Calendula For Skin: Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

Calendula, widely known as pot marigold, is prized for its culinary, medicinal, and therapeutic properties. The use of calendula for skin care is on the rise due to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. The benefits of calendula for skin health are numerous. It hydrates the skin and enhances its overall appearance. Aside from that, this powerful plant possesses a slew of skin-friendly qualities. Keep reading to know more!

Know Your Ingredient: Calendula

What Is It?
A perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae that is used in skincare products.

What Are Its Benefits?
May moisturize the skin, diminish UV and radiation damage, and help heal wounds.

Who Can Use It?
Considered safe for use in general.

How Often?
Daily.

Caution
May cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Perform a patch test to check before using it.

What Is Calendula?

Calendula, often known as pot marigold or common marigold, is a perennial flower native to the Mediterranean and distinguished by large, gorgeous orange blossoms. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine to treat mild skin inflammation and wound healing.

The oil extracted from the flower is commonly used in creams, ointments, and other skin care products. It is processed by steam distillation from the plant’s petals, stems, and seeds and has numerous skin benefits.

Fun Fact

The most common historical purpose of calendula across cultures was culinary. It is also nicknamed “the poor man’s saffron,” as it was a cheaper alternative to saffron.

Calendula Benefits For The Skin

Calendula has potent healing properties, making it a popular choice in herbal remedies for natural skincare. It is particularly beneficial for those with eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Here are some of its benefits:

1. Hydrates Dry Skin

Calendula extract can boost skin hydration and firmness (1). It moisturizes the skin and boosts hydration levels to maintain normal skin functions, which is beneficial to prevent skin changes and premature aging. Calendula extract also increases skin tightness and reduces wrinkles by reducing collagen degeneration in sun exposed skin (2).

2. May Reduce Radiation Damage

Calendula contains polyphenolic antioxidants that can help reduce radiation damage. A study evaluated the effects of topical calendula extract on patients who received radiation therapy and had radiation-induced skin damage like radiodermatitis and redness (3). It found that calendula extract could reduce radiation-induced skin toxicity. However, further studies are required to establish the claim

3. Minimizes UV Damage

UV exposure causes signs of photoaging like wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. Calendula extract is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which reduce free radical damage and minimize photodamage signs (2).

4. Helps Manage Acne

Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties that calm and soothe acne and speeds up the healing process of damaged skin tissues (4). It contains sulfur derivates, which dry out acne.

5. Promotes Wound Healing

Calendula extract speeds up wound healing. A study found that using aloe vera and calendula ointment could speed up episiotomy (surgical cut on the vagina during childbirth) wound healing (5). It also reduces redness and swelling.

6. Minimizes Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a frequent problem among children, characterized by red, irritated skin around the buttocks and groin. Calendula extract helps relieve diaper rash and other skin irritations. A study concluded that calendula ointments could be a safe alternative treatment for diaper dermatitis (6).

7. May Help Treat Rosacea

Calendula may help treat rosacea in a similar way as it treats diaper rash. The plant’s healing and anti-inflammatory properties could play a role here (7). Calendula extract also possesses hydrating properties that help nourish dry skin. It is best suitable for sensitive skin and is known for reducing redness and soothing skin irritation.

8. May Treat Cracked Lips

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the linoleic acid in calendula may help reduce lip dryness and heal cracked lips. You may apply calendula oil to your lips by mixing it in a lip balm or with another oil, such as coconut oil. This may help reduce inflammation too.

Fun Fact

Calendula is known to repel mosquitos and a few other bugs with its pungent smell. Having them in your garden and home can significantly reduce the risks of bug bites.

Ways To Use Calendula For Skin

1. Moisturizer

Calendula-infused oil is well-known for its hydrating and nourishing properties. It can make your skin feel smoother and suppler, and it absorbs fast without leaving a greasy residue. Calendula is suitable for all skin types. You can massage your skin with the oil in the morning or evening for a healthy glow.

2. Healing Ointment Or Cream

The easiest way to use calendula oil is to mix it with beeswax or other plant butters like shea or cocoa butters and use it as a homemade healing cream. Use the balm twice a day for benefits. You can also buy calendula-infused healing balms.

3. As A Makeup Remover

The oil can be used to remove makeup. Mix calendula oil with other vegetable oils and use it as an oil cleanser to lift waterproof makeup in non-oily skin.

4. Other Direct Topical Uses

Apart from the face, calendula oil can be used on other body parts as a moisturizer or for other purposes. For instance, you can use it as a massage oil or for soothing sunburns and itching.
Calendula extract, particularly oil, may cause minor side effects if you are allergic to it.

Are There Any Risks Of Using Calendula For The Skin?

Calendula oil may cause allergic reactions. So, do a patch test to see if it suits your skin. If you are new to the ingredient, always consult a doctor or herbalist before using it.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to use calendula to repair skin in three easy steps! Discover the natural healing power of this amazing plant and get your skin looking healthy again. Watch the video below to know more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calendula good for dark spots?

Yes. Calendula can help fade the appearance of dark spots, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation.

Is calendula the same as marigold?

No. Calendula is only known as a ‘pot marigold’ and is not the same as a marigold. The two belong to different genera of plants.

Is calendula oil good for wrinkles?

Yes. Calendula oil can slow down the appearance of wrinkles and premature aging.

Can I use calendula cream on my face?

Yes. Calendula is considered safe for use on the face.

Is calendula the same as chamomile?

No. Though calendula and chamomile belong to the same family Asteraceae, they are different plants.

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Dr. Surbhi MahajanMBBS, MD (Dermatology)

   

Dr. Surbhi is a dermatologist with over 13 years of experience. After a few months into practice as a consultant dermatologist, she realized that there is more to explore in dermatology when her patients asked questions like, "What is my skin type?", “Which face wash or anti-aging cream should I buy?", or "Do natural skincare products work?" This led her...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more