Calendula oil is a common herbal remedy used for various skin conditions. This plant is so mild that it's even safe to use on a baby's bum but so potent that it has caught the attention of researchers and medical practitioners.
The benefits and uses of calendula oil for the skin have been known for centuries, and many are still relevant today.
Calendula is a plant used for ornamental, culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. You can find it in facial creams, oils, gels, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. It's also used in bath or facial steams. And, if that wasn't enough, you can drink it as tea or eat it in a salad.
Calendula Oil: A Quick Breakdown
Applying calendula oil to the skin will give you so many benefits. People have used it for wound healing and inflammation and to reduce pain, nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peeling lips, diaper rash, and other conditions. With its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, it really is a jack of all trades.
Next time you cut yourself or forget your sunscreen, calendula oil can help. Keep a bottle on hand, and you'll be prepared to tackle any annoying skin issues at all times.
Just remember, this oil is not a magical herbal remedy - not every use is equally supported by the scientific community and practitioners. This is exactly why we prepared this article to help you better understand its benefits and what you can expect from using calendula for your skin.
What Exactly is Calendula Oil?
Calendula, also known as "Marigold," is a genus of about 15 to 20 species of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Pot marigold, or the Latin name C. Officinalis, is the most commonly cultivated and used calendula flower species, and in almost all cases, it's the plant calendula oil is made from.
The marigold pot has bright orange flowers, which are used for steam distillations, oil extractions, tinctures, or water-based extraction. Still, the most potent form of this herb is obtained through oil extraction, which is why calendula oil is the most famous and typical ingredient in many skincare products and other medical products.
Calendula oil is made by macerating marigold flowers, which results in a sticky, honey-like substance.
The flower of calendula contains triterpenoid esters, carotenoids, flavoxanthin, and antioxidants. It's considered to have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful astringent.
Is Calendula Oil Good For the Skin?
Yes! Calendula is considered to be a safe and powerful remedy. It's high in vitamin A, protecting the skin from damaging daily environmental influences.
Calendula benefits dull and dry skin since it nourishes the tissues and helps accelerate cell turnover. This will renew the dull, fatigued, mature, and dry skin.
People who suffer rashes, eczema, rosacea, or frequent acne breakouts can also benefit greatly from using calendula in their skincare routine. It will prevent infection and is great for reducing inflammation. In addition, it's one of the essential ingredients for repairing and rejuvenating the skin - which is why people love calendula oil so much.
What is Calendula Oil Used For?
In the past, people commonly used calendula extract to treat sore throats, menstrual cramps, stomach and duodenal ulcers, measles, smallpox, wound healing, damaged skin, leg ulcers, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and nosebleeds. It can also relieve diaper rash, yeast infections, and conjunctivitis.
Today we know that science supports some of the traditional uses of this oil for skin, but much more research is needed before we can justify all the uses commonly associated with this oil.
According to a 2018 assessment report from The European Medicines Agency, calendula oil is used in medicine and over-the-counter treatments for enlarged or inflamed lymphatic nodes, sebaceous cysts, duodenal ulcers, inflammatory skin lesions (wounds) that are acute or chronic.
The EU/EEA medicinal products with calendula oil aid in the healing of superficial wounds, as well as wounds with a poor healing tendency, inflammation in the mouth and throat, and skin lesions such as ulcers, bedsores, abrasions, and broken skin.
Benefits of Calendula Oil For Skin
Improving Skin Texture
One of the most known calendula oil benefits is that it's believed to improve the skin's overall appearance. It can stimulate collagen production, making your skin more flexible and resilient to mechanical damage. It also increases skin hydration, giving you glowing and radiant skin. One study found that calendula cream provided significant improvements in the hydration and firmness of the skin after eight weeks of application.
Protection From the Sun
One study suggests that calendula oil cream can protect the skin from UV radiation and maintain its natural pigmentation.
Still, more research-based evidence is needed before we can recommend it as a sunscreen replacement. Instead, use calendula oil creams as an extra layer of protection in addition to your typical sunscreen or for healing sunburned skin.
Wound-Healing Properties
One of the most famous calendula oil benefits is its role in healing wounds.
Much research has supported these claims by revealing that using aloe vera and calendula ointment considerably increases the speed of the episiotomy healing process and soothes irritated skin. There's evidence that the calendula officinalis extract possesses a potent wound-healing power.
It helps increase blood flow and oxygen to wounds, which helps the body grow new tissue more rapidly.
Relieving Symptoms of Eczema And Psoriasis
Unfortunately, research is thin on these two potential benefits. However, a lot of anecdotal evidence suggests that calendula oil can be an effective treatment for the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Many people have reported experiencing relief after using it for their problematic skin.
However, before you decide to incorporate calendula oil into your skincare routine, don't forget to consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Treating Acne Problems
Calendula oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties because of the high amount of powerful flavonoids it contains. This also gives the ingredient its antioxidant properties, protecting the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radical damage.
Linoleic acid (known for its anti-inflammatory effect) is also present in high concentrations in calendula oil.
The acids inside calendula oil have powerful antimicrobial and antiviral effects, especially if fortified with sunflower oil.
All these anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties of calendula oil make it a perfect choice for acne-prone skin.
Soothing Rashes
Soothing rashes, especially diaper rash or intertrigo, is another well-known benefit of using this oil for the skin. One study in The Scientific World Journal found that besides aloe vera, calendula oil could serve as a safe and effective treatment for the problem of diaper dermatitis in infants. On the other hand, intertrigo is a comparable rash in the folds (under the breasts, for example) of adults.
You can gently apply calendula oil alone or mixed with aloe vera a few times daily, covering the affected areas.
Preventing Processes of Aging
Nothing can prevent the normal process of aging, but you can certainly delay the appearance of aging symptoms on the skin. Calendula oil works in two different ways to help you achieve this.
First, it tightens the skin by stimulating collagen production. This also helps fade superficial wrinkles and fine lines. Secondly, it's filled with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help reduce varicose veins, stretch marks, discoloration, and other imperfections. Add it to your favorite moisturizer.
Side-Effects of Using Calendula Oil For Skin
One of the best benefits of calendula oil is that it's considered safe for all skin types, and there aren't any major side effects known or associated with calendula oil. That's right - if you have sensitive skin, you should be safe using an organic calendula ointment or oil.
However, it's always wise to conduct a patch test first, especially if the skincare products you're using contain other active ingredients. To conduct a patch test, rub a little bit of the product on a small patch of skin, and wait to see if you react. If not, go ahead and use it! Need a more detailed guide? We've got you covered here.
But, because of insufficient research-based evidence, avoid using calendula oil if:
You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
There's a concern that taking calendula oil orally might cause a miscarriage. Even though this is not proven, it's best to stay away from the ingredient during this period.
You Are Allergic to Ragweed and Related Plants
People sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family should avoid using calendula oil topically and orally since they might experience an allergic reaction. This family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Make sure you check with your doctor if you have concerns.
You Are Scheduled For Surgery
Calendula interacts with medications (sedatives) and might cause too much drowsiness. This is why you should never use calendula oil before or after surgery. Two weeks is a good interval between your last use and the first medications for your surgery.
Don't use it if you're taking any kind of sedative because it interacts with sedative medications (CNS depressants).
How to Make Calendula Oil
Gardeners consider the calendula flower one of the easiest plants to grow. It can survive in many soils and under almost any weather condition. If you're living in a warmer climate, your calendula will probably bloom every month.
Pick the flowers at the height of their bloom - the plant will cultivate more flowers in no time.
Then, spread the calendula petals out on a towel or paper. Let them dry fully under direct sunlight before storing them.
Finally, find a good-quality carrier oil suitable for your needs and skin type, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Place the fully dried flowers in the carrier oil. Close the container well and store it for about a month or two before using it. This is how long it usually takes for calendula flowers to infuse into the carrier oil thoroughly.
If this sounds like too much work, you can always simply buy a calendula oil product. There are some amazing calendula oil products that can do magic on your skin.
There are no 100% pure calendula oil products since the flowers need to be infused in carrier oil. This is why it's important to read the label on the product to see what ingredients it's made of, so you can find the best fit for your skin type.
How to Use Calendula Oil
There are many ways you can use calendula oil in your daily skincare routine. Here are some examples.
As a Moisturizer
During the day, you can use calendula oil as a natural moisturizer. It's especially beneficial for dry and problematic skin since it hydrates and protects it from external pollutants. It'll also keep your skin at least somewhat protected from damaging sunlight. Make sure you use sunscreen for good measure!
To Prepare Your Face For Makeup
Another way you can use calendula oil is as a makeup foundation. Before applying your makeup, clean your face well and moisturize it with calendula oil. The oil softens the skin and protects it from residue that can clog the pores.
As an Overnight Cream
Calendula oil can work as an amazing overnight cream. It supports the renewal and regeneration process of the skin at night. It can give the skin just the nutrients it needs to heal completely.
Should You Be Concerned About Dosage?
If you take calendula oil orally, run that by your doctor first. The dosage depends on your sex, weight, height, and other personal characteristics. Make sure you follow the instructions on the product's package label to get the maximum benefits.
If you use calendula oil topically, you don't need to worry about these things.
Conclusion
There are so many benefits of calendula oil. However, don't expect miracles. Look at it as an addition to your daily skincare routine, contributing to your new, improved, glowing complexion.
Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, calendula oil can soothe inflamed skin and skin irritation, reduce acne, prevent visible signs of skin aging, and, most importantly, accelerate wound healing and protect the skin from the sun. It's also suitable for sensitive skin!
You can make your own oil from calendula extract or buy one. Use it as a moisturizer, overnight cream, makeup foundation, or sunscreen.
Add calendula oil to your skincare routine, and you won't regret it!
References
Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis
Calendula Extract: Effects On Mechanical Parameters Of Human Skin
