Hemp Oil Benefits for Skin

I use this CBD massage oil in our massage clinic, our clients love it and some use it in their regular home-care routine. It smells fantastic and has a luxurious feel; the color is green like the plant, and is very earthy. We have been using this product for several months with positive feedback from our clients. I use it personally and I highly recommend this CBD oil as it is a superior and quality oil, made in Montana! - Katie M., Kalispell MT

Antioxidant benefits

Hemp seeds - and therefore hemp seed oil - are rich in natural antioxidants such as phytosterols, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds [ 5].

Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 6]. ROS such as free radicals are an unavoidable byproduct of cellular metabolism, and if left unchecked, they will wreak havoc on our cells, leading to damage and even cell death.

Our body’s antioxidant system is responsible for neutralizing ROS, which play a significant role in the pathology of various chronic conditions including cancer, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular problems, dermatological diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and immunity issues [ 7].

Research suggests that the antioxidants found in hemp seed oil are effective at supplementing our body’s natural antioxidant defenses and mitigating various types of ROS [ 8].

Just as there are different types of antioxidants with varying mechanisms of action, there are also different types of ROS that behave in different ways. Thus, not all antioxidants are effective at neutralizing all ROS [ 9].

Specific types of antioxidants have an affinity for specific types of ROS. For example, tocopherols found in hemp seed oil act as antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids [ 10].

In order to mitigate the negative effects of all of the different ROS produced by the body, it’s important to consume a variety of antioxidants.

Mitochondrial function benefits

Hemp contains various compounds that support mitochondrial function including linoleic and oleic acids as well as various vitamins and minerals.

Maintaining healthy mitochondrial function is of critical importance to skin health and regeneration. Manifestations of skin aging such as wrinkles, dryness, and discoloration are a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction [ 11].

Increasing evidence in support of the close association between mitochondria and skin health has led both clinicians and aestheticians to consider mitochondria as a therapeutic target for skin health.

In a recent study, researchers were able to reverse wrinkly skin in mice with compromised mitochondria by restoring their mitochondrial function [ 12].

One way to restore mitochondrial function is by promoting mitochondrial fusion, a process by which 2 damaged mitochondria with different genetic defects fuse together to create one healthy mitochondrion.

Fusion counteracts cellular ageing and DNA damage by allowing the compromised mitochondria to individually encode what the other lacks, thus generating all of the necessary genetic components for a functional mitochondrion [ 13].

Oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid found in hemp oil may be one way to promote fusion. Researchers have shown that oleate, a salt ester of oleic acid, promotes mitochondrial fusion enabling genetic complementation which restores mitochondrial function [ 14].

The energy generated by mitochondrial respiration is necessary for skin cell renewal and cells cannot regenerate without it’s constant supply. However, mitochondrial respiration also inevitably produces reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage and lead to mitochondrial dysfunction if they are not neutralized by the antioxidant system.

Hemp oil is rich in various antioxidants that target and neutralize reactive oxygen species to prevent associated damage. This helps enable the regeneration of skin cells without the negative consequences of oxidative stress from respiration.

Collagen benefits

Hemp seed oil is rich in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, the amino acids that make up collagen, which makes up approximately 30% of the proteins in your body ( 15).

Collagen fibers lend structure and flexibility to our skin and other parts of our body such as bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and others. However, after we turn 20 years old, studies suggest that our skin produces about 1% less collagen each year thereafter.

Researchers have found that hemp seed oil can promote collagen biosynthesis in vitro as well as that it can inhibit the activity of MMP-9, a compound that degrades collagen [ 16].

MMP-9 is a type of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) which degrades several extracellular matrix components such as type I and IV collagen, which contribute to the structure and mechanical properties of tissues [ 16]. By inhibiting MMP-9 and thus preventing it from degrading our collagen, hemp seed oil may help to preserve existing collagen stores.

Collagen synthesis plays an important role in skin regeneration and wound healing. The findings showing hemp seed oil’s ability to promote collagen synthesis, suggest it has the potential to improve skin healing and regenerative processes at a cellular level.

Because it is rich in antioxidants, hemp seed oil also helps prevent free radicals from damaging cells and leads to collagen and elastic fiber breakdown.