What is hemp seed oil in skincare?
Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Cannabis sativa. It contains no meaningful CBD or THC – those come from the flowers and leaves – so it is a pure lipid ingredient rather than a cannabinoid one.
Its distinguishing feature is fatty acid balance: roughly 55% linoleic acid and 20% alpha-linolenic acid, close to the ideal ratio for skin. Linoleic acid is a direct precursor to the ceramides that hold the barrier together.
What skin concerns does hemp seed oil treat?
It is one of the better facial oils for oily and acne-prone skin, because linoleic-rich oils thin sebum rather than thicken it, and it rates as non-comedogenic.
Its anti-inflammatory profile makes it useful for eczema, dermatitis and general redness, and its lightweight hydration suits dehydrated skin that cannot tolerate heavy creams. It absorbs quickly and leaves a dry, non-greasy finish.
What ingredients are best paired with hemp seed oil?
Pair it with niacinamide for oil control, hyaluronic acid underneath for hydration, and ceramides alongside for barrier repair.
It buffers retinoids and acids well without blocking them. Like all high-linoleic oils it oxidises quickly, so keep it refrigerated and buy small bottles – rancid oil is pro-inflammatory, which defeats the purpose. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin is skin that has become thin, loose and finely wrinkled, with the papery texture of crepe paper. It differs from ordinary wrinkles in that it affects a broad area rather than forming distinct lines, and it appears most on the under-eyes, neck, décolletage, upper arms and inner thighs.
The hallmark is loss of elasticity: pinched skin takes longer to snap back, and the surface looks crinkled even at rest.
What causes crepey skin?
The main driver is degradation of the elastin network in the dermis. Cumulative ultraviolet exposure breaks down elastic fibres and replaces them with disorganised material – the process called solar elastosis – while collagen production falls at the same time.
Age, chronic dehydration, significant weight loss, smoking, and the natural drop in oestrogen around menopause all accelerate it. Body areas get less skincare attention than the face, which is why crepiness often shows there first.
What ingredients are best for crepey skin?
Retinoids remain the best-evidenced option for rebuilding collagen and thickening the dermis over months of use. Peptides support elastin and collagen signalling, and vitamin C protects existing fibres while aiding synthesis.
Layer those over rich hydration – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane and shea butter – which visibly improves the crinkled look even before structural change happens. Daily SPF on neck, chest and hands prevents further breakdown. Take our Skin Quiz.
