How To Use Calendula In Skin Care?

Have you heard of ‘Calendula’ being a magic ingredient for your skin? The extract from these sun-kissed flowers have been used in Ayurveda and Unani to treat multiple ailments such as pain, cold symptoms and even infections. But it can also do a world of good to your skin.

Also known as pot marigold, this plant is native to the temperate regions of North Africa and Eurasia. If you are curious to know all about Calendula and how it benefits your skin, read this article till the end.

Highlights:

• What Makes Calendula Good For Skin?
• What Forms Does Calendula Come In?
• Benefits Of Calendula For Skin
• How To Use Calendula On Skin?
• Is Calendula Good For All Skin Types?
• Is Marigold The Same As Calendula?
• What Type Of Calendula Is Medicinal?
• Can Calendula Be Taken Orally?
• What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Calendula?
• Recommended Dosage Of Calendula
• Who Should Not Use Calendula?

What Makes Calendula Good For Skin?

Calendula has a host of skin-friendly phytochemicals including flavonoids and carotenoids.[1] The flowers are rich in alpha and beta amyrin, lupeol, quercetin, etc., which renders them with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This herbal extract can soothe irritated skin, calm inflammation and promote faster wound healing. If used appropriately, calendula can rejuvenate your skin, making it look softer, younger and dewy-fresh.

What Forms Does Calendula Come In?

1. Essential Oil:

In skincare, the essential oil extracted from the calendula flower is used most commonly. Calendula essential oil can be used by itself or in combination with a suitable carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Calendula essential oil can also be used in formulations such as lotions, ointments, creams, etc.

2. Powder Form:

Calendula in its powder form can be used as a dressing powder to treat wounds and infections. Many commercially available prickly heat powders include calendula in their formulations for its cooling and calming effects.

Apart from oil and powder form, calendula is also available as tincture, capsules and even as a calming tea.

Benefits Of Calendula For Skin

Calendula is a multifaceted ingredient, which can bestow your skin with a refreshing, new look. Here are a few dermatological benefits of calendula:

1. Rejuvenates your skin

Calendula flowers are loaded with carotenoids, which stimulate the regeneration of new skin cells.[2] This makes your skin look even-toned and refreshed.

Linoleic acid present in Calendula oil moisturises and nourishes the skin. This also helps to retain hydration and nutrients within the skin.

This herbal extract boosts collagen production in your skin which reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, making your skin visibly smoother.

2. Calms inflammation

The presence of terpenoids such as lupeol and beta amyrin in calendula gives it excellent anti-inflammatory properties.[3] It can be used to calm inflammation caused due to skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, allergy, or even breakdown of collagen.

3. Promotes wound healing

Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids along with saponins render the antibacterial properties of calendula.[4] It is effective in treating wounds and skin ulcerations. A study in the recent past has shown that calendula increases blood flow to the wound which provides the nutrition and oxygen needed for faster healing.

4. Sun-protection

The harmful UV rays of the sun can wreak havoc on your skin, which may lead to premature signs of aging and even skin cancers. Calendula is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, which scavenge the free radicals on your skin surface and protects your skin from environmental damage.

5. Treats skin conditions

Calendula extract not only soothes inflammation and promotes wound healing, but it can also help to relieve swelling.[5] Therefore, calendula is effective in healing a number of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes and hemorrhoids.

How To Use Calendula On Skin?

Calendula can be used in the following ways-

• As a balm or ointment to soothe irritated skin
• As an infusion for facial toner
• As an ingredient of soaps or scrubs
• As a sunscreen

Is Calendula Good For All Skin Types?

Calendula is a gentle herbal ingredient that is well tolerated by all skin types in general. Even people with dry, irritated or sensitive skin can also benefit from the usage of calendula. However, it is advisable to do a small patch test on the hidden part of your skin before using calendula for the first time.

Is Marigold The Same As Calendula?

Ornamental flowers of the Tagetes sps. are commonly referred to as marigold which is a distinctly different plant from calendula used in skincare and medicine. Though both the flowers belong to the family Asteraceae, the family of sunflowers and daisies, they belong to different genus and should not be confused with one another.

What Type Of Calendula Is Medicinal?

Among the various species, Calendula officinalis is the one that is most commonly known for its medicinal properties. These brightly orange coloured blooms are also utilized to produce creams, lotions and balms to treat various skin conditions. Erfurter Orangefarbige is commercially used to make calendula oil and tinctures.

Can Calendula Be Taken Orally?

The flowers of Calendula officinalis are edible and can be added to salads, omelettes, desserts etc. Calendula tea is also commercially available to give you a boost of antioxidants. Preparations of calendula can also be taken internally to treat oral infections and yeast infections. However, you should consult a doctor before taking any calendula medications orally.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Calendula?

• If you are allergic to flowers of the sunflower family such as sunflowers, marigolds or daisies, chances are that you will be allergic to calendula too. It will be best for you to avoid calendula and its preparations to avoid a hypersensitivity reaction.
• Ingestion of calendula can affect hormonal levels and induce periods in women. Therefore it is best to consult your doctor before consuming calendula preparations.

Recommended Dosage Of Calendula

• For topical application of calendula, 2 to 5% calendula is commonly used.
• For oral treatment, 0.5 to 1% of calendula can be used depending on the condition being treated.
• For commercially available calendula products, read the usage instructions on the label carefully for the recommended dosage.

It is always advisable to consult a doctor before using a particular ingredient for the first time.

Who Should Not Use Calendula?

Apart from people who are allergic to calendula, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also advised not to use calendula and products containing it.

You should avoid using calendula if you are taking sedatives or have a surgery scheduled immediately.

Wrapping Up

Calendula is a gentle herbal extract with multiple benefits. Calendula comes in various forms and its proper usage can help rejuvenate and refresh your skin. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and promotes wound healing also. Although gentle and suitable for most people, you should consult your doctor before using calendula for the first time.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin