Hemp oil and CBD-infused lotions, creams, and oils are becoming increasingly useful in skincare, and for good reason!
Face oils, bath salts, lotions, creams, and balms infused with hemp oil, cannabis, CBD (cannabidiol), or hemp extract are quickly revolutionizing how we approach skin health and beauty care. We are now also finding that both applying hemp oil topically and taking it internally could benefit our skin health.
But first, there is a difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, and it is important to understand this when using these oils in skincare.
What is CBD?
CBD is a term signifying a component of the cannabis plant that comes with the much-talked-about anti-inflammatory benefits. We have begun seeing it in everything from skin-care products to high-vibe tinctures. It’s extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the cannabis plant.
Cannabidiol – known as CBD – is a safe, nonaddictive substance and is one of over a hundred active compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is well known as an analgesic for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect first-line natural medicine to help reduce pain and inflammation. Prior to the body of scientific research now emerging from around the world, the cannabis plant was used for centuries to successfully provide pain relief for muscle aches, joints, headaches, and to aid a variety of skin conditions that include rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also be applied topically to heal sunburns, bug bites, and cuts.
It is believed that Cannabidiol and numerous other Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant are the phytonutrients responsible for these positive health benefits for the skin and body.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is a cold-pressed oil that comes from seeds, meaning there is no cannabidiol in it whatsoever. “Hemp seed oil, sometimes referred to as cannabis Sativa seed oil, is perfectly good seed oil that’s high in antioxidants, omega-3, and -6 fatty acids, but contains no CBD,” explains Capobianco. “Hemp seed or cannabis Sativa seed oil has been available in health food stores for decades and abundantly present in smoothies and skincare.” In terms of skincare, it is a powerful moisturizer! It shows up on the product label as hemp seed oil, cannabis Sativa (hemp) seed oil, virgin hemp oil, and hemp oil.
Hemp oil is “generally viewed as a superfood and is great for adding nutritional value to your diet,” added Capobianco. “In terms of skincare, it’s known as a powerful moisturizer and skin softener that doesn’t clog pores or contribute to oily skin—it has a comedogenic rating of zero.” That makes it perfect for even the most acne-prone skin.
Taking into account these differences, a decision can be made as to which oil will better suit your needs. While CBD offers a redness-reducing “calming” anti-inflammatory, hemp oil can provide some much-needed smoothness and moisture on those ridiculously dry days without clogging pores and contributing to acne (a major complaint of coconut oil.)
One of the major factors in the common skin ailment known as acne is an excess of oil production in the sebaceous glands. Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) (which is the larger system of receptors and enzymes that cannabinoids interact in our body) plays a role in the skin’s oil balance. This makes a lot of sense when you learn that the ECS has been described as a “master regulatory system” that helps maintain our body’s homeostasis. Research has also shown that certain cannabinoids can decrease oil production directly. CBD oil may be able to help reduce acne and the inflammation surrounding the skin condition! But hemp oil can help too by putting much-needed moisture into the skin and helping prevent the overproduction of natural oils.
The Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
A big concern is that many people continue to confuse the oils as the same thing. “The biggest issue is that hemp seed oil and CBD are two totally different compounds that come from different parts of the hemp plant, have different makeups, and different benefits,” says Lewis. “Marketing them as the same thing just isn’t accurate and does a disservice to consumers who are expecting certain benefits that they won’t get from hemp seed oil and who are often paying more for what they think is CBD.”
It is easy to see how so many can mix up the two oils, but just remember, both are wellness products and it won’t hurt you if you accidentally get the wrong one, although that might be frustrating.
I know personally, that CBD oil has helped relieve my dry red flakey winter skin. I live in a brutally cold winter climate and the effects have been nothing short of relieving. Although once summer rolls around, I may make the switch to hemp oil, as the added moisture and softness on hot dry days may suit me better. But it is safe to use both!
There is still not enough conclusive evidence to show whether applying hemp oil of cannabis-based skin products topically is more effective than taking an oral tincture or supplement capsule. But the good news is that hemp oil and CBD oil are both completely natural and generally considered very safe to use. It’s difficult to find a downside to using either oil. There’s also no real downside to taking the oils internally as opposed to applying them directly on the skin. So why not try one or both in your skincare regimen today?
For more information on CBD oil, please see our CBD Oil Resource Center
*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to treat, cure, or diagnose any ailment, illness, or other health concerns. Contact your doctor if you have any medical concerns or supplement questions.