Hemp or CBD – Which is better for your skin?

The world of beauty and skincare products has gone crazy for hemp and CBD products this last year! And it’s about time too!

Both hemp seed oil and CBD-based products can do amazing things for your skin. Should you choose hemp or CBD – which is better for your skin? In this blog, we are going to show you exactly what to do!

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Instead, CBD is praised for its potential therapeutic properties, ranging from pain relief to anxiety reduction. But how does it fare in the realm of skincare?

What is Hemp?

Hemp, on the other hand, refers to the industrial form of cannabis. It’s cultivated for a variety of uses, from textiles to food products. Hemp seed oil, extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its rich nutrient profile.

What are Hemp and CBD Oils? Are They the Same Thing?

While they may come from the exact same plant, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are entirely different compounds, with very different effects!

To start with, CBD oil is a type of hemp-based oil that is very rich in cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). It all gets a little bit confusing because CBD is extracted and/or distilled from hemp plants.

On the other hand, hemp seed oil is made exclusively from the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds don’t contain the high levels of CBD and other cannabinoids that you get after extraction.  But they are still packed with natural goodness in the form of vitamins, omegas, and fatty acids!

For a more in-depth look at the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, click here to view our recent blog post on this exact topic!

Hemp Seed Oil for Better Skin

So, let’s firstly look at how and why hemp seed oil can be so good for your skin!

Hemp seed oil is packed full of vitamin E and fatty acids like Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. All of these are essential to keeping your skin looking amazing!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is hugely beneficial to your skin and is found in abundance in hemp seed oil. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, encourage skin cell function and repair, and be a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E has also been shown to reduce the effects of UV damage to the skin. This is because prolonged exposure to the sun (and therefore UV) lowers your vitamin E levels. Therefore, it is harder for your body to repair and produce new skin cells!

Fatty Acids

It might sound like there could be nothing worse for your skin than ‘fatty acids, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Fatty acids in the form of Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 all do wonderful things for your skin!

For example, consuming Omegas has been shown to help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-6, in particular, contains high levels of gamma-linolenic acids (GLA), which encourages new skin cell growth and repair on top of its anti-inflammatory properties!

Whereas Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids, Omega-9 is a non-essential fatty acid. But, that is not to say that it isn’t beneficial for your skin!

Most people get Omega-9 through their diet from fish, nuts, and olive oil. Omega-9 helps your body produce stronger skin and hair cells. It has also been linked with reductions in cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer! Think about those long-living, beautiful Mediterranean’s and their high oil diet!

The Key Benefits

• Anti-Inflammatory
• Soothes Inflamed Skin
• Repairs and Protects Damaged Skin
• Keeps Skin Hydrated and Moisturised
• Helps Control Oily Skin
• Great for Day-to-Day Skincare

CBD Oil for Better Skin

Now let’s look at CBD oil and what it can do for your skin.

CBD oil is best known for its mind-blowing anti-inflammatory properties!

For an all-natural, side-effect-free compound, CBD is second to none in this department. And it’s for this reason that it is used by people all over the world to help them control serious skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, to name just a few.

Inflammation, Your Skin and CBD

The one thing that all of the above conditions have in common is inflammation. Unfortunately, in one form or another, inflammation always seems to rear its ugly head when it comes to skin conditions. But, this is why CBD oil can be so incredibly effective in combatting these problems and the horrible symptoms they produce!

One study in 2019 suggested that CBD could be an effective way of treating various skin conditions, including; atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, pigmentation disorders, itching, and flaking.

This is because of the effect CBD has on balancing your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which “is deeply involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, barrier formation, and regeneration”. When this system becomes dysregulated (out of balance), these problems can manifest themselves in the form of various skin conditions as a result.

CBD for Acne

Acne is the most prevalent skin condition we know of. Most of us have had it (even if it was when we were teenagers) and know how frustrating and unpleasant it can be. So many people work their way through endless products before finally trying CBD, and almost all of them wish they had started with it!

The reason CBD can be so effective against acne is that its effects are so varied, on so many levels.

The redness and swelling present with an outbreak of acne has been shown to be reduced due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil. But, on top of this, CBD has also been shown to help control excessive sebum (your skin’s natural oily barrier), which is a leading cause of acne. And, as a bonus, CBD is also known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, another common feature in an acne outbreak.

The Key Benefits

• Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
• Can Work for Serious Skin Conditions
• Controls Oily Skin
• Anti-Bacterial
• Anti-Fungal
• Reduces Redness
• Reduces Itch and Soreness
• Massive Range of Whole-Body Benefits

CBD for Skin: Benefits and Uses

CBD is hailed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here are some of the key benefits:

Reduces Inflammation

CBD can help calm the skin, reducing redness and puffiness. This makes it ideal for people with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Fights Free Radicals

As an antioxidant, CBD helps combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can accelerate skin aging.

Balances Oil Production

CBD interacts with receptors in the skin to regulate oil production, making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

CBD for the skin – How can it help?

Hemp for Skin: Benefits and Uses

Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Here are its main benefits:

Moisturizes Deeply

Hemp seed oil is an excellent moisturizer, penetrating deeply into the skin without clogging pores. This makes it perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.

Soothes and Calms

The fatty acids in hemp seed oil help to calm and soothe irritated skin, making it a favorite for sensitive skin types.

Provides Essential Nutrients

Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp seed oil nourishes the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.

So, Which is Better? Hemp or CBD Oil?

While we are very clearly biased when it comes to all things CBD, we can honestly say both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are amazing products for skincare. There is no real winner here as both compounds can produce some incredible results when it comes to healthier, clearer, and better-looking skin!

If you are looking for a daily supplement that can be taken orally or applied topically, you can definitely do a lot worse than hemp seed oil. Most of them are 100% natural (usually organic) products that don’t contain harmful chemicals or additives. Hemp seed clearly works well at giving your skin a healthy natural boost and can be great for maintaining skin that is already looking good and healthy. It also seems to help with some minor skin conditions, and some people have great results with it!

CBD, on the other hand, can be a powerful, life-changing product. There are tonnes of evidence, both scientifically and anecdotally, to show that it can completely clear up severe skin conditions that people have lived and suffered with for years. When you take CBD oil, you aren’t just getting a boost to the well-being of your skin either! CBD has been shown to have a crazy amount of whole body and wellbeing benefits that are just waiting to be discovered! Check out our blog by clicking here to explore the massive range of benefits that CBD can have!

You Don’t Have to Pick!

We’ve saved the best bit of news until last here – you don’t have to pick one or the other!

It is perfectly safe to take both CBD oil and hemp seed oil at the same time! Neither product will negatively impact the other, and they will only enhance the potential benefits that each can have for you! For example, you may find that your skin responds better to hemp seed oil, but you feel other benefits like better sleep or help with anxiety with CBD!

So, if you still don’t know which you’d rather take – don’t choose and take both!

More from our blogs

• CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil
• Is CBD Anti-ageing?
• CBD Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil
• Law on CBD in Spain and the EU
• CBD with vitamin D can optimize your health!

CBD vs. Hemp: Key Differences

While both CBD and hemp seed oil offer significant skin benefits, they are distinct in their compositions and effects.

Source and Composition

CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the cannabis plant, whereas hemp seed oil comes from the seeds. This means CBD contains cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system, while hemp seed oil is mainly a nutrient-rich oil.

Primary Benefits

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for treating specific skin conditions. Hemp seed oil excels in moisturizing and nourishing the skin, making it suitable for everyday skincare.

Which is Better for Acne?

CBD or hemp for acne? Let’s break it down:

CBD for Acne

CBD’s ability to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation makes it effective in treating acne. It can help reduce the occurrence of breakouts and soothe existing blemishes.

Hemp for Acne

Hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This, combined with its moisturizing properties, can help keep the skin balanced and prevent acne flare-ups.

Which is Better for Anti-Aging?

Both CBD and hemp have anti-aging benefits, but which one is superior?

CBD for Anti-Aging

CBD’s antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radical damage, which can accelerate aging. It also promotes collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hemp for Anti-Aging

Hemp seed oil’s nutrient-rich profile helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, essential for youthful-looking skin. Its fatty acids also promote healthy cell membrane production.

Which is Better for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin requires gentle care. So, which is better: CBD or hemp?

CBD for Sensitive Skin

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a gentle option for sensitive skin. It can help reduce redness and irritation without causing further sensitivity.

Hemp for Sensitive Skin

Hemp seed oil’s soothing properties and rich nutrient content make it a great choice for calming sensitive skin. Its moisturizing effect also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.

How to Choose the Right Product

When deciding between CBD and hemp products, consider your skin type and concerns.

Identify Your Skin Concerns

Are you dealing with acne, dryness, aging, or sensitivity? Your primary skin concern should guide your choice.

Read the Labels

Ensure the product clearly states whether it contains CBD or hemp seed oil. Look for third-party testing to verify the CBD content.

Consider the Formulation

Products with CBD are typically labeled as containing “CBD” or “cannabidiol.” Hemp seed oil products will mention “hemp seed oil” or “cannabis sativa seed oil.”

Potential Side Effects

Both CBD and hemp seed oil are generally well-tolerated, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

CBD Side Effects

Some people may experience dryness, changes in appetite, or fatigue when using CBD products.

Hemp Seed Oil Side Effects

Hemp seed oil is typically safe, but overuse can lead to greasy skin or mild irritation for some individuals.

How to Use CBD and Hemp in Your Skincare Routine

Integrating CBD or hemp into your skincare routine is straightforward.

Start Slow

Begin with a small amount to see how your skin reacts. Gradually increase usage as needed.

Use Complementary Products

Pair CBD or hemp products with other gentle skincare items to enhance their benefits without overwhelming your skin.

Monitor Your Skin

Pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine accordingly.

Conclusion

So, which is better for your skin: CBD or hemp? The answer depends on your individual skin needs. CBD excels in targeting specific skin concerns like inflammation and acne, while hemp seed oil is a fantastic all-around moisturizer and skin soother. Both have their unique benefits, and the best choice will depend on what you’re looking to achieve with your skincare.

FAQ

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Hanne - The Real CBD

I am a certified expert in Medicinal Cannabis. We are all about giving correct and trustworthy information. We know how important it is to learn about CBD and cannabis, which is why we want to be your go-to source for trustworthy information. We help you improve your health by using our knowledge and experience as a starting point.