Hemp is one of the oldest industries on the planet, dating back more than 10000 years to the beginnings of pottery. Hemp is cannabis grown specifically for industrial use and then contains very low levels of cannabinoids (THC). Used worldwide in clothing and increasingly in cosmetics it is also used to make paper, textiles, building materials, food, medicine, paint, detergent, varnish, oil, ink, and fuel.
Hemp Oil is rich in Omega 3 and 6, and is absorbed straight into the skin, giving all sorts of benefits. Research has shown that Hemp Oil, rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients, assists the body's natural ability to heal. Because of its ability to restore and moisten the skin, the oil has become increasingly popular for cosmetics and body care products.
Increasingly Hemp is making its way into the best selling natural cosmetic products in the UK. Below is a review of the UK's best selling Hemp products:
Hemp Hand Protector – This product is non-toxicic and safe to use and comes in a ultra stylish tube. This product sinks into the skin almost immediately and also forms a barrier to protect your hands too. Used on even the most dry hand (mine!), The positive effects are visible within hours. I have had clear hands by the end of the day after using this cream. Intense therapy for moisture-starved skin, hands down. With hemp seed oil and glycerin to soften and reverse dryness, plus lenolin to help lock it all in.
Hemp Body Butter – Hemp contains the necessary fatty acids that provide moisture, with this in the body butter, it helps to get rid of dead skin cells and replace it with good cells that will help lock in the moisture.It also contains shea butter and cocoa butter which are excellent for smoothing skin and also helping any scars or stretch marks that you may have to fade quicker.
Hemp Lip Conditioner – Hemp Lip Conditioner a very useful and soothing product for dry lips in any season. Containing beeswax and enriched with hemp seed oil this balm claims to soothe and moisturize very dry skin. An added benefit is you can apply this product, drink a cup of coffee, and still feel the protective film on your lips, unlike other lip balms which end up on the rim of the cup this one stays firmly in place. The product will last a long time, even when applied twice daily.
Back in 1998, the launch of Hemp products at The Body Shop caused Home Office minister Ann Widdecombe to say it was "making a joke of drug-taking" as Anita Roddick handed out Hemp seeds during the launch. They responded back by stating Hemp is the "misunderstood cousin of marijuana" and you would need to smoke a joint the size of a telegraph pole to get high!
Since then Hemp cosmetics have been used more and the benefits in skin care have seen these products grow in the UK and Wordwide to flagship products for The Body Shop. These products will always carry a little joke when referred to friends due to the cannabis connection but the jokes are usually halted when users see the real benefits.