When it comes to natural oils for hair and skin, there are a few key players that always seem to come up in the conversation. Hemp oil and black seed oil are two of those oils, and both have their own unique set of benefits. So which one is better? In this post, we'll take a closer look at hemp oil vs black seed oil to help you decide which is best for you.
Hemp oil for the skin
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant from a process of cold pressing the whole seed and is perfect for skin.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant by cold-pressing the whole seed.
It is mainly used in the creation of cosmetics, as it has beneficial properties for the skin, and therefore there is a great demand for cosmetic products with this active ingredient.
Hemp oil for the skin
Cosmetics containing hemp seed oil provide the skin with essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which strengthen its suppleness, improve moisture and help maintain its normal functions and appearance. They also contain numerous key amino acids, which help the skin generate collagen and elastin. In turn, healthy collagen and elastin production prevents wrinkles and allows the skin to retain more moisture.
Unlike other oils that coat the skin, the penetrating properties of hemp seed oil allow it to absorb. This makes it the perfect carrier oil for oil cleansing. It regenerates and revitalizes the skin faster than usual due to its richness in minerals and vitamins.
What does hemp oil do to the skin?
A combination of essential fatty acids is necessary for the production of healthy cells and healthy skin.
The omega-3 fatty acids in this hemp seed oil have an anti-inflammatory effect against aging and skin diseases. It also contains vitamins and phytosterols, carotene and minerals.
Its vitamin E content works as an antioxidant and helps both skin and hair. This vitamin works as a decongestant for the face, dark circles under the eyes and eyelids, leaving the skin smooth. It works efficiently on the lack of moisture, which is often present on the face, also contributing as a treatment for acne problems and being useful for the cells to delay the appearance of wrinkles.
In the hair as well.
Hemp oil products contain vitamin E, which provides antioxidants to protect hair from oxidative damage and improves hydration of the scalp. It is effective in stopping hair loss, combating hair breakage and helping to strengthen hair.
Thanks to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is also useful for strengthening nails and hair.
When the problem is more serious
In terms of its anti-inflammatory properties, hemp seed oil helps to combat problems such as eczema, dermatitis and also psoriasis.
Essential fatty acids stimulate the body's natural production of chemicals that control inflammation.
Hemp oil relieves and improves allergies, burns and other skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis. Say goodbye to symptoms of varicose veins and tired legs. It is also beneficial in improving cold sores.
Hemp moisturizer
Hemp seed oil is recommended and widely used in treatments for post-sports massage due to the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the oil.
It is a product widely used as a base for various cosmetic products, such as moisturizing creams, shampoos, balms, body oils, among others.
Hemp facial moisturizing cream
It is a regenerating emulsion with high revitalizing power. It restores damaged tissues favouring cell multiplication. It contains high concentrations of essential unsaturated fatty acids omega 3-6, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and phytosterols.
Black seed oil: The Benefits, how much to use and side effects
What is black seed oil?
This small flowering plant, known as Nigella sativa (N. Sativa), is found in Southwest Asia, the Middle East, southern Europe and North Africa.
This shrub also produces fruits with tiny black seeds. Commonly known as black seed, the seeds of N. Sativa have many other names, including fennel flower, black cumin, black caraway, nigella, and Roman coriander.
Extracted from the seeds of N. Sativa and has been used in traditional therapeutic medicine for over 2,000 years.
Studies suggest that it may have numerous health applications, including treating asthma and aiding weight loss. It is also applied topically to treat conditions in the skin and hair.
This article describes the potential health benefits of black seed oil, as well as possible side effects and dosage.
Potential health benefits of black seed oil
Black seed oil is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. For this, it is called "panacea" or universal healer.
Although some of the medicinal uses have not proven effective, black seed oil and its plant compounds have been linked to a number of health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants
Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect cells against damage that are caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
One of the biggest producers of free radicals in our skin is UV radiation. So using antioxidant ingredients like black seed oil in our skincare is important.
Black seed oil is rich in thymoquinone, which also gives it its antioxidant properties. One of the best ways to use antioxidants in skincare is to layer underneath your sunscreen to improve the protection of your SPF.
May help in the treatment of asthma
Black seed oil, and specifically the thymoquinone in the oil, helps to reduce inflammation and relaxes muscles in the airways, thus serving as a treatment for asthma.
One study of 80 adults who have asthma found that taking 500 mg of black seed oil twice a day for four weeks capsules improved asthma control.
But more studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of black seed oil supplements in the treatment of asthma.
It may help weight loss.
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, research shows that black seed oil may help reduce body mass index (BMI) in people with obesity, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
In an 8-week study, 90 women aged 25 to 50 with obesity were given either a low-calorie diet and a placebo or 1 gram of black seed oil per meal for a total of 3 grams per day.
When the study finished, the group who took black seed oil had lost more weight and waist circumference than the placebo group significantly.
The oil group also experienced improvements in their triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Despite these promising results, more research is needed on the long-term safety and effectiveness of taking black seed oil for weight loss.
May lower blood sugar levels
For people with diabetes, consistently high blood sugar levels have been shown to increase the risk of future complications, such as kidney disease, eye disease and stroke.
Several studies in individuals with type-2 diabetes show that a dose of 2 grams per day of whole black seeds, which have been crushed, can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, a measure of average blood sugar levels over 2 to 3 months.
While most studies use black seed powder in capsules, black seed oil has also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels.
Conclusion on Hemp oil vs black seed oil
So, what is the verdict? Are hemp oil and black seed oils the new superheroes of the skincare world or just a load of hot air? The answer is, as always, it depends. Different people will see different results from using either oil. However, both oils are packed with antioxidants, which makes them great for repairing skin damage and reducing inflammation. They're also antioxidant and suitable for all skin types – even acne-prone skin! If you're looking to give your skincare routine a boost, then why not try adding a little hemp oil or black seed oil to your beauty bag?