Lavender Oil For Skin: Benefits, How To Use, And Safety

What Is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil is obtained by distillation of the lavender flowers and has been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries. The oil is mainly used in aromatherapy as a sedative, antidepressant, and medicinal preparation. It is often used in lotions, soaps, bath gels, cleansers, toners, and other skin care products.

Trivia

Lavender essential oil is extracted from English Lavender. Even though the plant originally grows around the Mediterranean, the oil is usually made in France.

Lavender oil is rich in phenolic compounds and has antioxidant properties (1). Oils extracted from several varieties of lavender also have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the efficacy of lavender oil mostly depends on the extraction methods. For instance, the oil extracted by the supercritical CO2 method has more antioxidants and topical benefits than the oils extracted by distillation and hexane extraction processes. Here are the benefits of lavender oil for the skin.

Benefits Of Lavender Oil For The Skin

1. Antibacterial And Antifungal Benefits

Lavender oil has antibacterial properties against many types of bacteria, including P. acnes and S.aureus, known to cause acne and other skin issues (2). It also has antifungal properties and is effective against Candida albicans and may help manage skin infections caused by various strains of candida (1).

Did You Know?

During the Black Plague of the 16th century, lavender oil was used to repel the disease. People also sold bundles of the plant in the streets to cover up the odor of the deceased.

2. Manages Inflammatory Conditions

Lavender essential oil may help manage inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and prevent flares (3).

3. Has Aromatherapeutic Effects

Inhaling lavender essential oil can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your mood (2).

4. Reduces Redness

Lavender oil can reduce redness and complications associated with recovery of an episiotomy (incision on the vagina during childbirth) (4). The oil was found to promote healing on the surgery site.

5. Promotes Wound Healing

Lavender oil may help heal burn wounds, insect bites, injury, abrasions, and other skin issues (5). It promotes new cell growth and repair damaged skin tissues (6).

6. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation shows up on the body as redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Topical and oral lavender oil reduces swelling and inflammation (7). Oil extracted from L. stoechas and L. luiseri (varieties of lavender) decreases the production of molecule nitric oxide, a component of the body’s inflammatory response system that causes inflammation (1).

7. Prevents Oxidative Damage

Lavender oil contains antioxidants (1). They can reduce free radical production, one of the causes of inflammation, UV damage, photoaging, and skin damage (8).

8. Manages Sunburns

Lavender oil offers soothing properties that may aid in relieving sunburn discomfort because it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate the pain, and soothe the redness and itching associated with sunburn (9). To use lavender oil for sunburn relief, mix a few drops of pure lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to dilute its potency. Gently apply the diluted mixture to the affected sunburned areas using a clean cotton ball or soft cloth. For severe sunburns or if irritation persists, seek medical advice or consult a dermatologist. Additionally, always prioritize sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Jessie Quinn, a blogger, has tried lavender oil as a part of her skin care. She shares her experience of adding lavender to her moisturizer, “The scent helped me sleep better at night and made me feel like I was starting each day with a spa-worthy facial. Then one morning I looked in the mirror and saw something I hadn’t noticed before: My skin was SO clear. I’m not talking breakout-free (though it was also that), my complexion had an undeniable crystal-clear glow akin to that of Disney Princesses. After racking my brain for a cause, it dawned on me: The only thing I had changed about my skincare routine was adding lavender essential oil to my moisturizer (i).”

It is also used as a natural preservative in cosmetic formulations (1). You should be careful when using essential oils as they may cause skin irritation. Here is how to use lavender oil for the skin.

How To Use Lavender Oil For Your Skin: Dosage And Preparation

Lavender oil should be used in low doses as it can irritate the skin in higher quantities (7). Here are the dosage instructions (10):

•  For Aromatherapy: Add about 2-4 drops of oil in 2-3 cups of boiling water and inhale the vapors.
•  For Bathing: Add about 6 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath and soak in it.
•  For Topical Application: Mix 1-4 drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, argan, olive, or castor oils).

You can also mix a few drops of lavender oil with your face masks, creams, moisturizers, and other skin care products. While it is mainly considered safe, there are a few side effects that you should keep in mind.

Side Effects Of Lavender Oil

A recent study showed that lavender oil contains linalyl acetate, which may be toxic to human skin cells (2). Unregulated use of lavender oil may cause:

•  Contact dermatitis and skin irritation
•  Photosensitization and skin discoloration (10)

Always perform a patch test before buying products that contain lavender essential oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lavender oil clear dark spots?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that lavender oil can help minimize discoloration and dark spots on your skin. You can mix a few drops of lavender oil with a small amount of moisturizer and coconut oil. Apply it once or twice a day to see an improvement in your skin tone.

How long does lavender oil take to fade dark spots?

According to anecdotal data, lavender essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory effects that aid in the reduction of dark spots. However, no research has been done to see how long essential oils take to lighten pigmentation.

Is lavender good for wrinkles?

A study revealed that lavender oil might help protect the brain from oxidative stress (1). In addition, when applied to the skin, these similar properties may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, further human trials are needed to confirm lavender oil’s efficacy in this regard.

Dive into this comprehensive video guide to explore the benefits of lavender oil in skin care. Discover its soothing properties, how to use it effectively, and flaunt healthy and glowing skin. Click on the play now!

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...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

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...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