Originally from Central Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 8,000 years, hemp has more than one trick up its sleeve. Easy to grow, this plant requires little water and no pesticides, so that it can live almost anywhere … France is the second producer country after China. In the past, hemp was used to make fabric, much more resistant than cotton. Today, it is mainly used in agriculture, in the fields, to renew plots and purify the land between two crops and it is also a very popular raw material in the stationery industry.
One plant, two assets
From mechanically cold pressed hemp seeds, an oil is extracted, which has both food and cosmetic virtues. In food, it is used raw to enhance salads and help fight against cardiovascular diseases. In cosmetics, it can be used alone, or is part of a ready-to-use formula.
Hemp can also be used as an extract, called cannabidiol or CBD. It is obtained, for the moment, from a mixture of the seeds and stems of hemp. But last November, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled illegal the ban in France on the marketing of cannabidiol (CBD). Thus, the flower (or head), which contains the highest concentration of CBD in the plant, could soon also be used in cosmetics in France.
To transform the plant into an asset, the suppliers each have their own recipe. On the other hand, French law requires that CBD-based products contain no trace of THC, the famous psychotropic molecule. “This is why THC is separated from other molecules and then removed by a chromatography technique”, explains Alison Malamoud, doctor of pharmacy. The CBD extract is then transformed into a powder which can then be incorporated into the care.
Hemp oil, nourishing
Used for a long time in cosmetics, rich in essential fatty acids, mainly omega 3 and 6, this natural vegetable oil participates in the nutrition of the skin, and softens it thanks to its emollient effect. The linoleic acid it contains helps to limit the insensible loss of water. It is appreciated for its dry finish. It also has antioxidant and soothing properties, as it contains a low dose of cannabinoid.
CBD, soothing
This ingredient has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, especially in skin prone to eczema or atopic dermatitis. It has two actions: an anti-inflammatory effect and a sebum-regulating action. CBD is recommended for sensitive skin, redness, because it soothes and calms them. It also regulates the level of sebum, which makes it a good ally for oily skin, but also for people who want a perfect skin texture in times of stress or during menstruation.
Also used in some massage oils (in this case it is CBD isolate which is infused in oils), it relieves localized pain, calms osteoarthritis or soothes tendonitis. CBD can also be ingested to reduce stress and promote sleep.
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