Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties provide you with an amazing way to reap the benefits of calendula for skin inflammation, dryness, and age-related damage.
Calendula, with the common name of “pot marigold” and the scientific name Calendula officinalis, this plant is the most common species of the marigold flower. Used in ancient times to heal wounds and combat pain, it can be steam distilled to extract the calendula oil from the bright flower petals, among other methods.
There are 15-20 different species of calendula found throughout Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of southern Asia, with the majority of people using this ingredient for medicinal and remedial purposes.
Pure methods cannot make calendula oil, it must be infused with another oil such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil for extraction. The oil can take up to a month before it’s fully infused and ready to use. Although calendula can also be found in a dried, powdered form which can then be mixed as needed with virgin organic olive oil for use on skin.
Calendula can help soothe contact dermatitis, eczema, and acne breakouts from free radicals caused by harmful environmental conditions. Calendula's antibacterial properties kill off the damaging free radicals and help to heal damaged skin.
Many benefits of calendula consist of the capability to encourage the healing process, enhance the appearance of the skin, reduce inflammation, promote blood flow to the skin cells, and provide antioxidant protection to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and scars.
The many benefits of calendula are owing to the substantial levels of:
Flavonoids are a large group of phytonutrients that are found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This group of nutrients are essential in that they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.
Saponins are naturally occurring phytochemicals found in plants. They are a nutrient compound found in various plants including legumes and herbs. If mixed with water they will foam up and create suds. Due to their ability to foam up, you may find saponins in natural skincare products like soap, body wash, and facial cleansers.
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in plants that give fruit and vegetables their bright color. They act as antioxidants in the body, protecting the cells from damage and age-related skin problems such as wrinkles and dark patches. The bright red, yellow, and orange color of fruit and vegetables such as peppers, oranges, and carrots come from carotenoids.
Calendula is an excellent botanical for eliminating free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to the skin that leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots (hyperpigmentation). If your body is exposed to too many free radicals and becomes overwhelmed enough that the immune system is impaired, your body will suffer from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can lead to a variety of diseases affecting your immune system. It damages your cells and leads to dry skin, dark patches, wrinkles, acne, eczema, and so much more.
The quest for antioxidants within natural beauty products has expanded owing to the continually-increasing toxins being included in skincare and cosmetics. Skincare products containing antioxidants will boost skin cell regrowth, heal inflamed, dry, or cracked skin, and boost circulation for a younger, fresher looking complexion.
As an ingredient, calendula can be incorporated into many products from cleansing lotions, masks, makeup removers, soothing balms, and more. Daily usage of products containing calendula as an ingredient will benefit the look and feel of your skin. It will tighten the skin, heal damaged cells, plump up the skin, and preserve the health of your skin’s ecosystem.
The restorative properties of calendula hydrate dry skin and boost the growth of new skin cells to give you a healthy, younger-looking appearance.
Cracked skin can be uncomfortable for many people who suffer from eczema or psoriasis. These dry skin conditions can cause the skin to dry up, crack, and split leaving painful areas on the skin. Calendula, with its deep moisturizing and healing abilities, gets deep down into the layers of skin to fight any infection that may be present, then initiates the healing process.
Keeping the skin hydrated and free from infection, your skin now has a fighting chance to become smooth and supple. Your skin won’t itch or be painful due to the soothing anti-inflammatory properties.
The gentleness of calendula makes it a favorite ingredient amongst sensitive skin sufferers who are searching for a cream or cleanser that is compatible with their skin.
Calendula will protect your skin naturally - keeping it free from irritation, so try it for yourself to reap the benefits of calendula for beautiful skin!