Calendula oil may be an alternative remedy to treat various skin conditions as well as improve the quality and appearance of the skin. Here are seven ways calendula oil may be used for the skin.
Calendula cream as sunscreen
Calendula oil might be an option for sun protection. A 2012 laboratory study found that calendula oil had SPF properties as a cream mixture. However, more evidence is needed to support calendula cream as a possible sunscreen.
In the meantime, stick to a sunscreen proven to work to reduce the chances of skin cancer for you and your family.
Calendula oil for wounds
Calendula oil might accelerate wound healing. Research from a 2013Trusted Source suggests that using aloe vera or calendula ointment along with standard care sped up episiotomy recovery time.
In the study, women who used either aloe vera or calendula ointment every eight hours for five days showed improvement in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bruising. Adding aloe or calendula ointment to standard care was found to be more effective than using standard care alone.
Calendula oil for acne
Some people use calendula oil to treat acne. One laboratory study found that calendula extract may be useful in treating and preventing acne vulgarism, but more research, especially studies on humans, is needed to support these findings.
You can try washing your face using a calendula cleanser. You can apply calendula cream, oil, or spot treatment to your whole face or use it to target acne-prone areas. You may even wish to try a face mask treatment once per week.
Calendula oil for diaper rash
Calendula oil might help soothe diaper rash. A small study in 2012 found that while an aloe vera cream was effective in treating diaper rash, a calendula ointment was significantly more beneficial. However, this research is preliminary.
To relieve diaper rash, you can try applying a small amount of calendula oil on its own or mixed with aloe vera on the affected area a few times per day.
Calendula oil for psoriasis
Calendula oil’s wound-healing properties might make it a good choice in treating psoriasis, but there isn’t any research on this yet. You can try applying calendula oil or balm on the affected area a few times each day.
Calendula oil for better skin
Calendula oil might improve the overall appearance of your skin. One study found that a cream containing calendula extract may promote skin hydration and firmness, but more research is needed.
It’s also speculated that calendula might help treat contact dermatitis, which includes reactions to poison ivy.
You can try applying a calendula oil or cream on your skin twice per day.
Calendula is generally safe to use, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Avoid calendula if you’re allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Composite family. Don’t use calendula if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — not enough is known to be sure it is safe.
Avoid taking calendula orally at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, since it can cause drowsiness. Don’t take it orally in combination with any type of sedative drug.
Calendula oil may be used by many and works for some, but there’s not much research behind its uses. If you’re interested in trying it out, make sure you’re buying a product that contains natural ingredients and is free of chemicals and preservatives.
Always talk to your doctor before using this oil to treat any condition that may require medical attention. Make sure to do a skin patch test before use, too. Carefully note how your body reacts to any form of calendula oil.
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