I've been a fan of hemp since my Sublime-is-the-only-band-that-matters phase in 1997. While I may not be making hemp necklaces for everyone I know anymore, I'm definitely embracing the skin benefits of hemp milk like it's the late '90s and it may go out of style. I'm all about milk alternatives in natural beauty recipes, but only if they can provide the same level of effectiveness that their cow counterparts can. According to sources at Care2 Living, the Omega-6 fatty acids in hemp promote hair growth and new skin cell growth. Hemp is also known for providing your skin with a healthy dose of vitamins like A, B12, D, and E. Basically, if you apply hemp milk topically, you can expect a healing marathon.

According to sources at Zliving, hemp milk has some amaze moisturizing properties that can provide hydration to dull skin. Which is great, because there are some mornings I wake up and worry that I'll fall asleep on the train and people will assume I'm dead because my skin is so gray and dehydrated. Those winter skin blues are nothing to worry about as long as you keep your skin freshly hydrated and nourished and hemp milk does just that.

If you're looking for a natural ingredient that is affordable, easy to find, and effective, hemp milk is great for all skin types. The moisturizing properties and antiseptic qualities are going to give your skin the gentle cleansing experience that you've been dreaming about. Here are three of my favorite recipes to get your started.

1. Natural Microdermabrasion Face Scrub

This is one of my fave ways to get a nice gentle exfoliate without irritating my skin, especially if I'm in the middle of a break out. Mix together one cup of hemp milk, one teaspoon of nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon, then massage gently on your face and neck for several minutes. If you've found cinnamon too drying in the past, skip it and use a little more nutmeg insteam. You're face will be clean and super smooth when you rinse it off with lukewarm water.

2. Hemp Milk Hair Rinse

I'm always looking for a quick rinse for my hair when I'm feeling equally pressured by time and dirty strands. Hemp oil has long been a staple in products that promote hair growth and healthy hair; hemp milk can nourish your hair and cleanse your scalp. A simple rinse with hemp milk before you condition is a great for anyone whose tresses are on the no poo diet, since you won't strip your hair of its natural oils.

3. Hemp Milk Face Mask

To relieve blemishes without drying out your skin, add some more food to your hemp milk. I used half a banana and one tablespoon of hemp milk. This delicious two ingredient mask can be used daily because it's balancing, cleansing, and super hydrating while combating current and future outbreaks. Try to leave your mask on for at least five minutes before rinsing completely off.

Image: Marek/Fotolia; Kristin Collins Jackson (3)