Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting approximately 125 million people worldwide. It causes the skin cell production cycle to accelerate dramatically, producing thick, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and psychologically distressing. While there is no cure for psoriasis, management focuses on slowing skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
Hemp seed oil addresses two of these three management priorities.
The Mechanism: Why Hemp Seed Oil Is Relevant for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition driven by immune system dysregulation. The skin’s accelerated cell cycle is a response to chronic inflammation, not a primary cause. Hemp seed oil’s GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) content, which converts to the anti-inflammatory compound Prostaglandin E1 in the body, may help moderate inflammatory signalling at the skin level. The balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in hemp seed oil also supports healthy inflammatory balance systemically when consumed regularly. Topically, hemp seed oil’s fatty acids help maintain the skin barrier, reducing the transepidermal water loss and external irritant penetration that worsen psoriasis symptoms.
What the Research Shows
There are no large-scale clinical trials specifically studying hemp seed oil for psoriasis. The strongest relevant evidence comes from the 20-week clinical study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment on atopic dermatitis, which demonstrated measurable skin barrier and hydration improvements from dietary hemp seed oil. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis share overlapping inflammatory skin barrier mechanisms, making the atopic dermatitis research directionally relevant. Several smaller studies on GLA supplementation have shown anti-inflammatory benefits for inflammatory skin conditions generally. A 2019 review in the La Clinica Terapeutica journal specifically identified hemp seed oil as a candidate adjunct for psoriasis management due to its unique fatty acid profile.
How to Use Hemp Seed Oil for Psoriasis
For topical use, apply cold-pressed hemp seed oil directly to affected psoriasis plaques twice daily after gently cleansing. On the scalp, apply oil to affected areas, leave for 30 to 60 minutes, then shampoo out. For dietary use, consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed hemp seed oil daily to provide systemic anti-inflammatory fatty acid support. Both approaches are relevant and complementary. Topical application addresses localised skin barrier and immediate inflammatory support. Dietary consumption addresses the systemic fatty acid environment that influences the immune and inflammatory processes driving psoriasis.
Hemp Seed Oil as Adjunct, Not Replacement
Hemp seed oil is not a psoriasis treatment in the clinical sense. Moderate to severe psoriasis requires medical management, which may include topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues for mild disease, phototherapy (UVB treatment) for moderate disease, and systemic treatments including biologics such as adalimumab, ustekinumab, or secukinumab for severe disease. Hemp seed oil’s role is as a supportive adjunct that may improve skin comfort, hydration, and the local inflammatory environment, not as an alternative to established treatment protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hemp seed oil clear psoriasis?
No. Hemp seed oil does not cure or clear psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition driven by immune system dysregulation that requires medical management for control. What hemp seed oil may provide is meaningful symptomatic support: improved skin barrier function, reduced dryness and scaling discomfort, and anti-inflammatory fatty acid support that complements medical treatment. It works as an adjunct to medical care, not a replacement for it.
Is hemp seed oil or CBD better for psoriasis?
They work through different mechanisms. Hemp seed oil addresses skin barrier repair and provides anti-inflammatory fatty acids (Omega-3, GLA). CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors in skin, which has a regulatory role in skin cell proliferation and inflammation. Research suggests the skin’s endocannabinoid system plays a role in the excessive keratinocyte proliferation characteristic of psoriasis, making CBD a potentially more targeted option. Many practitioners working with psoriasis patients suggest hemp seed oil as a skin care base and CBD (topical or systemic) as the active anti-inflammatory component.
Can I use hemp seed oil on my scalp psoriasis?
Yes. Hemp seed oil applied to the scalp can help soften psoriasis plaques, reduce scaling, and soothe discomfort. Apply to the scalp generously, focusing on affected areas, and leave for at least 30 minutes before shampooing out. This treatment is best used two to three times weekly as an adjunct to any prescribed scalp treatment. Hemp seed oil alone will not clear scalp psoriasis plaques but can significantly improve comfort and scalp skin condition when used consistently.
Does eating hemp seeds help psoriasis?
The Omega-3, Omega-6, and GLA content of hemp seeds provides systemic anti-inflammatory fatty acid support that may benefit psoriasis as part of an overall anti-inflammatory diet approach. The most relevant study used dietary hemp seed oil (not hemp seeds directly) and showed measurable skin improvements in an inflammatory skin condition over 20 weeks. Incorporating hemp seeds or hemp seed oil into the daily diet as part of a broader anti-inflammatory eating pattern (rich in Omega-3s, vegetables, and low in processed foods) represents a sensible dietary approach alongside medical management.
Is hemp seed oil safe to use on broken or cracked psoriasis skin?
Generally yes, but with care. Pure cold-pressed hemp seed oil is generally well-tolerated even on compromised skin barriers. However, if the skin is actively cracked or bleeding, any topical product including hemp seed oil should be applied gently and the skin assessed for any reaction. If you are using prescribed topical treatments, check with your dermatologist about the order of application and whether combining hemp seed oil with your prescription treatments is appropriate for your specific situation.
