Hemp seed oil is used in lotions, salves, balms, shampoos, soaps, etc. because of its topical healing properties and emollient characteristics.

Hemp seed oil contains over 50% Linoleic acid, which is a clinically proven anti-inflammatory beneficial for laser-treated or peeled, stressed, acne-prone, sun-damaged and aging skin. While other oils such as flax, evening primrose, borage, sunflower and jojoba contain EFA's or gamma-linolenic acid, hemp seed oil has major advantages in that it is the only high EFA oil that contains both. Further, hemp seed oil contains what is considered to be an ideal ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids- 3:1, perfectly matching the needs of the human body.

Although the cosmetic industry claims generic use of unsaturated or essential fatty acids as beneficial to the skin, only the EFA linoleic acid and its metabolite gamma-linoleic acid have clinically proven biochemical and therapeutic effects on the skin. Hemp seed oil contains 50%-60% linoleic acid and is the only high EFA oil that also contains GLA.

Because its EFA profile so closely resembles the skin's natural lipids, hemp seed oil instantly counteracts the effects of dehydration, a condition that produces dry skin. Its ability to quickly moisturize and condition the skin, makes hemp seed oil a choice ingredient for soft healthy skin.

The skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from excessive water loss and from penetration by foreign substances and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The optimal state of the skin is characterized by a balanced ratio of skin lipids to skin moisture. The health of skin depends largely on moisture retention provided by the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the epidermis. The weakening or failure of this natural barrier can be caused by sun, dry air, harsh soaps, free radical damage or the slowdown of cell metabolism with aging. The result is changes to the lipid composition of the epidermis and reduced moisture retention capability. Lipids are composed of fat-like substances including sterols, free fatty acids and ceramides. Chemically speaking, ceramides are a class of substances that contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids that make up about 18% of the upper lipophylic layers of the stratum corneum. Ceramide 1, found in the Omega-6 linoleic acid, is of critical importance to the moisture control of the skin. Due to its superior EFA profile that closely resembles the skin's natural lipids, hemp seed oil, when topically applied, replenishes skin with these essential components, thus increasing moisture retention.

The proteins used in personal care products have traditionally been derived from collagen or keratin. However, there has been an increasing demand for proteins that are vegetable derived. Whole hemp seed contains about 23% protein. Hemp seed protein contains all nine (out of 20) essential amino acids and features a high content of the two sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine, usually under-represented in vegetable proteins.

Clinical studies have shown PUFAs, specifically Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA) and Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), when applied externally, can alleviate or even remedy skin problems such as dryness, atopic eczema and psoriasis. These tests have shown specifically that the effects of dry skin; scaling or cracking that can be caused by essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency can be reversed by skin care products containing Omega-6 fatty acids, thus reducing the potential of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). The proven anti-inflammatory properties of LA and GLA can further aid in the healing of minor skin irritation and disease.

Aging

Young and properly functioning skin has plenty of ceramides. With age or skin disease, ceramide levels decrease. The polyunsaturated fatty acids that make ceramides flexible are replaced by less saturated fatty acids. This slower metabolism contributes to the formation of wrinkles and overall skin aging. The topical application of LA fatty acids work as an anti-inflammatory and partially compensates for lower ceramide levels in the skin thus reducing the appearance of aging or inflamed skin. With menopause, estrogen levels drop and within one year skin structure shows significant signs of aging. Since estrogen supports and protects skin structure, menopause results in decreased barrier protection, heightened sensitivity, increased wrinkling, scaling and dryness, inflammation and loss of firmness and flexibility of the skin.
Hemp seed oil softens, soothes and promotes flexibility by working between surface cells, helping to lubricate, reduce flaking and revive the skin's intercellular lipids.

Acne

Acne is the most common disease of the skin, affects all ages and can be aggravated by many factors including cosmetics, stress, pregnancy, and diet. It is caused by a hormone imbalance and thus cannot be healed externally. However, clinical studies have shown that skin care products containing GLA and LA have been found effective in the therapeutic treatment of acne skin conditions by repressing the inflammation and thus preventing or alleviating "breakouts." Because it is a light oil, hemp seed oil is able to penetrate the skin while leaving a non-occlusive film on the skin surface, promoting a velvety smooth, non-oily feel without the sensation of wetness.

Sun Care

Hemp seed oil is especially beneficial after sun care because of its excellent spreadability and skin moisturizing properties. Hemp seed oil contains over 50% Linoleic acid, which is a clinically proven anti-inflammatory, beneficial for stressed, sun-damaged skin.