Hemp seed oil is currently basking in well-deserved acclaim. Extracted through the cold pressing of Cannabis sativa seeds, this oil is distinct from the hemp oil derived from the plant’s leaves and flowers and contains no psychoactive constituents. 

Let’s explore the multifaceted benefits hemp seed oil offers to your skin, enriched with a deeper educational insight.

Regulates oil production

The magic of hemp seed oil lies in its ability to regulate oil production. While the exact mechanisms remain a topic of ongoing research, evidence suggests hemp seed oil can modulate sebum production. 

This makes hemp seed oil a boon for both oily and acne-prone skin types. Its unique composition of lipids and antioxidants helps manage and soothe acne outbreaks. The presence of anti-lipogenic properties in hemp seed oil plays a crucial role in controlling sebaceous gland activities and helps maintain skin balance and clarity.

Anti-inflammatory powerhouse

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) in hemp seed oil, including omega-3 and omega-6, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

These EFAs interfere with inflammatory pathways and help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, offering relief from redness and irritation. 

The tocopherols, or vitamin E compounds found in hemp seed oil, further enhance its anti-inflammatory capabilities, targeting oxidative stress and inflammation at the molecular level.

Enhances skin barrier function

Hemp seed oil is not just revitalizing but also strengthening. 

It is particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis, where compromised skin barrier function is a key concern. The EFAs enrich the skin’s lipid layer, improving the cohesion between epidermal cells and fortifying the skin barrier. 

This enhanced barrier function is crucial in preventing environmental aggressors and pathogens from causing further damage, thereby helping to reduce the incidence and severity of skin disorders.

Promotes hydration and luminosity

The hydration benefits of hemp seed oil stem from its balanced composition of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, along with gamma-linolenic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. 

This trifecta effectively forms a protective layer on the skin, minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and locking in moisture. 

The result is a visible improvement in skin texture and luminosity, with a plumped, hydrated appearance that radiates health.

Fights damage from free radicals

Hemp seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, primarily vitamin E in the forms of y-tocopherols, alpha-tocopherols, and tocotrienols. 

These potent antioxidants provide critical defense against free radical damage, which can lead to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage within skin cells. 

By protecting the skin from environmental pollutants, hemp seed oil plays a significant role in 

Hemp seed oil is truly a skin champion with its ability to balance, soothe, strengthen, and hydrate.  Its rich nutrient profile makes it an indispensable ingredient for anyone looking to enhance their skin health. 

As research continues to unveil its myriad benefits, hemp seed oil stands out as a testament to the power of nature in nurturing and revitalizing our skin. You can enjoy all the radiance boosting benefits of this botanical in our Purist Delicate Skin Serum. 

Sea buckthorn is a super-nutrient oil revered in skincare for its unparalleled ability to enhance skin radiance, boost hydration, and combat premature aging. 

This "liquid gold" is not an oceanic extract but a precious yield from the Sea buckthorn shrub, thriving in the lofty realms of the Himalayas. 

Meticulously extracted via mechanical cold pressing from Sea buckthorn berries ensures a potent blend of omegas essential for skin health.

A jewel in traditional medicine

Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, Sea buckthorn has been a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.), cherished for its holistic health benefits. 

Its Latin name, Hippophae rhamnoides, meaning 'shiny horse,' hints at its historical use for enhancing the vitality and coat health of horses, a testament to its nourishing properties.

Omega-rich rejuvenation

The secret behind Sea buckthorn oil's remarkable skin benefits lies in its comprehensive fatty acid profile, encompassing omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, making it a unique botanical source of all four essential omegas. 

These lipids are pivotal in moderating the skin's inflammatory response, which is crucial since chronic inflammation is a precursor to premature aging and DNA damage. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of Sea buckthorn oil not only soothe the skin but also protect it against the ravages of time, promoting a youthful, vibrant complexion.

Beyond inflammation control, these fatty acids facilitate deep skin penetration, promoting regeneration, collagen production, and renewal. This action is critical for epidermal recovery and helps minimize the look of scars. 

Omega-9, for instance, enhances the skin's absorption of other beneficial compounds, whereas omega-6, converted into prostaglandins, plays a vital role in skin recovery and nutrient transport.

A standout feature of Sea buckthorn oil is its omega-7 content, a rarity in the plant kingdom, known for boosting keratinization, telomerase activity, and collagen formation. 

These processes are essential for slowing aging and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Strengthening the skin barrier

The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental to overall skin health, serving as a defense against microbial invasion and moisture loss. It is also easily compromised as we age, due to a reduction in our skin’s natural oil production.

Sea buckthorn oil's rich phytoceramide and lipid content fortifies this barrier, effectively reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and shielding the skin from inflammation-induced aging and structural damage. 

Its barrier-strengthening properties also offer support for inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and rosacea, comforting sensitive reactive-prone skin.

Antioxidant power for smoother firmer skin

Environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and psychological stress contribute to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, accelerating skin aging through oxidative stress. 

Sea buckthorn oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamins A, E, and C—boasting a vitamin C content 15 times higher than that of oranges!

These antioxidants mitigate ROS damage, support collagen synthesis, and provide regenerative benefits, crucial for preventing premature aging and facilitating skin recovery.

Moreover, the oil's phytonutrients can help curb the activity of sun-induced MMP enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, offering further protection against aging and inflammation.

Enhanced radiance

Sea buckthorn oil may help support skin detoxification and oxygenation, culminating in a more radiant and glowing complexion. 

This improvement boosts skin barrier health and resilience, something that is especially beneficial for those who spend time in extreme climatic conditions, like skiing in Telluride!

Sea buckthorn oil stands out as a multifaceted elixir in skin care, offering a spectrum of benefits from anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening actions to antioxidant protection and radiance enhancement. 

You can find Sea buckthorn in our best-selling Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and Purist Delicate Skin Serum.

As we age, our skin's texture and ability to retain moisture start to change. This is because the amount of natural oils your skin produces declines dramatically after the age of 40. Some might go so far as to say that their oil glands have gone on strike!

But it’s not just that our skin produces less natural oils. The structure of our skin also changes, becoming thinner and less dense, a change that can further contribute to trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and impaired barrier function.

Both thinner and drier skin can greatly diminish optimal skin barrier function. One of the best things you can do for mature skin is to make sure your skin barrier remains intact and healthy by providing it with the vitamins, nutrients, and moisture that it needs.

Specifically, phytoceramides, precious oils and hyaluronic acid, which act synergistically toghether to mimic the composition of the skin’s natural barrier. Both our serums and our Aspen Dew Essence are designed to provide these key actives and help to promote optimal skin barrier health so you can keep your glow going.

For more on how to naturally boost your skin health and improve barrier function, check out our tips below...

How you can boost skin barrier health

Use a serum daily 

Invest in a clean, results-driven serum, like The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum, that fortifies and nourishes depleted skin with vitamin renewal while shielding against oxidative damage that leads to premature aging.

Use a gentle cleanser twice a day

Oil cleansers are preferred as they clean without stripping. Avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky clean” as this is a sure sign your skin is being stripped of its natural oils and moisture.

Get your Omega 3s

Take a high-quality fish oil or flaxseed Omega 3 supplement, to improve the fatty acid composition of your skin and balance its inflammatory response. Our favorite is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega.

Avoid hot water

Use warm (not hot!) water on your face so you are not stripping your skin of its natural oils and limit over-bathing.

Use SPF

Upgrade your sunscreen game, use a non-nano SPF sunscreen to protect against age spots and skin cancer. Makeup with SPF does not provide the same level of protection. While using SPF may feel over-stated, it remains one of the single most powerful ways to help prevent premature photo-aging. For more on this topic, check out our post on the myriad ways UV rays damage skin.

However you choose to support your skin barrier health, remember, caring for your skin is always an act of self-care.