunscreens. Hemp oil can be used for all skin types because:
- it moisturizes dry skin;
- it regulates the secretion of sebum and balances the work of sebaceous glands of oily skin;
- it replenishes the missing lipids in the case of sensitive skin;
- it prevents wrinkle formation on mature skin.
Hemp oil in the kitchen
The rich and healthy composition makes the hemp oil used not only in the care but also in the kitchen. Hemp oil can only be consumed cold. It is not allowed to heat it, and thus – use it for frying and baking. Prolonged exposure of hemp oil to high temperatures will deprive it of valuable properties. Nevertheless, it can be used to prepare and enrich the taste of many dishes. You can add it to buckwheat groats, which will eventually get a creamy flavor, or you will pour it over freshly cooked dumplings. On its base, you will prepare pesto, vegetable and quark paste as well as dips and salads. Hemp oil will give each dish a new, distinctive flavor.
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