Could hemp seed oil be the next big thing in male skincare?

As Nivea Men launches a new hemp-based skincare range for men, we explore its potential to encourage healthier skin post-shave.

The new Nivea Sensitive Pro collection includes three products that contain 100 per cent hemp seed oil, making it just one of the latest brands to include hemp seed oil or CBD in their products.

Hemp seed oil absorbs quickly into the skin to provide nourishment making it perfect for all skin types. Nivea also claims to have formulated the product to be potentially helpful in reducing UV sun damage or hyperpigmentation.

The products also contain Vitamin E which is often used in beauty products to calm irritated or inflamed skin and can also protect against external free radicals.

The global CBD skincare market is expected to increase to USD$1.7 billion by 2025 according to Million Insights, a market research company. A growing understanding and awareness of the potential benefits of CBD beauty products are some of the key reasons for the growth in this sector.

Over the past two years, established high street brands such as The Body Shop, Colgate, Aussie Hair and Primark, have all released CBD-infused personal care items onto the high street. This has helped to boost consumer awareness of hemp, cannabis seed oil and CBD as ingredient beneficial ingredients.

The male skincare market in the UK was worth £119 million in 2017, with shaving products accounting for approximately £57.7 million. Globally, the top markets for men‘s personal care are Brazil, South Korea, the US and Germany.  South Korean men spend the most on cosmetics, with the market growing 44 per cent between 2011 and 2017.

How can hemp or CBD benefit the skin?

Hydration

Hemp seed oil works as a light moisturiser that doesn’t clog the pores which can lead to breakouts. The omega-6 fatty acids contained in the seeds acts as an anti-inflammatory which can help with skin growth and cell renewal. Hemp seed oil is produced by compressing the hemp seeds rather than using the leaves or flowers of the plant. It doesn’t contain CBD although some products may be labelled as containing cannabidiol although they actually only contain hemp seed oil.

As well as the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, hemp seed oil also contains unsaturated fats such as linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and α-linolenic acid. These three oils help the skin to retain the moisture it receives from the product. A study into its effects on dehydrated skin revealed a product that contained hemp seed oil may help to soothe roughness.

Its anti-inflammatory properties may help with irritation from shaving. Hair follicles continue to grow underneath the surface of the skin. When the hair is cut during shaving, the follicles become irritated resulting in itchiness.  Shaving related irritation can also be caused by ingrowing or twisted hairs.

Products containing hemp seed oil may soothe irritated skin while reducing redness.

Oil Production

CBD and hemp may help to control oil production in the skin by inhibiting the production of sebum. Sebum is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands. Its function is to coat, moisturise and protect the skin. It is a combination of fatty acids, sugars, waxes and other natural chemicals that form a barrier to stop water from escaping.

In oiler skin, there is a heightened level of sebum production in the glands. This can clog pores along with dirt, sweat and dead skin cells to form breakouts.

Hemp seed oil may fight the production of sebum in the skin helping to keep it at manageable levels.

It helps to look for other ingredients in the product that may be comedogenic such as coconut or olive oil which are sometimes used in skincare for their moisturising properties. Comedogenic means that they will potentially sink into the pores leading to clogs that may cause breakouts.

Hair growth

Hemp seed oil has also started to appear as a new ingredient in hair care items such as shampoo or conditioners.

A study suggested that hemp seed oil may help with scalp itchiness. The most common type of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis which causes the white flakes referred to as dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is commonly caused by cold or dry weather, genetics and stress.

The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil may also help to improve the diameter and density. A study revealed a difference in participants taking extracts for six months. It may also activate and protect follicle stem cells in order to produce stronger hair.

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