6 Benefits Of Calendula For The Skin
Not only are flowers a beautiful part of nature, many of them can be the answer to all your skin issues. One such flowering plant that has amazing soothing and healing benefits for your skin is Calendula officinalis aka calendula. Commonly known as the Pot-Marigold, the fragrant yellow and orange calendula petals are often used in skin care products to promote the natural healing process of the skin.
Calendula is an ancient remedy used in medicine as well as food due to its calming nature. Vibrant in color with a pleasing aroma, you can apply it topically, brew it as a tea or even use it as a garnish in your favorite dishes.
Calendula is used in various medicinal practices for wound healing as well as treating poor eyesight, menstrual irregularities, headaches and even ulcers.
Health Benefits of Calendula
Calendula has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-HIV, anti-ulcer, anti-genotoxic, chemoprotective and antiseptic properties. All these benefits are linked to the long list of phytochemicals found in various parts of the plant especially the flower petals.
Among its many therapeutic capabilities, Calendula is also great for the cardiovascular system. It has potential to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
One study on rats found that the antioxidants in calendula extract significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). These antioxidants also help reduce chronic inflammation in the body and treat various infections.
Calendula can also be helpful to women when the flora of the vaginal canal gets imbalanced. Studies have shown ointments with calendula extract to be an effective natural treatment for vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis.
Looking for another natural option for oral health? In a 2013 study, conducted on 240 patients with gingivitis, calendula mouthwash showed a 46% reduction in inflammation. This proved its effective role in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Skin Healing Benefits Of Calendula
1. Fights Oxidative Stress
Since calendula has plenty of antioxidants, it helps reduce oxidative stress on your skin caused by pollution, smoke or UV radiation. These antioxidants scavenge the free radicals which would otherwise lead to DNA damage and the possibility of cancerous cells.
2. Maintains Youthfulness
Dryness and sagging are common problems as you age. Hence why hydrating and skin firming ingredients are a must have in an anti-aging skincare routine. An 8-week study found that a skin cream with calendula can delay aging as it improves skin’s firmness and hydration levels.
3. Faster Wound Healing
The best-known benefit of calendula is its ability to accelerate the time taken by your skin to heal when it is damaged. Calendula makes this possible by improving collagen protein levels, the key structural component of your skin. Be it a scar or blemish, calendula will help heal it all! If you are a nursing mom, a calendula based cream or lotion will help heal your cracked nipples during breastfeeding too.
4. Calms Angry Skin
You can add calendula to the list of natural ingredients that help soothe irritated skin. When applied topically calendula oil and ointments can help reduce burning, itching and redness caused by sunburns, bug bites, blisters, burns, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rashes, dermatitis etc.
5. Natural Acne Fighter
The P. Acnes bacteria is responsible for most inflamed, red pimples on your face. And since calendula petals have both antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties, it can acne by reducing swelling and curbing the spread of the bacteria.
And unlike treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, natural ingredients like calendula don’t dry out your skin either. So it is a safer, non-irritating ingredient to treat acne-prone skin.
6. Enhances Sun Protection
According to a study conducted in 2012, calendula oil has some sun-protective qualities. While it is not advisable to ditch your sunscreen anytime soon, using creams and lotions with calendula extract will definitely help protect your skin from harmful radiation emitted by sun rays.
Products That Contain Calendula
Green Tea & Kelp Face Cream
Rose Water & Aloe Body Lotion
Hyaluronic Acid & Witch Hazel Face Toner