Hemp lotion is a natural skin and body care product that utilizes the beneficial properties of hemp oil. It comes in many varieties, from hand lotion to body cream. The lotion is becoming increasingly popular due to current research that shows hemp oil to contain high amounts of omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) oils, known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs help prevent moisture loss in the skin and may play a regenerative role in the skin aging process.
The hemp oil that is used to make hemp lotion is cold pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant, commonly called marijuana. The seeds of the plant do not contain the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is only found in significant amounts in the flowering tops of the female plant. Hemp oil is not only non-toxic for external use in lotions, moisturizers and creams, but it is also safe and even healthy for internal ingestion. Hemp seeds are currently illegal in some countries, such as the United States, unless they have been sterilized to prevent germination, but hemp oil and hemp skin care products are perfectly legal.
Many authorities on health and nutrition note that hemp oil contains linoleic and linolenic acids in the exact ratio that the human body needs. These oils are called essential fatty acids because humans cannot manufacture them ourselves and they must be gained from an outside source. Applying these EFAs, such as those found in hemp lotion, to skin is a way to naturally supplement the body's own protective barrier of moisture.
Repeated use of hemp body care products has been reported to result in softer and healthier skin and may even help with dry skin conditions such as eczema, since hemp oil has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp skin and body care products are readily available from a wide variety of vendors, including health food stores and online retailers. Other manufacturers are using hemp oil along with vitamins and other natural substances to create body care products that combine the beneficial properties of hemp with other potent compounds.
Hemp tanning lotions, lip balms, facial moisturizers and hemp aloe vera gel are also widely available. The hydrating effect of the hemp products and the ability of hemp lotion to protect the skin from moisture loss is usually touted as their main benefit. Some manufacturers also claim that hemp products can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face.