Lavender oil, extracted from the Lavender plant, has gained immense popularity recently, especially for its skincare usage.
The plant lavender is commonly known for its fragrant purple flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. Cultivated for centuries, its captivating aroma and therapeutic properties have made it famous worldwide.
From its topical usage on the skin to its popularity in aromatherapy, Lavender oil emerges as an extraordinary solution for beauty and relaxation, from its topical usages on the skin to its popularity in the aromatherapy industry.
Want to learn more about its bounty of skincare benefits? Continue reading,
How to use Lavender Oil for Skin? Skincare Usage and Benefits
Lavender oil is a versatile choice for a range of skin-care concerns. This aromatic oil treats the facial skin and offers multiple benefits for the overall body. Here’s an overview of the same,
Blotchy Skin
Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe blotchy and irritated skin, redness, discoloration, and dark patches. It is an excellent solution for facial pigmentation as well.
Face Wrinkle
Being a rich source of antioxidants, it may help fight the signs of aging, offering protection from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Lavender is rich in antioxidants, including linalool and linalyl acetate, both of which are known for their anti-aging properties.
Anti-inflammation
Its anti-inflammatory and calming effects have traditionally helped to reduce inflammation and redness for ages. Applying it to inflamed areas can show magical improvement within some time.
Skin Glow
The soothing aroma of lavender contributes to the sense of relaxation, thus indirectly enhancing the skin’s glow. It mainly works for the dullness of the skin due to tension, stress, and other similar reasons. Using the oil regularly can help in maintaining radiant and glowing skin.
Soothes Eczema and Dry Skin
Its moisturizing and soothing properties help treat eczema, particularly conditions like irritated, dry and cracked skin. The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can also help treat psoriasis.
Soothes Facial Sunburn
Lavender oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, which makes it an excellent solution for treating facial sunburns.
Skin Lightening
While not a direct skin lightening, it may help reduce skin redness and discoloration, thus adding to a lightening effect.
Facial Scars
Its regenerative properties promote tissue growth, thus stimulating the repair process of scars. It isn’t a magical scar solution, but can lighten the appearance with time.
Usage/ Benefits Of Lavender Oil For Skin(Other than for facial skin)
Beyond moisturizing the face, lavender oil has many other uses. Its antibacterial qualities relieve skin irritations and help heal minor burns or insect bites.
When applied to the body, it can promote relaxation by releasing tense muscles. The benefits of lavender oil’s adaptability to skincare go beyond facial use; it provides a natural solution for a range of skin issues.
Body Moisturization
Lavender oil is a rich moisturizing source that helps hydrate and nourish the facial skin and the overall body.
Foot Soak
Its soothing and refreshing properties help to relieve tired feet and reduce foot odor.
Wounds (and cuts) Care
Its antiseptic properties help prevent infection, besides calming the healing process. When applied to cuts and wounds, it may promote healing.
Hand Cream
Using it regularly on hands and palms may add softness, moisturization, and a touch of relaxation.
Bath Oil
Adding lavender oil to bath oil or scrub offers an aromatic and calming experience for the entire day.
Insect Repellent
The scent of lavender is known to repel insects, making it a natural alternative to commercial insect repellent. It may even relieve irritation and redness that appear due to rashes.
Stretch Marks
Although not a guaranteed solution, it may lighten stretch marks.
Nails and Cuticles Care
Massaging lavender oil on nails and cuticles adds moisturization, softens cuticles, and promotes nail health.
beneficial elements abundant in lavender oil
- Linalool
This major component is calming and relaxing and adds to the pleasant floral fragrance.
- Linalyl Acetate
This compound adds a sweet, fruity aroma and offers soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- 1,8- Cinelol (Eucalyptol)
It offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, adding a subtle camphor-like note to the oil.
- Camphor
It is present in trace amounts and adds to those cooling and soothing properties.
- Borneol
This component is known for its antimicrobial properties, adding to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Terpinen-4-ol
It is known for showing effective progress in wound healing and care.
How to use Lavender Oil?
For using Lavender oil for skin care benefits, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Lavender oil is highly concentrated; thus, before using it on the skin, diluting it with a carrier oil (coconut, olive oil, etc) is essential.
- Typical dilution ratio: 2 to 4 drops of Lavender per 1 tablespoon of Carrier oil. Adjust the proportion depending on individual sensitivity.
- Always perform a patch test on an unexposed skin area, leaving the diluted oil application for at least 20 to 24 hours.
- For using it on facial skin, dilute a few drops of the oil with your regular moisturizer. During application, avoid the sensitive area around your eyes.
- Mix a few drops of the oil in your body oil or body moisturizer 5 times a week to experience benefits.
- Add a few drops of the oil to warm water and soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is warm enough. Follow this routine every night before you sleep for a relaxing experience.
- For wound cleaning, mix lavender oil with any carrier oil and apply it on cuts and wounds for cleaning.
- Add a few drops of the oil into your bath water to enjoy a soothing aromatic effect.
- Add a few drops of the oil to your pillow cover for a relaxing sound sleep.
Conclusion
Overall, Lavender oil is a popular and versatile choice for skin care and a range of other overall body care benefits. Whether you are concerned about your facial skin or other skin-related problems, this lavender concoction is a soothing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory solution.
However, when using any such concentrated oil, always dilute it to avoid harsh effects on your skin. Use carrier oil that best suits you, or mix it in your regular moisturizer.
To experience the benefits, use it regularly for at least 4 weeks. Also, choose oil from a reputed brand or make your own by boiling lavender strands in any carrier oil at home.