Cannabis in skincare may be seen as a marijuana marketing technique, yet the plant is full of ingredients that are useful in more than just a joint.
Hemp hails from eastern Asia, and it can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India and China, where it was used in medicine as an anti-aging product. It was also used to stimulate and enhance blood circulation. Both hemp and cannabis come from different parts of the cannabis Sativa plant. Despite its association with cannabis, hemp is free of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the hallucinogenic associated with marijuana.
Hemp in skincare 
Our skin protects us against viruses, bacteria, and excess water loss. Collagen provides firmness and elasticity for our skin. After the age of 20, our skin production of collagen drops 1% per year and this leads to the skin appearing thinner and more brittle. Aging also comes with drier skin and the process is accelerated due to sun exposure.
Though all things considered, our skin can sometimes fail to do its job and so skincare products come into play. Scientists are uncovering many uses for marijuana, and there’s a growing body of research revealing its effects on our skin. The notion of marijuana in skincare may seem like another argument to legalize the drug, yet this is not the case. Hemp has been a fixture in skincare products for a number of years. Furthermore, pesticides and herbicides are not used in the farming of hemp seed, so there is no fear of pesticide residue in your skincare products.
What does the research say?
A 1998 National Academy of Sciences study claimed that hemp is a more powerful antioxidant when compared to Vitamins E and C. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules that can cause aging as well as skin cancer. The balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seeds is seen as the perfect ingredient for healthy cell production and good skin health. Hemp seeds can also produce hemp oil and this multipurpose oil is full of essential nutrients. The oil can be used for hair care- promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. The oil can also relieve itchiness and dryness as well as prevent dandruff from forming. As it improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, the oil will help keep scalp infections away.
Hemp seed oil is great for your beauty regime as it is non-comedogenic, and it penetrates the skin easily. The oil helps with moisture loss, premature aging, and it also alleviates skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. According to a Journal of Dermatological Treatment study, hemp seed helped to alleviate symptoms of dermatitis after 20 weeks. Click here to find out more.
Hemp in our diets
Hemp oil can be used to cook and prepare food. It is low in saturated fat and this makes it a better option than butter. It also contains sitosterol which can help lower cholesterol and this, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease. The antioxidant properties found in the oil can help prevent cell damage and are also anti-cancer agents. The oil also contains vitamins and minerals ranging from calcium and potassium to Vitamins B-6 and E.
A 2007 study viewed hemp as a viable protein alternative for individuals who avoid animal products. The protein can be digested and used more efficiently due to the concentration of its amino acids. The protein digestibility of the seed was greater than, and equal to, other protein sources such as grains and nuts. As beneficial as hemp seeds are, they are also high in calories with 170 calories per 3-tablespoon serving. It is suggested that you use them in small portions and preferably use them as your sole protein source.
Does hemp make smoking cannabis a healthier option?
Smoking from marijuana can be detrimental to the skin, speeding up the aging process. Furthermore, it produces toxic by-products – namely free radicals and carcinogens. Smoke can also interfere with collagen production and this can
lead to dry and brittle skin. If you suffer from psoriasis, smoking marijuana can worsen the condition. Smoking marijuana can also affect your testosterone levels, which impacts sebum production.
Want to know more? Click here to find out why mushrooms have fantastic anti-aging effects.
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