The beauty industry has seen a lot of trends come and go, from the 10-step Korean skincare to super ingredients like cannabidiol oil. Now, natural skincare is one of the growing trends that people have been hopping on.
Natural skincare uses plant-based ingredients that work in better harmony with your body, allowing your skin to mend itself more quickly. One ingredient particularly known for its healing properties is calendula—the star of many facial cleansers, toners, serums, healing salves, and many other products.
Calendula is a good place to start if you’re planning to get into natural skincare. Read on to find out how calendula can give you glowing, healthy-looking skin.
What is Calendula?
Since the 12th century, the calendula flower—Calendula officinalis or pot marigold—has been used for various therapeutic reasons because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It contains flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals and unstable chemicals that cause damage.
Many of calendula’s benefits can be reaped when used topically, which is why it was mostly made into tinctures and salves back in the 12th century. Calendula has also been proven to aid wound healing by boosting blood and oxygen circulation to the damaged area to regenerate new tissues. Their dried petals are also used to cure burns, bruises, and infections.
5 Calendula Skin Benefits
The healing properties of calendula make it a good skincare ingredient. The extract offers a broad range of advantages in alleviating acne and inflammation on the skin. As a result, many skincare products formulated for sensitive skin, such as creams and facial toners, use calendula.
Here are five calendula skin benefits:
1. Retains moisture in the skin
Calendula seeds have a high percentage of linoleic and calendric acid. Linoleic acid and calendric acid are the most prevalent fat in the skin’s natural barrier, balancing its moisture. Thus, topical products containing these acids can help keep a hydrated skin barrier that’s also less vulnerable to external irritants.
Kiehl’s Calendula Toner is one example of a moisturizing calendula product. This toner has no harsh chemicals like alcohol. It doesn’t disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it easier for your skin to lock in hydration.
2. Soothes breakouts and inflammation
Calendula flowers have high amounts of flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids—compounds with anti-inflammatory qualities. These give calendula the capacity to suppress the production of histamines, which can cause skin discomfort, redness, inflammation, and allergy symptoms.
Moreover, calendula extract can reduce trans-epidermal water loss or the amount of water in your skin that evaporates through the surface. This strengthens your skin’s defense against pollutants.
3. Boosts sun protection
The calendula extract also aids in sun protection. It has SPF capabilities when made into a cream, according to laboratory research. However, calendula only boosts the sun protection you get from your sunscreen and thus, cannot be used on its own.
4. Protects against external aggressors
As mentioned earlier, calendula’s soothing properties are due to flavonoids. These are potent antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals. Free radicals hamper your skin’s collagen production, which can speed up the development of wrinkling, dark patches, fine lines, and loose, sagging skin.
Radicals are in a constant state of change, looking for a missing electron. When they grab an electron from another molecule, that molecule becomes unstable. Antioxidants like flavonoids in calendula extract bind to free radicals and effectively neutralize them before they can cause harm.
5. Improves overall complexion
The plant has been a go-to ingredient in curing wounds for centuries. Calendula’s healing properties come from its ability to improve blood and oxygen flow to the skin. Increased circulation to the skin captures more nutrients, which helps your body work and look better.
Skin-Deep Healing with Calendula
Calendula can be used in a wide range of topical applications. Ultimately, the best ace up its sleeve is skin-deep healing. If you want to try it, make sure you choose a product made with natural components devoid of chemicals and preservatives.
Kiehl’s Calendula Toner may be your next holy grail product, as it is scientifically proven to diminish redness and oiliness and enhance skin texture in just three days. It’s also alcohol-free, making it gentle and suitable for all skin types. Shop for Kiehl’s Calendula Toner today or message us on Facebook to get a free skin consultation.