In this article we shall discuss the various healing and skincare properties of lavender essential oil.

Origin of Lavender

Lavandula (commonly known as lavender) species are primarily grown for their use in cosmetics, aromatherapy and essential oils. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and grown widely in the Mediterranean, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, southwest Asia to southeast India and Europe across northern and eastern Africa. The plant is been cross breed and there are about 47 varieties of the plant.

Linalool and Linalyl acetate, are the two important compounds present in the original lavender oil and its proportion might depending on the hybrid variety. Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia are the two important varieties of lavender that are widely used in skincare, essential oils and therapeutic treatments.

The pleasing floral herbaceous fragrance is so pleasant that it can bring about an instant change of mood, balances thoughts and emotions, and provide relaxation to the mind. Lavender essential oil not only provides psychological positivity but also heals body and skin physically.

Properties of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the powerful herbs, that can heal a greater number of body issues. Lavandula angustifolia is analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and antitoxic. It heals bronchitis, depression, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, earache, fainting, epilepsy, headache, hypertension, influenza, insomnia, migraine, nausea, nervous tension, throat infections, typhoid, tuberculosis, vomiting, and whooping cough.

Let us now discuss in detail about the skincare and, therapeutic benefits of the lavender essential oil.

1. Heals acne

The proven antiseptic and antibacterial properties of the herb help to cure acne, blemishes and acne scarring to a greater extent. It heals clogged pores and minimizes the chance of acne.

2. Unclog pores

Any skincare products that can clog pores are considered inappropriate to the skin. The normal size of skin pore ranges from 40–80 μm and approximately 5–10 μm in diameter. And hence the particle size of skincare products should not be too small in the range of nanometer, so as to enter the blood stream and cause toxins in the body. 

If the particle size of the skincare products are larger than our skin pore, then it is possible to get rid of clogged pores. This way the product stays on the skin externally and does its functions.

3. Anti-inflammatory

The extracts of the lavender plant either hydrosol or essential oil (Lavender latifolia) heals the signs of inflammation such as redness, swellings, skin irritation, and itchiness. The lavender is also capable of healing internal inflammations of the body such as pain in joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, asthma and respiratory related inflammations such as bronchitis.

4. Antiseptic, Antimicrobial and Antibacterial

Antimicrobials and antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by various pathogens which includes a bacterium, virus, or any other microorganism that can cause disease.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial, antimicrobial properties of the lavender essential oil. The essential oil was effective against most of the pathogenic bacteria namely Proteus mirabilis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella enteric, A. caviae, Citrobacter freundii, A. dhakensis. The study confirmed that the lavender oil was strong and effective against most of the infection causing pathogens. 

Because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties it can heals minor burns, injuries, wounds and insect bites.

5. Moisturizing

Since the lavender is a dry plant it has very little moisture content. It doesn’t disturb the skin’s natural moisture and helps maintain the necessary hydration. It also provides little moisturization benefits to the skin.

In most of the home made moisturizers, creams and lotions lavender essential oil is preferred because it makes the output product very aromatic, with instant results like immediate hydration, freshness, anti-aging benefits and antimicrobial properties.

6. Therapeutic and aromatherapy benefits

L. angustifolia formerly called L. officinalis, known to be the true lavender is considered, “the most useful flowering plant for the therapeutic uses”. Aromatherapists suggest and use this essential oil for a variety of its healing, and relaxing properties.

Therapeutic scent oil has proved its effectiveness of providing a great relaxation to the mind and body. It calms the mind, eases it, and provides serenity. Certain central neurotropic effect of the lavender essential oil is the reason behind the instant refreshment and sudden change of mood.

Breathing the oil provides instant mind refreshment. It also relieves stress, tension, nervousness, sadness, anxiety and provides a great mood change.

When the oil is massaged onto the skin, it helps remove toxins in body and gives a positive energy. It also improves blood circulation. And acts as an anti-stress and relieves depression.

7. Sleep promoter

Its healing aroma, has been used in eyes pillows and masks to provide an immediate stress relief, peace of mind, promote sleep and relaxation.

The lavender essential oil has been extensively used in hospitals and old age homes for its sedative and relaxing properties. They are also immensely used as a air fresheners and room fresheners.

Conclusion

We have discussed the various benefits of using lavender essential oils. Though it seems to be super perfect solution for our everyday’s troubles such as sleeping disorders, frustration, anxiety, agitation and also to common skincare issues such as acne, pimple, clogged pores; it is important to use it in a prescribed or recommended amounts. Consider 25 grams of the base cream or serum, for which 2 – 4 drops of the essential oil does the job.

Enjoy the most lovely and sweet-scented floral smell by including it in your DIY skincare recipes for a beautiful skin and as a air freshener to enjoy tranquillity of mind.

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