The quest for that perfect skin that stands the test of time goes on. Experts have continued finding solutions to maintaining the skin's health, treating disorders and giving it the TLC it deserves. These days, Hemp oil is one of the revolutionary skin regimens that experts are looking into. Everywhere from your local farmer's market to your favorite coffee shop is selling products with touting CBD, hemp oil, and hempseed oil. What's the difference between hemp oil, CBD and hemp seed oil? What’s the Difference Between Hempseed Oil and CBD Oil? Here’s a cannabis breakdown: Cannabis (often referred to as marijuana) and Hemp are two varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa. Since they share the same species name, they’re often lumped into one big family and there seems to be a lot of confusion around their differences.   Hemp Seed Oil Hemp seed oil is made by pressing hemp seeds together until the oil within them excretes. This method of extraction is similar to how olive and coconut oil are obtained. Hemp seeds are considered one of the (if not the) best sources of plant-based protein. Along with the protein benefits, hemp seeds have an abundance of essential amino and fatty acids that the human body requires. The fatty acids hemp oil contains (omega-3 and omega-6) is one of the most beneficial health factors of it. These acids can help diminish the signs of aging and improve heart health. They are also what makes hemp oil such a great moisturizer since omega-3 and omega-6 act in a similar manner as the skin's natural lipids. Since only the seeds are being used in this process, Hemp Seed Oil does not contain CBD and/or other cannabinoids. If you are looking to get mind and body relief, you may want to look towards CBD oil. CBD Hemp Oil CBD hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant and is full of cannabinoids that are only found in the cannabis plant family. It is the oil that contains a concentration of CBD, or cannabidiol. Coming from the hemp plant, CBD hemp oil is extremely low in THC and extremely high in CBD (the non-intoxicating component of the plant). CBD hemp oil works with the body through the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The endocannabinoid system is showing promise for keeping the body in a state of balance by regulating the body's functions of sleep, mood, pain, appetite, hormone, and immune response. CBD helps to stimulate your body's natural cannabinoid production to maintain the efficiency of the receptors and the optimal function of the endocannabinoid system. But CBD does more than just affect cannabinoid receptors. It impacts many other receptors as well, including opioid receptors. It has been shown to affect dopamine and serotonin receptors as well. Dopamine regulates aspects of cognition and behavior, while serotonin receptors deal with mood conditions such as anxiety.   Why this matters in the beauty world The overall profile of hemp seed oil: -Comedogenic rating: 0 (here’s a list of best non-comedogenic oils for oily and acne-prone skin) -Excellent for oily and acne-prone skin since it’s low in oleic acid and rich in linoleic acid -It contains a GLA, gamma-linolenic acid, which boosts the oils' anti-inflammatory properties. while the level of GLA is quite low, it still makes the oil very beneficial for those suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. -The oil contains phytosterols, which boost collagen production in the skin, restoring and rejuvenating it -Rich in vitamin E compounds, antioxidants that help to protect the skin from the environmental damage with anti-inflammatory properties and promote healthy skin. With its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties, hemp seed oil boosts skin health, giving it glow and providing it with moisture. Loaded with essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, this oil is one of the amazing natural and organic ingredients to use in your homemade skincare routine. Anti-aging effects Hemp seed oil anti-aging properties help minimize the appearance of fine lines. Hemp seed oil for wrinkles is a popular natural remedy: not only the antioxidants present in the oil fight the free radicals which cause the oxidative stress and damage skin cells, but it also provides minimum protection against sun damage (mind you, very minimal; I've talked about natural sunscreen oils here ). Moisturizes and soothes inflammation One of the omega-6 fatty acids that hemp oil contains is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell generation. This can help to calm inflammation and irritation on the skin, including acne and some conditions like psoriasis, while keeping the skin nourished and moisturized. Moderates oil production Hemp oil is perfect for most skin types as it can moisturize without clogging your pores. It can even help to balance out oily skin, hydrating it and regulating the skin's oil production. Dryness can also cause your skin to overproduce oil, which in turn, can stimulate acne. Hemp oil can prevent dry skin without clogging pores. This helps reduce acne that's caused by excess oil.   What are the side effects and risks? Hempseed oil is safe for most people to use and usually doesn’t contain any THC or psychoactive properties, although this has been widely disputed. Using it topically, some people may experience mild irritation, so apply it to a small test patch of skin first (whether you’re using pure hemp oil or hemp oil diluted with essential oils). When you add hemp seed oil to your food, the most common side effect is loosened stools or digestive upset, which can occur as a result of the oily, fatty nature of the oil. To prevent this, start by taking a small amount of hemp oil daily and working your way up. Hemp seeds can interact with blood thinners by potentially inhibiting platelets, so before taking hempseed oil regularly, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.