Lavender Oil for Skin: Benefits, How to Use, and Safety

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  • What Is Lavender Oil?
  • Benefits Of Lavender Oil For The Skin
  • How To Use Lavender Oil For Your Skin: Dosage And Preparation
  • Side Effects Of Lavender Oil

What Is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil is obtained by distillation of the lavender flowers and has been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries. The oil is mainly used in aromatherapy as a sedative, antidepressant, and medicinal preparation. It is often used in lotions, soaps, bath gels, cleansers, toners, and other skin care products.

Lavender oil is rich in phenolic compounds and has antioxidant properties (1). Oils extracted from several varieties of lavender also have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the efficacy of lavender oil mostly depends on the extraction methods. For instance, the oil extracted by the supercritical CO2 method has more antioxidants and topical benefits than the oils extracted by distillation and hexane extraction processes. Here are the benefits of lavender oil for the skin.

Benefits Of Lavender Oil For The Skin

1. Antibacterial And Antifungal Benefits

Lavender oil has antibacterial properties against many types of bacteria, including P. acnes and S.aureus, known to cause acne and other skin issues (2). It also has antifungal properties and is effective against Candida albicans and may help manage skin infections caused by different strains of candida (1).

2. Manages Inflammatory Conditions

Lavender essential oil may help manage inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and prevent flare-ups (3).

3. Has Aromatherapeutic Effects

Inhaling lavender essential oil can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your mood (2).

4. Reduces Redness

Lavender oil can reduce redness and complications associated with recovery of episiotomy (incision on the vagina during childbirth) (4). The oil was found to promote healing on the surgery site.

5. Promotes Wound Healing

Lavender oil may help heal burn wounds, insect bites, injury, abrasion, and other skin issues (69115001033' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >5). It promotes new cell growth and repair damaged skin tissues (6).

6. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation shows up on the body as redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Topical and oral lavender oil reduces swelling and inflammation (7). Oil extracted from L. stoechas and L. luiseri (varieties of lavender) decreases the production of molecule nitric oxide, a component of the body’s inflammatory response system that causes inflammation (1).

7. Prevents Oxidative Damage

Lavender oil contains antioxidants (1). They can reduce free radical production, one of the causes of inflammation, UV damage, photoaging, and skin damage (8).

It is also used as a natural preservative in cosmetic formulations (1). You should be careful when using essential oils as they may cause skin irritation. Here is how to use lavender oil for the skin.

How To Use Lavender Oil For Your Skin: Dosage And Preparation

Lavender oil should be used in low doses as it can irritate the skin in higher quantities (7). Here are the dosage instructions (9):

  • For Aromatherapy: Add about 2-4 drops of oil in 2-3 cups of boiling water and inhale the vapors.
  • For Bathing: Add about 6 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath and soak in it.
  • For Topical Application: Mix 1-4 drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, argan, olive, or castor oils).

You can also mix a few drops of lavender oil with your face masks, creams, moisturizers, and other skin care products. While it is mainly considered safe, there are a few side effects that you should keep in mind.

Side Effects Of Lavender Oil

A recent study showed that lavender oil contains linalyl acetate, which may be toxic to human skin cells (2). Unregulated use of lavender oil may cause:

  • Contact dermatitis and skin irritation
  • Photosensitization and skin discoloration (9)

Always perform a patch test before buying products that contain lavender essential oil.

The Takeaway

Adding lavender essential oil to your skin care regimen can be beneficial as it has therapeutic and skin healing properties. However, improper use of the oil may irritate the skin. Follow the proper dosage and do a patch test before using it. If you experience any skin issues, consult a dermatologist.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Can I apply essential oil directly to the skin?

No. Dilute it with any carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

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