The Top Beauty and Health Benefits of Hemp Oil
Have you heard of the benefits of hemp oil? While hemp oil has some major pros, there’s a lot of confusion out there between hemp oil, hemp seed oil and CBD oil — and what the health and beauty benefits of each are. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Differences Between Hemp Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil
While hemp oil comes from the actual cannabis plant (think leaves, flowers and stalk), hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the plant. Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids and has its respective benefits, but it’s not a good source of cannabidiol, our friend CBD.
Hemp oil, however, is full of phytocannabinoids—helpful compounds in the cannabis plant—such as CBD, and is therefore sometimes referred to as CBD oil. Some marketing claims use the terms hemp oil and hemp seed oil interchangeably, but they are sourced differently and have different properties.
The benefits of hemp oil are numerous thanks to its phytocannabinoids, one of which being tetrahydrocannabinol (better known as THC). But the way hemp oil is processed means that only negligible amounts of THC exist (0.3% to be exact), meaning CBD products won’t give you the characteristic high that THC is responsible for.
The cannabinoids present in hemp oil, on the other hand, can have other significant benefits, including many that can help support thick, luscious hair growth. Here are some of the best benefits of hemp oil.
Shop: Hemp-Infused Hair Products
Hemp Oil Can Help Lower Chronic Inflammation
We’ve seen how chronic inflammation can affect hair growth. When the body remains in a constant state of low-grade inflammation, everything is affected, including your hair health. Inflammation can affect the hair shaft, growth phases and hair follicles, all of which can inhibit hair growth and cause hair loss.
The cannabidiol compounds present in hemp oil can help lower inflammation in the body, and the benefits of hemp oil may just translate to your hair.
It’s “very likely” that CBD reaches the sebaceous glands, which are the small glands that produce oil and nourish and protect hair follicles, and reach “therapeutically significant” concentrations there. Without enough sebum—your body’s natural oil—hair can become dry and brittle, lacking the nutrients it needs for proper growth. But overproduction of oil by sebaceous glands can lead to inflammation, which isn’t good for your hair health either. Fortunately, CBD may influence homeostasis and help create a sustainable balance for healthy hair.
Read: Hemp vs. CBD Oil — What's the Difference?
Stressed Out? Hemp Oil Reduces Both Anxiety and Cortisol
CBD in hemp oil has also been shown to help reduce anxiety. As we know, stress can influence hair loss and poor hair growth, so better managing your stress can help support gorgeous hair!
Hemp oil has also been shown to help reduce cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the “fight or flight” hormone that’s released whenever we experience a real or perceived threat. Chronic stress leads your body to keep producing cortisol, which can have less-than-pleasant health effects on the body.
Cortisol has also been shown to have negative effects on hair growth, so these benefits of hemp oil may help support hair health!
Get More Beauty Sleep
Sleep is much more important than we give it credit for. Sleep helps us better manage our stress, heal tissues and process memories. Without enough sleep, your health — including your hair — can suffer. This is because lack of sleep can often lead to higher levels of cortisol in the body and more stress, which can negatively affect hair follicles, stunting new hair growth.
One of the benefits of hemp oil is that the CBD content in it can help improve your sleep quality, and it’s generally well-tolerated among people.
This is beneficial because research shows that THC, which is the active component in marijuana, can actually worsen your sleep quality in the long run, while CBD can improve sleep, particularly for short-term sleeping problems, helping you get through a bout of insomnia or a stressful time in your life without side effects.
Shop: Marula Oil for Hair
Enhance Circulation for Better Nutrient Flow
Poor circulation may not sound like a big deal, but proper blood circulation helps all the tissues in your body get the nutrients they need. Without good circulation, different parts of your body may not get adequate nourishment, including your hair: poor circulation has been linked to dry skin and hair loss, among other health problems.
Fortunately, one of the benefits of hemp oil is improved blood circulation. CBD can help improve blood flow, particularly blood flow to the head, which can help support hair follicles and ensure they get all the sustenance they need for proper hair health.
Shop: Anna Wisniewski's Top VEGAMOUR Picks
Hemp Oil Can Help Treat Chronic Pain
Hemp oil has also been shown to help treat chronic pain, which can improve your quality life and help you stress less.
Chronic pain is often very taxing on the body, and can not only influence your daily life, but your mood, your activities and can lead to more stress and anxiety, not to mention depression. These are all things that can affect your hair wellness.
Balance Antioxidants in the Body for Healthy Aging
Did you know that CBD is actually an antioxidant? Its antioxidant activity helps balance the level of oxidants and antioxidants in the body, which can help support healthy aging. This is important for hair wellness because oxidative stress—an imbalance of antioxidants and oxidants—can accelerate the aging process, including hair follicle aging, which can ultimately increase your risk for hair loss.
Also: What Is CBG? Cannabigerol Explained
May Have Beneficial Effects for Skin
The benefits of hemp oil can also extend to skin. While hemp seed oil is the oil most commonly praised for its essential fatty acids and their effect on skin health, hemp oil also has its advantages for skin.
The cannabinoids present in hemp oil may help eczema, and its anti-inflammatory effects may help acne. So CBD doesn’t just have beneficial effects for hair, but tentative research shows its potential benefits for skin as well!
Have You Tried Hemp Oil for Hair Yet?
Hemp oil has a range of benefits for your hair wellness as well as your bodily health. Have you checked out our GRO+ Advanced Gummies or our GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum, both made with full-spectrum hemp oil to nourish your locks for visible growth and thickness? Or, try both products in a kit for even more bang for your buck!
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