Calendula Oil - Why We Use It In Our Cosmetics?

Calendula Oil Benefits

Calendula flowers or its petals are steeped in oil to extract a golden orange coloured oil. Calendula oil is one of the amazing oils for alleviating a number of common skin problems. We use calendula petals steeped in Sunflower Oil due to its emollient properties.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold is a genus, that includes around 12 to 20 species of annual or perennial plants. Calendula or pot marigold is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the plant family Asteraceae. Its flowers are bright yellow to orange-colored, and their petals are used to extract oil with the help of steam distillation.

This is basically classified as infused oil, as the flower petals are infused or steeped in oil, we prefer Sunflower Oil. The oil extracted in this way is usually golden orange in color with a wonderful aroma.

This oil is known for its amazing healing and soothing properties. Even the ancient Egyptians were aware of its benefits for skin, and used it for curing a number of skin conditions.

Calendula Oil Uses

It is cherished for its mildness, for which it can be used even by those people who have a sensitive skin. Apart from being a mild and soothing oil, calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti fungal properties, which make it an ideal oil to treat a number of skin disorders and infections.

More commonly, it is the oil preferred for treating dry and chapped skin, skin rash, wounds, burns, inflammation, skin irritation and several other skin disorders. Commercially, it serves as an excellent base for salves, lotions, creams, herbal ointments and many other natural cosmetics. It is also one of the commonly used base oil in aromatherapy.

Calendula Oil Benefits

Its benefits can be attributed to its medicinal properties. This oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. At the same time, it is so mild that it can be used on infants and young children as well. Even people having sensitive skin can also benefit from this oil.

• It is an excellent remedy for soothing and moisturising dry and chapped skin.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can be used for skin sores and inflammation. It can relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by bruise or muscle sprain as well.
• This oil is gentle enough to be used on babies or infants. Using this oil for diaper rash can help to provide significant relief in this skin condition.
• The oil extracted from calendula blossoms can also be used for accelerating the healing of minor cuts or wounds, acne, burns, insect bites, bed sores and sore feet.
• It is a traditional remedy for some common digestive problems like, stomach cramps, flatulence, constipation and colic.
• People suffering from dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema can also benefit from the topical application of calendula extract and oil. This oil can reduce the skin inflammation associated with such conditions.
• It is renowned for its antifungal properties. It can work as an amazing remedy for ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot.
• This oil can also be helpful for conditions like, varicose veins, spider veins, leg ulcers and chilblains. Chilblains is the condition characterized by the inflammation of the hands and feet, due to an exposure to extreme cold or moisture.
• Apart from these, you can use it for scars, or for preventing or reducing the formation of scar tissues. Oil derived from calendula can increase the collagen level, and this is the reason why it can prevent the formation of scar tissues, while facilitating the healing of wounds.

So, this oil can be considered beneficial for maintaining a healthy and problem free skin. It can be termed as an invaluable oil, when it comes to skin care. Using this oil for massaging the skin can help in cell regeneration, besides making your skin soft, supple and radiant.

  Original Article By Chandramita Bora