The word ‘hemp’ can mean a few different things in this day and age. It can mean CBD oil, hemp seed oil or hemp essential oil – all of which have their own specific uses and benefits for hair, skin and body. Hemp has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal herb, and in fact Queen Victoria was known to have used it to relieve her period pain.
Today, hemp is still cultivated for industrial use, such as paper, insulation and rope, but it’s also found in a variety of health and beauty products – including skincare, supplements and dietary oils. Hemp seed oil is dark green in colour, has a pleasant nutty flavour and contains a healthy serving of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant by cold-pressing and then filtering the resultant liquid. It’s a common ingredient in skincare products, especially face masks and cleansers as it delivers super-hydrating benefits without clogging pores.
Hemp is rich in linoleic acid, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ’bad’ cholesterol levels. This is great news for those with high cholesterol, as it can lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Hemp seed oil is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ease the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Hemp oil is also a powerful emollient, which means it hydrates the skin and helps to soften it. This makes it a good choice for dry skin and can help to alleviate the itching associated with some conditions such as psoriasis. The oil is also rich in vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties that can fight free radicals that can damage your cells and speed up the signs of ageing.
You can find hemp oil in a wide range of Garnier products, from cleansing facial wipes to moisturisers. Our Hemp Multi-Restore Facial Sleeping Oil is a nourishing and restorative treatment that can help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin feeling fresh and radiant.
Hemp seed oil is a versatile oil that can be used as part of your everyday diet. It can be added to salad dressings, smoothies and dips or taken by itself as a daily supplement. It’s recommended to consume 1-2 teaspoons per day for maximum benefit. Clearspring Hemp Oil is made from high quality European grown organic hemp seeds and is cold pressed for nutritional value. It’s rich in ALA and can help to reduce cholesterol (2g a day), as well as vitamin E and essential fatty acids (Omega 3 & 6) which are crucial for healthy skin and hair. It can be used for cooking, but it loses its nutritional value at high temperatures so is best enjoyed raw. Holland and Barrett recommends storing it in a cool, dark place. The oil can be purchased online or at selected stores nationwide. Hemp Oil UK
