Benefits Of Calendula For The Skin You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner
We’ve all heard about the wonders of natural skincare, but have you ever considered the power of calendula? This vibrant flower, also known as marigold, has been making waves in the beauty world for its remarkable benefits for skin. From soothing skin irritation to tackling acne-prone skin, calendula’s uses for skin are truly impressive. We’re excited to dive into the world of calendula benefits and share how this botanical wonder can transform your skincare routine.
In this article, we’ll uncover how calendula oil benefits various skin conditions and why marigold flower uses for skin have become so popular. Whether you’re dealing with diaper rash or looking to improve your overall skin health, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover why calendula for skin is a game-changer and how you can make the most of its incredible properties in your daily skincare regimen.
What Is Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold or Calendula officinalis, is a fascinating flowering plant belonging to the daisy family. It’s important to note that this isn’t the same as the ornamental marigolds we often see in vegetable gardens. Calendula is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, and it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare.
The plant itself is quite striking, with vibrant yellow or orange flowers that bloom almost continuously until the first frost. I’ve learned that it’s an annual or short-lived perennial herb that can grow up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate and hairy, giving the plant a distinctive appearance.
What’s really interesting about calendula is its rich history of use in various cultures. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all recognised its potential benefits for skin. Today, calendula is still widely used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, calendula oil, extracted from the flower petals, is particularly popular in skincare. It’s believed to have healing properties that can help with various skin conditions, including irritation, acne, and even diaper rash. The oil is often used in creams, ointments, and salves to soothe and moisturise the skin.
In addition to its skincare uses, calendula has culinary applications too. The petals are edible and can add a splash of colour to salads or be used as a natural food colouring. It’s truly a versatile plant with a wide range of potential benefits for skin health and beyond.
What Does Calendula Do For Your Face?
Calendula is more than just a pretty flower – it’s a powerhouse for facial skincare. One of the main calendula benefits for skin is its ability to moisturise and hydrate. The fatty acids in calendula help keep our skin well-hydrated, which can delay the signs of ageing.
A study on calendula extract’s effects on human skin found that it increased skin hydration and tightness. This means it might prevent skin damage and slow down the ageing process. I’m impressed by how calendula can provide all these benefits while being incredibly gentle on the skin.
For those of us with sensitive skin, calendula is a godsend. It’s so gentle that it’s even safe for babies. Using a rich moisturiser with calendula, like a face cream containing organic calendula and colloidal oatmeal, can soothe and protect dry or chafed skin.
Calendula’s uses for skin go beyond just moisturising. It’s been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis. While more research is needed, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce skin inflammation.
Calendula might aid in wound healing and has sun-protecting properties. Some people even use it as a natural sunscreen. However, it’s important to note that long-term use of calendula hasn’t been extensively studied, so it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your skincare routine.
Top 13 Benefits Of Calendula For The Face
I’ve discovered that calendula is a powerhouse when it comes to skincare. Here are the top 10 benefits I’ve found:
1. Soothes Inflammation
Calendula contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids. These components work to reduce redness on face, swelling, and irritation in the skin. When applied topically, calendula can help calm various skin conditions such as sunburn, minor cuts, and rashes. Its soothing properties make it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin types.
2. Moisturises
The fatty acids present in calendula, particularly linoleic acid, play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. These fatty acids help to lock in hydration, preventing water loss from the skin (transepidermal water loss). Additionally, calendula oil has emollient properties, which means it can soften and smooth the skin, making it an excellent face cream and moisturiser ingredient for dry or dehydrated skin types.
3. Anti-Ageing Properties
Calendula’s potential anti-ageing benefits stem from its ability to boost skin hydration and improve skin elasticity. The antioxidants in calendula, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, help protect the skin from free radical damage, which is a major contributor to premature ageing. By increasing skin hydration and tightness, calendula may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion. So if you are looking for an anti-ageing home remedy, try adding calendula to your routine.
4. Wound Healing
Calendula has been shown to have remarkable wound-healing properties. It stimulates the production of collagen and glycoproteins, which are essential for tissue repair. The study mentioned about increased healing time in women who’ve had c-sections is particularly noteworthy. Calendula’s ability to promote cell regeneration and improve blood flow to wound sites makes it valuable for various types of skin injuries, from minor cuts to surgical incisions.
5. Acne Treatment
The antimicrobial properties of calendula make it an effective natural remedy for acne. It can help combat the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that contribute to acne formation. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions. Calendula’s gentle nature makes it suitable for acne-prone skin without causing excessive dryness or irritation often associated with harsh acne treatments.
6. Sun Protection
While calendula does offer some sun-protective properties, it’s important to note that it should not replace a dedicated sunscreen. Calendula contains antioxidants that can help neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure. It may also have a mild SPF (Sun Protection Factor), though the exact level can vary.
7. Antioxidant Protection
Calendula is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. By protecting against oxidative stress, calendula can help maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin, potentially preventing issues like premature wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity.
8. Gentle Exfoliation
Calendula’s gentle exfoliating properties come from its ability to promote cell turnover. While it doesn’t contain physical exfoliating particles, it can help to reomve dead skin cells from skin. This process reveals fresher, more radiant skin underneath. The gentle nature of this exfoliation makes it suitable for regular use, even for those with sensitive skin.
9. Eczema Relief
While more research is indeed needed, the anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties of calendula make it a promising natural remedy for eczema. It can help soothe the itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema flare-ups. The fatty acids in calendula also support the skin’s natural barrier function, which is often compromised in eczema-prone skin. However, as with any treatment for eczema, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before use.
10. Natural Skincare
Calendula’s appeal as a natural skincare ingredient lies in its gentle yet effective properties. Derived from the marigold flower, it’s free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking natural skincare alternatives. Its safety profile extends to use on sensitive skin and even on babies, though it’s always advisable to do a patch test first. The versatility of calendula in addressing various skin concerns while being gentle and natural makes it a valuable addition to many skincare routines.
11. It Can Firm The Skin
In the short term, the nourishing benefits of calendula help to plump the surface of your skin to give you tighter, more supple skin almost instantly. In the long term, both the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to protect your precious collagen and elastin supply. These factors majorly improve skin firmness.
12. Reduces Scarring
One of the prominent calendula benefits is its ability to reduce skin scarring when used to treat wounds and other skin ailments. The calendula properties that benefit wound healing apply to the scarring process as well. Calendula increases blood flow to the affected skin area, promotes a speedy, healthy and targeted healing process, free of infection, and encourages growth of the healthy new tissue. In the cases of skin ulcers like chicken pox and acne, the herb softens and soothes the skin, preventing inflammation, boosting the immune response, which allows such wounds to heal quickly and cleanly. Thus, it will help in enhancing the overall skin appearance.
13. Protect The Skin From External Aggressors
The amazing flavonoids that give calendula the ability to soothe skin also make it a top-notch protector. Flavonoids function as a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect your skin against free radical damage. In case you are not aware, free radicals are highly destructive molecules that can wreak havoc on your skin as claimed by many skin care experts and dermatologists. They are unstable and in search of a missing electron. When free radicals steal an electron from other molecules, it leaves them unstable in return. Antioxidants, like the flavonoids in calendula extract, pair with those free radicals, essentially neutralizing them before they can do damage that leads to premature aging such as increased fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
St.Botanica Recommended Calendula Infused Skincare Products
I’ve discovered some of the best skin care products from St.Botanica that harness the power of natural ingredients. These products are perfect for those looking to enjoy the calendula benefits for the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Boost Nutrient Face Mist
This face mist is a game-changer for hydration. You’ll love how it combines calendula’s soothing properties with hyaluronic acid for intense moisture. It’s great for refreshing your skin throughout the day, especially when dealing with skin irritation. A must have face mist and toner for every skincare loving girlies.
Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream with SPF 30
This day cream is a perfect blend of nourishment and protection and you’ll fall in love with the moment you apply it to your skin. The calendula and argan oil work together to moisturise, while the SPF will shield your skin from sun damage. It’s ideal for those with acne-prone skin as it’s non-greasy and does not clog pores either.
Cucumber After Sun Gel
After a day in the sun, this after-sun gel will become your go-to product. The combination of calendula and cucumber is incredibly soothing for the skin. It will also help you manage various skin conditions, from sunburn to general irritation. No doubt the best sunscreen you can add to your skincare routine.
Retinol Advanced Anti-Ageing Face Mist
If you are looking for an incredible face mist then this is the one. The Retinol Advanced Anti-Ageing Face Mist is a powerhouse for anti-ageing. You’ll notice that the calendula helps to calm any potential irritation from the retinol, making it suitable even for people with sensitive skin. It also helps in improving your skin texture too.
Retinol Advanced Anti-Ageing Night Cream
Ladies, start using this night cream regularly, and you’ll be impressed by how it combines the anti-ageing benefits of retinol with the soothing properties of calendula. It’s great for improving your skin’s texture and reducing fine lines. So if you’ve been looking for the best night cream then you can try this one. Trust us, it’s going to be the best addition to your night skin care routine.
How Can Calendula Be Used?
One of the best ways to use it is as a calendula-infused oil. Simply mix calendula flower petals with carrier oils like jojoba or almond oil. This infusion is fantastic for direct application on the skin or as an addition to my homemade lotions.
Another great option is calendula extract. It’s made by extracting the active ingredients from calendula flowers using an ethanol-based solvent. This extract is in many skincare products like serums and toners, which are great for tackling skin irritation and acne-prone skin.
For more targeted treatment of skin conditions, you can turn to calendula creams and ointments. These are specially formulated to soothe and repair irritated or damaged skin. These are particularly useful for treating minor burns, cuts, and even diaper rash.
You can also experiment with calendula powder, which is dispersible in water. It’s perfect for adding to the water phase of emulsions or in small amounts to anhydrous formulations. Make a simple body butter and add calendula powder at the end – the results are amazing!
How To Incorporate Calendula Into Your Skincare Routine
Adding calendula to my skincare routine for glowing skin has been a game-changer. To start, use a gentle calendula-infused best face cleanser to wash my face. This helps soothe any skin irritation while effectively removing dirt and oil. After cleansing, I apply a calendula toner to balance my skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps.
For a daily moisturiser, opt for a cream or lotion that contains calendula extract. This will help keep your skin hydrated and take advantage of calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties. If you are dealing with acne-prone skin, use a spot treatment with calendula oil to help reduce redness and inflammation.
Also incorporated a weekly calendula face mask into my routine. Simply mix calendula powder with honey and apply it for about 15 minutes. This helps to nourish and rejuvenate my skin.
For those with sensitive skin or specific skin conditions, start with a patch test before fully incorporating calendula products. It’s also worth noting that while calendula is generally safe, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Healthy Skin Habits With Calendula
Incorporating calendula into your skincare routine can be a game-changer, but it’s not the only factor in maintaining healthy skin. To truly reap the calendula benefits for the skin, it’s essential to pair it with other healthy skin habits.
First and foremost, make sure to cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, calendula-infused cleanser. This helps remove dirt and oil without stripping my skin of its natural oils. After cleansing, apply a calendula-based toner to balance my skin’s pH levels.
Hydration is key, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. this helps my skin look plumper and more radiant, enhancing the effects of my calendula skincare products.
Sun protection is another crucial habit I’ve adopted. While calendula has some sun-protecting properties, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
A healthy diet rich in antioxidants complements the antioxidant properties of calendula. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to support my skin health from the inside out.
Lastly, make sure to get enough sleep each night. This allows your skin to repair itself and maximise the benefits of my calendula-infused night cream. By combining these healthy habits with your calendula skincare routine, you’ll see a significant improvement in your overall skin health and appearance.
Things To Consider While Using Calendula For The Skin
Calendula offers numerous benefits for skin, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s crucial to perform a patch test before using any calendula-infused product. This helps ensure you won’t experience an allergic reaction, especially if you’re sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
When using calendula, always follow the product instructions carefully. It’s important to avoid applying it to open wounds or broken skin without consulting a healthcare provider. Calendula can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure when using calendula products.
For those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing medical conditions, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating calendula into your skincare routine. Always store my calendula products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their effectiveness.
Conclusion
Calendula has truly emerged as a game-changer in the world of skincare. Its remarkable properties have an influence on various skin conditions, from soothing irritation to enhancing overall skin health. The versatility of calendula allows for its incorporation into different skincare products and routines, making it accessible to a wide range of users. What’s more, its gentle nature makes it suitable even for those with sensitive skin, including babies.
To wrap up, while calendula offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to use it wisely and in conjunction with other healthy skin habits. By combining calendula-infused products with proper cleansing, hydration, sun protection, and a balanced diet, you can maximise its positive effects on your skin. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s always a good idea to start slow and consult with a skincare professional if needed. With the right approach, calendula can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine, helping you achieve healthier, more radiant skin.
FAQs On Benefits of Calendula for Skin
Is calendula good for your face?
Absolutely! calendula is fantastic for facial skin care. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. It’s also great for moisturising, thanks to its fatty acid content, it can help with various skin conditions, including acne-prone skin.
Is calendula good for skin whitening?
While calendula isn’t specifically known for skin whitening, I’ve discovered that it can help even out skin tone. Its antioxidant properties protect against sun damage, which can lead to dark spots. However, it’s not a primary ingredient for skin lightening.
Does calendula remove dark spots? In my experience, calendula can help fade dark spots over time. Its ability to promote cell turnover and protect against UV damage contributes to this effect. However, it’s not as potent as dedicated skin-lightening ingredients.
Does calendula tighten skin?
Yes, it does! Studies show that calendula can increase skin hydration and tightness. This can help prevent skin damage and delay the ageing process, giving your skin a more youthful appearance.
Is calendula good for pimples?
Definitely! Calendula is effective for acne-prone skin. Its antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling associated with pimples.
Is calendula good for oily skin?
Yes, it is. Calendula can help balance oil production without over-drying the skin. Its gentle cleansing properties make it suitable for oily skin types.
Is calendula good for cracked skin?
Absolutely! Calendula to be excellent for healing cracked skin. Its moisturising and wound-healing properties help repair and soothe dry, damaged skin.
What are the marigold flower uses for skin?
Marigold, or calendula, has numerous uses for skin. It can be used to soothe irritation, heal wounds, moisturise dry skin, and even treat conditions like eczema and diaper rash. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a versatile ingredient in skincare.
Also Read
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- green tea benefits for skin: Rich in antioxidants, green tea calms irritation, fights acne, and reduces redness. Read on!
- Benefits Of Cocoa Powder For Skin: Cocoa powder boosts skin’s hydration, fights free radicals, and enhances blood flow for a healthy glow. Read more of its benefits.
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