Understanding the topical benefits of the world’s most versatile plant.

Volume 1 – Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp. Though humans have been using the versatile hemp plant for thousands of years, it is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in recent history. This has left many in the professional skin care market begging the question, “What exactly is Hemp and why/how should I use it in my practice?”

The first recorded use of hemp can be traced back to what is now Taiwan. It is thought hemp was the first cultivated plant and may have been the commencement of agriculture. The power of trade meant seeds from the hemp plant traveled from Malaysia, to China, through Asia, to Greece, Egypt, Europe and eventually, across the ocean blue to the Americas. Some may say, it spread like a “weed.”

Hemp has been used in cultural ceremonies for thousands of years. It has also been used for textiles and paper, and as a natural fertilizer in agriculture. It has a long history of use as a nutritious food source and as ancient medicine to treat many internal and external ailments.

Hemp seeds are nutrient dense and have been shown to provide skin healing benefits for centuries. Texts from as early as 2737 B.C.E. indicate Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung, an ancient pharmacologist, pressed hemp seeds and stalks to produce oil. The concentrated extract was used to create concoctions that were applied topically to relieve symptoms ranging from arthritis to skin wounds and irritations.

It was many years later that the chemical composition of hemp seed oil was examined, and we now understand why it is one of the skin’s favorite oils.

What is Hemp Seed Oil?:

• Botanical Name: Cannabis Sativa
• Method of Extraction: Pressing/Cold pressing from grain (seed)
• Color: Ranges from yellow to dark green
• Nutrient rich
• Contains a perfectly balanced fatty acid composition:
  • Linoleic Acid (Omega-6)
    • Facilitates wound healing
    • Anti-Inflammatory
    • Sooths acne
    • Promotes moisture retention in skin and hair, prompting growth
  • Alpha-Linoleic Acid (Omega 3)
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Soothes irritated skin
  • Gamma-Linolenic Acid (Omega 6)
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Nourishes skin
    • Supports healthy skin cell production and hair growth
  • Oleic Acid (Omega 9)
    • Maintains softness and suppleness of skin and hair
    • Anti-oxidant
    • Reduces the appearance of aging
    • Boosts skin immunity
    • Eliminates dandruff, supports hair growth
  • Pamitic Acid
    • Has emollient properties
  • Stearic Acid
    • Cleansing properties, normalizing sebum production
    • Softens skin
    • Binds to water and oil, balances acid mantle
    • Natural preservative

Because Hemp Seed Oil’s lipid composition is similar to the skin’s barrier function, applying it topically works to balance oil (sebum) production. This makes it perfect for skin types ranging from dry-dehydrated to acne and oil prone. Additionally, hemp seed oil boasts a regenerative property that enhances elasticity and encourages healing of acne lesions, eczema and psoriasis. It works as a powerful anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant warding off internal and external stresses and shielding from free radical assaults. Because it mimics the skin’s acid mantle, hemp seed oil works to lock in moisture and hydration, preventing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and promoting a calm and balanced complexion. It is an amazingly skin nutritive oil that conditions the skin and even strengthens hair.

Products containing hemp seed oil are excellent to use in homecare and in the treatment room. Lira utilizes the power of hemp seed oil in the following products:

Mystiq Illuminating Beauty Oil:  The Illuminating Beauty Oil from the Mystiq Line uses several complimentary ingredients, making this a power product must have. The magic of Mastiha compliments the power of hemp seed oil by strengthening the skin’s immune system, adding to the anti-inflammatory properties and working to help brighten the skin. Argan and Baobab are also protective, reparative oils and compliment hemp’s natural skin hydration factor. Add the dynamic duo of lipid soluble Vitamin C (BV-OSC) and Pomegranate Oil to the antioxidant properties of hemp seed oil, and free radicals will not stand a chance.  The anti-aging properties of Sea Buckthorn Oil, the collagen reparative effects of Cut Leaf Ground Cherry and the lightening properties of Madonna Lilly Plant stem cells work with hemp seed oil to bring brightness and balance to any skin type.

In the treatment room, the Mystiq Illuminating Beauty Oil can be used to customize masques and moisturizers, for facial massage, as a dermaplane barrier or as a stand-alone power product post enzyme and chemical peel.

At home, this dry oil can be used to balance acne/oily skin, or to lock in moisture for dry/dehydrated skin. Use it by itself or add a few drops into your favorite Lira moisturizer to customize hydration for any season. Its versatility makes it a home-care “must have” product.

Spa Body Nourishing Oil:  The Lira Spa Body Nourishing Oil brings the dream team of Hemp Seed, Argan, Coconut and Rosa Canina Oil complimented by Papyrus Plant Stem Cell work to lock in precious hydration into the skin. Lipid soluble Vitamin C (BV-OSC) and Vitamin A encourage skin regeneration, ensuring your skin is radiant and fresh from head to toe.

In the treatment room, the Spa Body Nourishing Oil can be used as an oil pre-cleanse to remove heavy makeup. It works beautifully to compliment any facial service with a neck, shoulder and décolleté massage, or as an all over body massage medium. This oil can also be used to hydrate the scalp or add shine and vibrancy to hair.

At home, this oil can be used as a soothing scalp treatment, or to add shine and vibrancy to your lovely locks. For the body, use it as a luxurious daily body moisturizer or, add a few drops to the Lira Body Silk Soufflé for added hydration and glow.

There are many powerful properties of Hemp. As with any plant, it all begins with a seed. Hemp seed oil has a long and proven history of topical benefit. Lira intentionally incorporates this nourishing oil, along with other skin healing ingredients, in thoughtfully formulated products for maximum skin benefit.

Watch our video where our education specialist Ella Cress talks about the benefits of hemp seed oil:

Stay tuned for additional “Hemp! Hemp! Hooray!” volumes as we explore the many other healing properties of Hemp.