Hemp oil is having a real moment. Long overlooked because of its association with the rather controversial image of cannabis, it is making a comeback in our kitchens… and our bathrooms! Where does it come from, what does it contain, and how can you use it in your cooking, your beauty routine and on your hair? Here’s a closer look at this pretty green oil, packed with qualities and good for almost everything!
What is hemp oil?
Hemp is a subspecies of plants of the Cannabis sativa species. It is cultivated for industrial, textile or agricultural use. In general it is selected for the size of its stem (textile) and its low THC content (the ‘strong’ psychotropic substance in cannabis, consumed for recreational purposes). Please note that hemp also contains very little CBD, around 3 to 4%. The cannabidiol extracts currently marketed are generally derived from cannabis plants cultivated for other purposes.
Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds. It is used, among other things, in human food and in cosmetics. Very popular until the 19th century, it gradually sank into oblivion, until regaining popularity in recent years.
The unique composition of hemp oil
Hemp seeds are nutritionally rich. Thus the hulled seed contains:
- 9% carbohydrates
- 49% lipids, well balanced between saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids
- 31% proteins, sources of 8 essential amino acids
- Vitamins – group B, A, C, E
- Many minerals
Hemp oil therefore has dietetic qualities, since it is a reliable and well-balanced source of omega-3, -6 and -9. Thus, it contains approximately:
- 8% saturated fats, including stearic acid and palmitic acid
- 55% linoleic acid (omega-6)
- 15% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)
- 12% oleic acid (omega-9)
Hemp oil: its qualities on your plate and in your beauty routine
1- On your plate
An oil rich in essential fatty acids
The main benefit of hemp vegetable oil is undoubtedly its unique nutritional composition: a combination of several essential fatty acids. If you have any questions about your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor. It is consumed raw, as a seasoning, because it tolerates heat very poorly. Its subtle nutty flavour makes it the ideal partner for salads, tabbouleh, vegetables and carpaccios.
Choosing your hemp oil
Check the product information for the composition of the oil you choose. For any questions about cardiovascular risks, such as atherosclerosis (build-up of cholesterol on the artery walls), heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor. Hemp oil therefore easily finds its place on our plate, as part of a varied diet!
An oil to use raw
Another feature of hemp oil: it does not tolerate heat well. It is therefore used raw, as a dressing, and kept somewhere cool, away from light. Its nutty flavour goes well with salads and vegetables: hemp vegetable oil fits easily into a varied diet.
A few points about a varied diet
Vitamin and mineral intake should be considered as part of a varied diet. A few points to keep in mind:
- Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine.
- For any questions about stress, ask your doctor.
- Magnesium is a mineral the body does not produce: it comes only from dietary intake.
When to ask your doctor
For anything relating to your muscles, cramps or a possible deficiency, ask your doctor.
2- In your beauty routine
The mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in hemp oil are valuable for taking care of the skin. In fact, these essential fatty acids, which the body cannot produce, contribute to:
- Reconstituting ceramides, which play a key role in the maintenance and fluidity of cell membranes (linoleic acid).
- Limiting water loss from the skin and preserving the hydrolipidic film.
- Maintaining the elasticity of the skin (alpha-linolenic acid).
Hemp oil is therefore an oil:
- Very revitalising for tired skin
- Calming, particularly in cases of redness and irritation
- Firming and softening, ideal for massaging dimpled areas as part of an anti-cellulite routine
- Very emollient, while being dry and fast-absorbing, therefore perfect for daily massages
A treatment for dimpled areas
It is for its firming and revitalising qualities in skincare that Cellublue has decided to incorporate hemp vegetable oil in the composition of its Psychedelic Cellulite Gel.
The gel is also enriched with green coffee, which is rich in caffeine. Applied every day to areas prone to dimpling, the gel becomes part of your skincare routine:
- It nourishes the skin and is part of your routine if you want smoother-looking skin.
- It is applied directly to dimpled areas as part of your daily skincare routine.
- It pairs easily with daily anti-cellulite massages, a moment to take care of areas prone to orange-peel skin.
For combination to oily skin
Hemp oil, which penetrates quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy finish, is particularly appreciated for taking care of combination to oily skin. With jojoba and hazelnut oils, it is one of the rare vegetable oils that can be used on problem skin, without exacerbating oiliness (excessive sebum secretion). In addition, it has a reputation for being soothing. So, when you have oily-prone skin, it is in your best interest to integrate hemp oil into your facial beauty routine. In the event of acne, which is an inflammatory disease, ask a dermatologist for advice.
For your hair
Hemp vegetable oil is also popular for the hair and scalp. Its light texture is particularly suitable for fine, limp and/or dull hair, to which it provides density and shine. It also works well to smooth unruly hair and helps define curls. It can be used in a scalp massage, combined with castor oil. In an oil bath, added to shampoo or as a special mask for split ends, hemp oil is truly the friend of beautiful hair!
As a facial treatment
Hemp oil is a natural oil combining fatty acids, provitamins A and vitamin E. Emollient, it can therefore be used pure on the face, particularly as an after-sun or evening treatment, especially in cases of skin dryness. But it can also be used in the composition of home care products, combined with another oil and/or essential oils (carrot, Damask rose, ladaniferous cistus, Ho wood, etc.). It will revitalise tired skin, for radiant skin.
Frequently asked questions
Does hemp oil contain THC?
Hemp grown for its seeds is generally selected for its low THC content, THC being the psychoactive substance in cannabis. It also contains very little CBD. Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds and is used both in food and in cosmetics.
How should you eat hemp oil?
It should be eaten raw, as a dressing, as it really doesn’t tolerate heat well. Its nutty flavour goes well with salads, tabbouleh, vegetables and carpaccios. It can be part of a varied diet, but it’s no substitute for medical advice if you have any health questions.
How do you use hemp oil on your skin and hair?
On the face, apply it neat as an evening treatment or after sun exposure. It suits combination to oily skin well, as it doesn’t leave a greasy finish. On hair, use it as a pre-wash oil treatment, add it to your shampoo, apply it as a mask for the ends or massage it into your scalp with castor oil.
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Useful sections: Anti-cellulite care, Anti-cellulite solutions.
