Amazing Benefits Of Lavender Oil For Your Skin + How To Use

What comes to your mind when you think of lavender oil? Is it the sweet aroma or the calming effect it has on the skin?

Besides being one of the most popularly used essential oils in aromatherapy, lavender oil offers multiple benefits for your skin when applied topically.

In this article, we discuss the different properties of lavender oil that can help you address a variety of skin concerns and how you can use it effectively.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Lavender, although not indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, was popularized by Romans for washing, bathing, and using it as a hair perfume. Modern science now confirms and attributes its effect to various phytochemicals.’’

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Is Lavender Essential Oil?
• Lavender Oil Benefits For Skin
• How To Use/Apply Lavender Oil For Skin?
• Side Effects Of Lavender Oil On Skin
• Frequently Asked Questions On Lavender Oil For Skin

What Is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender is an evergreen shrub with elegant purple flowers that has a sweet aroma. The microscopic glands present on the outer ring of the lavender petals contain the essential oil, which is extracted through the processes of steam distillation or cold pressing.

While there are more than 40 lavender species with different qualities and fragrances across the world, the essential oils produced from 'Lavandula Angustifolia', ' Lavandula Latifolia', 'Lavandula Stoechas', and 'Lavandula Hybrida' species are the most commonly used ones for skin care.

Different lavender species are predominantly grown in France, Bulgaria, and China. In India, lavender cultivation happens in the Kashmir valley [1].

“Indigenous delicate floral extracts have been employed in beauty regimes since time immemorial. Both Ayurveda and other historical records from the courts of the kings are a witness to this. Lavender, although not indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, was popularized by Romans for washing, bathing, and using it as a hair perfume. Modern science now confirms and attributes its effect to various phytochemicals,’’ says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Linalool, lavandulol, linalyl acetate, eucalyptol, and geraniol are some of the main chemical components of lavender essential oil which have nourishing, hydrating, antiseptic, and anti-microbial properties [2] that benefit your skin in different ways.

Lavender Oil Benefits For Skin

Lavender oil can be used on all skin types. It can be combined with different ingredients to treat your specific skin concerns too. We have discussed the benefits below.

1. Reduces Acne

Lavender oil contains antibacterial agents that eradicate acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It helps in cleansing your skin effectively by clearing the clogged pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling the inflammation, redness, and pain caused by acne breakouts.

“Lavender oil regulates the oil (sebum) balance in your skin, thus, preventing the onset of acne which is mainly caused due to overproduction of sebum in your skin. Lavender oil is non-comedogenic, which moisturizes your skin without clogging the pores,” mentions Dr. Zeel.

2. Treats Dry Skin Conditions

Lavender oil can bring a great relief to dry skin and its associated symptoms such as itchiness and rough texture. The oil regulates the moisture barrier in your skin efficiently which is why your skin neither feels too dry nor too oily. Besides, it also helps in treating skin conditions such as eczema [3], which happens due to extreme dryness in your skin.

3. Heals Injuries Faster

Lavender oil has been used to treat injuries, wounds, and skin burns since ancient times by the Greeks. The oil contains antiseptic components which help in preventing infection. It detoxifies the skin by purging out the harmful toxins. Additionally, it promotes quicker healing of your skin by improving the collagen production and regeneration of your skin tissues.

4. Controls Premature Aging

Your skin is under constant exposure to environmental aggressors such as pollution, smoke, chemicals, UV radiation, dust, etc. which cause oxidative damage in your skin tissue, resulting in premature ageing. Lavender oil is a rich source of antioxidants and essential phytochemicals which help in preventing the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and other signs of premature aging by fighting the free radicals in your skin tissue.

5. Minimizes Inflammation

Lavender oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties which help in soothing irritated skin effectively. It helps in treating inflammatory conditions in your skin such as sunburns, rosacea, and psoriasis. It also soothes the skin by controlling the redness.

6. Lightens Dark Spots & Scars

Different factors such as inflammation, trauma, hormonal imbalance, melasma, UV exposure, acne, pollution, genetics, etc. can cause excessive melanin production in your skin, which results in pigmentation and dark patches or spots. Lavender oil has exceptional properties to repair the damaged skin from hyperpigmentation and scarring by rebuilding the elastin and collagen. This way it helps in minimizing the appearance of sunspots, dark patches, or other pigmentation marks on your skin. Adding lavender oil to your skincare regimen can restore the healthy glow in your dull skin.

7. Fights Fungal Infections

Lavender oil has potent antifungal effects [4] which can help you treat conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other yeast infections in your skin. It not only prevents the spread of fungal infection but also calms the itchiness caused by infections.

8. Treats Skin Rash From Bug Bites

Besides acting as an effective insect repellent, lavender oil can relieve your skin from itchiness, pain, redness, and rash caused by bug bites. It prevents the infestation of bacteria and controls inflammation in the site of bug bites. Lavender oil also works well in treating allergic reactions caused by poison ivy on your skin.

How To Use/Apply Lavender Oil For Skin?

1. How To Use Lavender Oil For Acne?

• Add 10-15 drops of lavender oil to a spoon of coconut oil or almond oil. Mix well and apply it on your face after washing and pat drying with a clean cotton cloth. Use it once or twice a day as a moisturizer.
• You can also add 5-6 drops of lavender oil to a spoon of witch hazel and use it as a toner to treat acne. Apply this lavender oil-based toner using a cotton ball and massage your skin gently.
• If you have stubborn pimples, then you can mix lavender oil and argan oil in equal amounts and apply the mixture to the pimples twice a day.
• You can also dab the acne blemishes using a cotton swab soaked in lavender oil daily.

2. How To Use Lavender Oil For Skin Lightening?

Combine lavender oil and rosehip oil in equal amounts and apply the mixture to the dark patches, acne scars, and spots on your skin daily before bedtime.

3. How To Use Lavender Oil For Irritated & Inflamed Skin?

Add 1-3 drops of lavender oil to 1-2 spoons of moringa oil. Apply this mixture to the inflamed region on your skin thrice a day.

4. How To Use Lavender Oil For Sunburn?

Prepare a mixture by combining 2 spoons of distilled water, a quarter cup of aloe vera juice, 10 drops of jojoba oil, and 10-12 drops of lavender oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle and spray the solution onto the sunburns [5] on your skin. Use it twice or thrice a day until it heals.

5. How To Use Lavender Oil For Eczema & Psoriasis?

Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil and tea tree oil each to 2 spoons of coconut oil. Mix well and apply it to the affected region daily.

6. How To Use Lavender Oil For Wrinkles & Dry Skin?

You can directly apply a few drops of lavender oil to your wrinkles and fine lines of the aging skin twice a day.

7. How To Use Lavender Oil For Healing Wounds?

Add 3-4 drops of lavender oil to 10-12 drops of tamanu oil or coconut oil. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the wounds twice a day.

8. How To Use Lavender Oil As Insect Repellent & To Treat Insect Bites?

• Add 4-5 drops of lavender oil to 8 ounces of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it on your body and clothes to prevent insect bites.
• Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil and 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a spoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil. Mix well and apply it on the bites to reduce the pain and inflammation.

9. How To Use Lavender Oil For Cracked Feet And Hands?

Soak your cracked feet and hands in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Later, pat dry your hands and feet with a cotton towel. Add 5-6 drops of lavender oil to your moisturizing cream and apply it to your cracked skin. Repeat it on alternate days for softer hands and feet.

10. How To Use Lavender Essential Oil For The Face?

Your facial skin is way more sensitive than the skin on other body parts. When applying to your face, it’s always advised to use lavender oil in diluted form by mixing it with water or carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, olive, almond oils, etc. to prevent skin irritation. Also, avoid applying the oil on your face using your fingers. Instead, use a clean cotton pad to apply the oil to your facial skin.

A. To Detoxify Your Facial Skin

Add 4-5 drops of lavender oil to 2 cups of water. Do steaming on your face using this water once a week to unclog the facial pores.

B. For Dry & Rough Skin

Mix 5-6 drops of lavender oil with a spoon of carrier oil such as avocado or jojoba oil which has high fatty acid content. Apply it on the dry facial skin twice a day.

C. For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to 8-10 drops of grapeseed oil. Mix well and apply it to your acne-prone skin in the morning and night.

D. For Sensitive Skin & Rosacea

Add 5-6 drops of lavender oil to 10 drops of sweet almond oil. Apply the mixture on the affected skin before sleeping and leave it overnight.

Side Effects Of Lavender Oil On Skin

As lavender oil is highly potent, there is a definite possibility for some people to develop contact allergies associated with itchiness, redness, and rash. The skin's immune system may develop dermatitis and allergies even though the person is not specifically allergic to the lavender herb. However, the reaction tends to be relatively mild. Therefore, people, especially those who have sensitive skin are advised not to use any essential oils or any products with fragrances. For others, Dr. Zeel recommends doing a patch test on the elbow before using lavender oil on the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions On Lavender Oil For Skin

1. What Should You Look For When Buying Lavender Oil?

• It takes hundreds of lavender buds to make a single drop of essential oil. Hence, lavender is one of the most expensive essential oils. If you are obtaining it for a cheaper price, then you should think twice before buying.
• Buying directly from the lavender farms is always a better choice.
• Pure lavender oil has a strong, sweet, and refreshing aroma which you cannot stop smelling.
• Always look for the botanical name - ‘Lavandula Angustifolia’ or 'Lavandula X Intermedia' on the essential oil bottle. This way, you can eliminate the blended lavender oils.
• Prefer buying lavender oil which is prepared from steam distillation or cold pressing processes to minimize contamination.
• Do not buy lavender oils packed in plastic bottles. You can prefer the oils in darkened glass bottles as they can preserve the properties and original aroma of lavender.

2. Is Lavender Essential Oil A Cure For Baldness?

Yes. Lavender has been one of the popular and significant herbs that have been used in different treatments for baldness, especially for androgenic alopecia. Lavender oil contains natural DHT blocking agents. These agents prevent the formation of DHT molecules, which are the most common cause of male pattern baldness.

Vedix Tip: To treat alopecia, add 5-6 drops of lavender oil to warm hair oil and massage your scalp once a week. You can add a few drops to your shampoo and use it too.

3. Can You Rub Lavender Oil Directly On Your Skin?

Yes. You can apply lavender oil directly to the skin. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use any essential oil directly or in diluted form. People with certain health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, etc. would need a qualified doctor's advice on the usage of lavender oil on their skin.

The Last Word

Lavender oil can benefit your skin in several ways which is why it is one of the important ingredients to be added to your skincare routine. Besides using it in its pure form, you can explore different skincare products such as moisturizers, body oils, etc. that contain lavender oil to reap the maximum number of benefits for your skin.

At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skin care regimen for your unique skin needs based on your doshas.