How To Use Lavender Essential Oil For Beauty & Aromatherapy

Lavender is a legendary botanical originating from the mint family. You may recognize Lavender for its soothing scent and healing effects. Lavender, scientifically called Lavandula angustifolia, has a distinct sweet and floral smell. Queen Elizabeth cherished this flower and loved to use it in her perfume and even added the flavor in her tea. 

Did you know that the Lavender plant has a long history? It has been utilized extensively for beauty and medical treatments, so much that it was considered an antiseptic during the first world war! Hence, the popular Lavender essential oil is not just beneficial for its therapeutic and calming scent. It is a potent, multi-purpose oil with many cosmetic and medicinal benefits.

Do you want to know more about what exactly is a Lavender essential oil, the varied benefits and uses it proffers? Then you should continue reading; this article comprehensively elaborates on what you are looking for! 

What is Lavender Essential oil?

Lavender essential oil is the most used essential oil across the globe for more than 2500 years. The lavender is a perennial evergreen plant, which thrives in dry, rocky terrain with a preference for the oceanic climate. The oil is extracted from the lavender flowers through the process of distillation. The Lavender Essential oil is found in the microscopic glands on the outer ring of the petals.

There are abundant uses of the lavender essential oil ranging from cosmetic, aromatic, and even medicinal. Lavender’s pacifying and soothing qualities set it apart, making it a unique essential oil. It balances all skin types, heals irritation, calms the senses, and is especially great for sensitive skin. 

The origin of Lavender greatly determines the quality and effectiveness of the essential oil derived. Referred to as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir is the home to high-quality Himalayan Lavender. Kama Ayurveda’s Lavender Essential Oil and Pure Lavender Water is obtained from these high quality Himalayan Lavender plants.

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Did you know lavender essential oil can also calm the itchy scalp and soothe skin irritation?

So, do you want to find out about the multifarious benefits of the Lavender oil, then keep reading on!

8 Top Lavender Essential Oil Benefits

The lavender essential oil can be used to pamper your skin, hair, and even to regulate your mood. Let’s explore some of the top benefits of this oil in detail.

1. Reduces acne

The Lavender essential oil can clear your pores and cleanse the skin. It possesses antibacterial components that can kill the acne forming bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and inflammation, which is often caused by acne. 

Did you know that lavender essential oil even regulates the oil balance of the skin? This prevents the onset of acne formation caused by excess oil production. Lavender essential oil moisturizes the skin gently. It is also non-comedogenic; hence it would work well even for your pores and allows them to remain unclogged.

2. Soothes dry skin conditions

Have you been itching your skin because of tightness and dry skin conditions? Turn to Lavender essential oil, and you could heave a sigh of relief. This oil does a stellar job in maintaining the skin's oil balance. It regulates the moisture barrier in such a way that your skin would never feel too oily nor too dry. It can even diminish skin disorders like Eczema.

Did you know that having dry skin could also give rise to acne-related issues? Having dry skin causes the dermal layer to overproduce sebum causing acne. Using Lavender essential oil on your skin can however, prevent such dryness.

3. Heals injuries

During the ancient days, the Greeks believed that Lavender oil could be utilized to clean injuries, skin burns, and wounds. The oil contains antiseptic components that can heal the skin quicker and prevent any possible infections. Lavender essential oil enhances collagen production and encourages the regeneration of skin tissues.

The wound-healing activity is promoted in the early stage of the treatment itself. This benefit is proved by a study performed in 2016. The results could be witnessed even after application for a time duration of less as a week. This oil does wonder even in the initial stages of scar treatment.

4. Prevents wrinkle formation

Do you incessantly worry about skin-aging and the wrinkles it brings along? Well, the Lavender essential oil is rich in antioxidants and could relatively slow down the skin’s aging process and prevent the formation of wrinkles. This oil even contains useful phytochemicals that can battle against premature signs of aging! We are often exposed to environmental aggressors like UV rays, dust, and pollution. The antioxidants present in the essential oil fights against the damage caused by the same.

When you support your skin by implementing products that contain antioxidants in your skin-regimen, it is charged with nourishment that can diminish the onset of wrinkles, fine lines, and even pigmentation!   

5. It protects skin from free radicals

Recently, free radicals and their impact on our skin and the overall bodily system has been studied extensively. It is understood that free radicals get attached to the cell and are generated by UV radiation, dust, smoke, chemical insults. This can damage the skin, create havoc in collagen production, and cause hyper-pigmentation.

Lavender contains anti-oxidative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The high level of anti-oxidative activity created by using the essential oil can neutralize the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It can promote radiant skin; hence adding Lavender essential oil to your skincare routine can protect the skin from free radicals.

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6. Promotes hair growth

The Lavender essential oil can stimulate the growth of hair. It supports thicker and quicker hair growth. Some studies state that lavender essential oil could benefit those suffering from pattern-based baldness or alopecia. As we know that lavender essential oil contains characteristics of generating faster growth of cells, it can promote more rapid hair growth. Did you know that this oil could prevent and may even kill head lice? 

The lavender essential oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can improve scalp health. It even conditions the hair and keeps it lustrous and manageable.

7. Relieves anxiety and fatigue

Do you often stress about every hurdle life throws at you? You could surely do good with some amount of relaxation, and the lavender essential oil’s aroma could do just that. Studies state that the aromatherapy given under the influence of lavender essential oil could effectively manage anxiety and depression.

Did you know that the limbic system is the part of the brain that looks after the emotions your body feels? The psychological effects combined with the volatile oil's physiological effects on the limbic system promotes a sensation of calmness and easiness.

As this essential oil contributes to soothing and relaxing your senses, it could give you relief from anxiety and fatigue. 

8. Works as an insect repellant

Are you tired of the insects around you continually bothering you? Well, make use of this essential oil. The lavender essential oil can keep insects away, especially mosquitoes and ticks. You may not find it as beneficial as a chemical-based repellent. However, if you are looking for a natural way to repel insects for a short while, this essential oil could do just the work. It not only works as a bug deterrent, but its anti-inflammatory properties will even provide you relief from bug-bites.

Now, as we have understood about the benefits this oil provides next, let us look at its uses.

What is Lavender essential oil used for?

Lavender essential oil is one of the most used essential oils. In the following section-specific uses of lavender essential oil for skin, hair and aroma is described, continue to read on.

Lavender Essential Oil For Skincare

From ancient times itself, Lavender’s properties are incorporated into medicines for soothing bruises and skin irritations. In medicinal terms, the lavender essential oil relieves muscle spasms, disinfects, and calms inflamed skin. In case you ever find yourself staring at an itchy bug bite, you could use this oil to speed up the healing process and heal the irritated and scarred skin.

This oil moisturizes and promotes the alleviation of chapped and aging skin. Its antimicrobial properties provide relief from small cuts and burns. The Lavender essential oil has the potential to bring back your skin’s lost complexion and slow the aging process. Its powerful anti-oxidative properties enhance the look and feel of the skin.  

Lavender Essential Oil For Hair Care

Lavender essential oil promotes hair growth and prevents baldness. It contains anti-microbial properties that don’t allow the formation of fungi or bacteria, hence keeping the attack of dandruff at bay. It soothes the scalp and keeps it healthy and nourished also prevents itchiness.

Did you know that Lavender essential oil could also make your hair shiny and smooth?This oil's ability to regulate the sebum production allows the oil content to remain in check and doesn't make your hair excessively oily and sticky. You could effectively use the lavender essential oil to nourish and condition the hair shafts.

It even works as a scalp toner and reverses the damage caused by environmental pollutants or extremely harsh weather conditions.   

Read - 12 Essential Oils That Work Wonders For Hair

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Lavender Essential Oil For Aromatherapy

Diffusing the Lavender essential oil into the air and inhaling its divine aroma calms the mind immediately, allowing your body as well as mind to relax. It can diminish emotional stress, anxiety, and even alleviate headaches. If you ever feel motion sickness, the fragrance of this oil could do wonders and give you relief throughout the travel.

Did you know that inhaling the scent of this oil can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever? The lavender essential oil's aroma can also help those who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances. The oil helps in falling into a deep sleep quickly. It even reduces feelings of anxiety or depression.

Next, as we know the benefits and the uses of this amazing essential oil, let us find out how you could incorporate this oil into your routine.

How To Use Lavender Essential Oil?

As Lavender essential oil is an aromatic compound and comes under the category of ‘essential oils’, you must always use this oil in a diluted format. Please do not use the essential oil directly on the skin or hair without blending it well with a suitable carrier oil.   

Using Lavender Essential Oil For Skin

• For acne

Do you want to reduce the formation of acne? Then use this oil as a facial toner. Add at least two drops of the oil to one teaspoon of witch hazel. Soak the mixture by placing a cotton ball and then gently rub it across your face.  

• For Pimple

To get rid of a stubborn pimple, blend a drop of the lavender essential oil to one drop of argan oil and apply it to the pimple directly two times a day until it disappears.

• For eczema

Eczema is often caused by excessively dry skin. This method of using the essential oil could even give you relief from dry skin. Take two teaspoons of coconut oil and mix it with 2-3 drops of Lavender essential oil and Tea tree oil. You could even use this mixture daily.   

Using Lavender Essential Oil For Skin

1. Massage the oil onto the scalp

Take two to three drops of lavender essential oil along with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice, like coconut, sweet almond oil, or sesame oil. You could slightly warm the oil before using it as well. Next, mix them both well. Apply them directly onto your scalp and massage it well. The aroma and the massage of this oil would give you overall added benefits. Allow it to remain overnight and wash it the next morning.

2. Add it to other hair products

For hair growth and scalp nourishment, add a few drops of this oil to your shampoo or conditioner. Only add 4-5 drops of the essential oil per ounce of the product. Use it as regularly as you usually use the shampoo or conditioner.

Using Lavender Essential Oil For Aromatherapy

• To Promote Sleep

If you find yourself having a disturbed sleep cycle, then you could just dab a few drops of the oil onto your pillow or onto the bed sheet to benefit from the relaxing aroma. You can even use pure Lavender Water for this purpose.

• Relaxing shower

You can mix a few drops of Lavender essential oil with water or other carrier oil and sprinkle it or spray it on the walls around your shower area.

• Diffuser

You could even use a diffuser or vaporizer to get the Lavender essential oil's aroma-based advantages. Even the option of spraying the essential oil on a cotton ball and tucking it around in the corner of your room works well.

So, in these ways, you could implement the Lavender essential oil in your daily routine. Lastly, it is highly recommended to consult a general physician before using this essential oil to avoid unforeseen health issues.
Read - Essential Oils 101 - How To Find The Best Ones For You?