Hemp bedding/fabric is described as strong and hypoallergenic. Conventional textiles often rely on chemical treatments to enhance performance. But hemp offers a range of natural benefits straight from the plant itself. 

It is also naturally resistant to UV light, mold, and mildew, which gives it a health advantage over other fabrics (Grand View Research, Industrial Hemp Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, Forecasts 2024 - 2030).

One study, below, shows that hemp is antioxidant and antibacterial and when hemp fabric is infused with cannabidiol (CBD) (a safe compound found in the industrial hemp plant) the skin looks better. 

IS HEMP FABRIC INFUSED WITH CBD GOOD FOR SKIN

A study published in the National Library of Medicine explored the development of hemp clothing infused with cannabidiol (CBD). Participants who wore these garments reported no skin irritation, and measurements indicated improved skin hydration over six weeks, suggesting benefits for sensitive skin (Zimniewska, et al., Bioactive Hemp Clothing Modified with Cannabidiol (CBD) Cannabis sativa L. Extract, 2021).

Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in the industrial hemp plant. Industrial hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant that is specifically grown to have very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound)—legally, usually less than 0.3% THC. 

CBD extracted from industrial hemp is commonly used in oils, capsules, and other wellness products because it offers non-intoxicating therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory or calming properties. Industrial help plants that are used for textile fibers have relatively high levels of CBD. This is good for the skin.

The study listed above, conducted by Zimniewska et al., 2021, states that hemp fiber naturally has good qualities, it is antioxidant and antibacterial. Simply put, hemp fibers help to fight off damage caused by certain chemicals and stop some germs. This is because of natural substances in the fiber, like phenolic acids. 

The researchers mentioned that they put the CBD extract onto the hemp fabric, often using tiny capsules. They made clothes like shirts and pants with this fabric, designing them to touch the skin a lot. Then, they asked 15 volunteers to wear this clothing for six weeks, 12 hours every day. 

They checked the skin of the volunteers before they started wearing the clothes and again after six weeks. The results showed that wearing this hemp clothing with CBD was safe. The fabric was tested and found not to be harmful to skin cells. People who wore the clothing did not say they had skin redness or irritation. The study also found that the clothing helped make the skin better. 

After wearing the clothes for six weeks, the volunteers' skin was more hydrated. Also, less water was lost from their skin, which is a sign that the skin's protective outer layer was working better. Most people who wore the clothing also said it was comfortable to wear. 

The scientists believe this special kind of functional clothing, made from hemp fibers and CBD, is a new and important idea. They even applied for a patent for this invention.

A DEEP DIVE INTO ANTIOXIDANTS IN HEMP FIBERS

An antioxidant is something that helps keep your body’s cells safe from damage. This helps lower a person's risk of certain diseases. You can find antioxidants in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

A 2018 research examined the antioxidant activity of hemp fibers, attributing these properties to phenolic acids like syringic and ferulic acid. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from oxidative stress, potentially reducing irritation (Antioxidant Potential of Hemp and Flax Fibers Depending on Their Chemical Composition, Zimniewska et al., 2018).

This research paper is about the antioxidant power of fibers from two plants, flax and hemp. The scientists wanted to study how good these fibers are at being antioxidants. They also wanted to see if this antioxidant power could help explain why clothes or fabrics made from flax and hemp seem to be good for your skin when they touch it.

They did tests to measure the antioxidant power of the fibers using methods called FRAP and DPPH. They also looked closely at the fibers to see how much of certain helpful substances called phenolic acids they had, like syringic, sinapinic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid.

Here are some important things they found:

• The amount of antioxidant power in the fibers was different depending on the type and variety of the plant (whether it was a certain kind of flax or hemp).
• How the fibers were taken out of the plant and cleaned also made a big difference.
• Fibers that were taken out using a method called decortication (removing fibers from hurds mechanically) from both flax and hemp plants showed more antioxidant power.
• A specific type of decorticated flax from different plant kinds showed the highest antioxidant power.
• If the fibers were cleaned or prepared using wet methods, they had less of the helpful phenolic acids and much lower antioxidant power.

HEMP BEDDING IS RESISTANT TO UV LIGHT

One of the prominent features of hemp bedding is its resistance to UV light. This means that hemp fabric doesn't degrade or fade as quickly when exposed to sunlight. Hemp bedding keeps its color looking nice and bright. Other fabrics might fade and look old after a while, but hemp keeps looking fresh and new. 

Because hemp can handle sunlight so well, it is great for homes with lots of windows or sunny rooms. Hemp textiles such as curtains, bedding, and upholstery last long. You won’t have to replace them as often, which saves money and reduces waste. 

HEMP BEDDING IS RESISTANT TO MOLD, MILDEW, AND BACTERIA

Hemp bedding is also naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. This is very helpful in places where it’s hot and humid, because mold and mildew like to grow in damp places. Hemp bedding helps stop this from happening, so your bed stays clean and fresh. Hemp bedding is a healthier choice, especially for kids and people who have asthma or allergies.

In addition, hemp’s ability to fight bacteria means your bedding will not get smelly as fast. You won’t need to wash it as often because of the bad odour. You can stick to your washing routine and  save time and water. 

TAKEAWAY ON HEMP BEDDING AND HEALTH 

Hemp bedding is a good choice for people who want a healthy and safe bedding fabric. It is strong and doesn’t need harsh chemicals to stay clean and last a long time. Hemp can fight off mold, mildew, and even sunlight damage, which helps keep your bed and clothes fresh and safe. Because of this, hemp is better for people who have allergies or sensitive skin.

Scientists have also found that hemp can help fight germs and protect the skin. When hemp fabric is mixed with CBD, a healthy oil from the hemp plant, it can even help your skin look better.