Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Hydration
Hemp seed oil has modest human trial support for skin dryness, with the best data in atopic dermatitis rather than cosmetic hydration.
Overview
Verdict
Small trials show benefit; dose is culinary, not capsule.
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 15–30 ml (1–2 tbsp) cold-pressed oil daily, unheated
- Expected timeframe
- 8–20 weeks in the atopic dermatitis trial
Protocol
- form
- Cold-pressed hemp seed oil, stored refrigerated and away from light - it is high in polyunsaturated fats and oxidises readily. Note that hemp seed oil is not CBD oil and contains negligible cannabinoids
- duration
- 8-12 weeks for oral use; 4 weeks topically
- co factor
- Take oral hemp oil with food; apply topical oil to damp skin to trap moisture. Evidence is mixed and thin. Hemp seed oil has an unusual fatty acid profile - roughly a 3:1 ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid plus gamma-linolenic acid - and linoleic acid is a precursor for ceramides in the skin barrier, so the rationale is reasonable. One small randomised crossover trial in atopic dermatitis found that dietary hemp seed oil reduced dryness, itchiness and topical medication use over 20 weeks. Beyond that, human evidence is very limited, and applied topically hemp oil functions as an emollient much like any other plant oil. Regular emollient use has stronger evidence than the choice of oil.
- titration
- Increase oral intake gradually to avoid loose stools
- starting dose
- One tablespoon (15 ml) daily with food, increasing to two, or apply topically twice daily after washing
Evidence
What the studies say
Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis
Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I +4 more
Hempseed oil increased plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced skin dryness, itchiness and dermal medication use.
Safety
Caveats
Persistent dry, itchy skin can indicate eczema, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, diabetes or, when generalised and severe, liver or kidney disease - worth assessing rather than treating indefinitely with oil. Weeping, crusted or rapidly spreading skin suggests infection and needs medical care. Safety: hemp seed oil is a food and is well tolerated, but it has mild antiplatelet activity from its polyunsaturated content, so use caution at high oral doses with warfarin, DOACs, aspirin and clopidogrel. High oral intakes cause loose stools. It oxidises easily - discard if it smells rancid, since oxidised oils are pro-inflammatory. Patch test before applying widely, particularly with atopic skin. Hemp seed oil contains only trace cannabinoids and should not cause drug test issues, though contaminated products have occasionally caused positive results. There are no specific safety concerns in pregnancy at food quantities, but avoid high-dose supplementation. Avoid with hemp or cannabis allergy.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.