Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the healthiest, nontoxic, and abundant sources of oil. Beauty products made from organic, cold-pressed hempseed oil are great for skin, scalp, nails, and hair because they are an excellent source of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6.
Since our dietary intake of omega-6 (n-6 linoleic) essential fatty acid has doubled since the 1850s, the intake of omega-3 (n-3 alpha-linolenic) essential fatty acid is either too low or inadequate in most of the population. This imbalance of EFAs contributes to increased incidence of dry skin, dandruff, eczema and psoriasis-like inflammatory skin conditions, acne, cracked heels, toxic deposits in the skin, and increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Dr. Udo Erasmus, author of Fats That Heal and Fats That Kill (alive Books, 2005), draws a correlation between essential fatty acids and healthy skin. A balanced intake of EFAs is an important part of a nutritional program for healthy, radiant skin.
According to an Italian study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, hempseed oil has positive effects on the skin—its unsaturated essential fatty acids do indeed alleviate dryness and conditions related to aging.
