14 August 2023 / Laura Garvin Gomez

Benefits of Lavender Oil for Skin

Unlock the beauty-enhancing potential of Lavender Oil: Explore its skin-soothing and rejuvenating benefits in our latest blog.

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benefits carrier oil dry skin Lavender Skincare

Lavender oil remains one of the most popular essential oils around, with many people using it to calm anxiety, improve sleep patterns and just to simply enjoy its enchanting, floral scent.

There are also a lot of lavender oil benefits for skin that are waiting for you to experience, from reducing fine lines and wrinkles to combating acne and reducing the risk of infection.

We explain more about the health benefits of using lavender oil for skin, along with some application tips and what to keep an eye out for when you are looking to make a purchase.

Is lavender oil good for skin?

Lavender oil can be very good skin, depending on the condition or ailment you want to treat. Here are some of the main benefits of lavender oil for skin:

1. Can revitalise and refresh the skin

The antioxidants contained in lavender oil make it the ideal secret weapon for combating wrinkles. Once applied they help to protect your skin against the free radicals responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines. When combined with coconut oil, lavender works as a homemade anti-ageing serum that offers lots of benefits for your facial skin.

2. Lavender oil can reduce the appearance of acne

Acne breakouts can happen at any time, and you can use diluted lavender oil to combat bacteria. Once applied to the skin, it works to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Alternatively, use it as a facial toner or combine with argan oil to attack pimples that are not disappearing too easily.

3. Minimises the risk of infection

found that lavender essential oil can be used to fight fungal and bacterial disorders. It may also prove useful in helping to speed up the wound-healing process, with another study finding that the oil promotes the healing of skin tissue.

4. Supports scalp health and hair growth

Whilst research is ongoing, have suggested that lavender oil may be able to increase hair growth speed. It’s an oil that is easy to include in your daily hair care routine, by either making your own hair mask and leaving it to rest for 30 minutes, or by adding it to your favourite shampoo.

5. It contains anti-inflammatory properties

If you experience painful inflammation, you could use lavender oil to soothe and relieve the issue. Dilute with coconut oil and apply to the affected area, or if you are dealing with sunburn, you could make your own spray bottle to spritz onto the skin.

6. Helps to relieve dry skin and eczema symptoms

Because lavender essential oil contains antifungal properties, it could be used to or even to treat psoriasis. Simply dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area of skin and use it to complement any prescribed medicine you may already be taking.

7. You can use it as an insect repellent

Instead of spraying yourself with a chemical-infused insect repellent, lavender essential oil offers a natural alternative. Apply before you head out into insect-heavy areas or use it to relieve any bites you may pick up along the way. Lavender oil can protect against bacteria and inflammation, minimising the threat of an infection occurring.

How to use lavender oil for skin

There are quite a few different ways you can use lavender oil for skin. Some easy ways to apply it to your skin include:

Dilute with a carrier oil and apply using a cotton ball.
Make your own homemade lavender essential oil spray and spritz onto the skin.
Diffuse the oil to naturally enjoy the aromatherapeutic benefits.
Combine with a carrier oil and gently massage into the skin.
Add a diluted mixture to a warm bath and soak in the oil as you relax.
Make your own hair mask or combine with a shampoo to improve scalp health.

Lavender oil is also a popular choice for soap, wax melt and candle recipes, giving you a few more ways to soak in its health properties.

How to choose the best lavender oil

Use the tips below to help you find the best lavender oil for skin:

The best lavender oils are either cold-pressed or steam distilled, as they are less likely to have been contaminated during the extraction and manufacturing process.
Look for oil that is sold in dark glass bottles instead of plastic bottles. This helps to preserve the oil so it retains its scent and properties for as long as possible.
Check that no additives or additional ingredients have been added to the oil.

A reputable seller will provide the correct certification and application guidelines, whilst also being open about how it was sourced.

Are there any side effects of using lavender oil for skin?

There are no specific risks associated with using lavender oil for skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for an alternative to lavender, as the strong fragrance could cause irritation.

And, like all essential oils, care should be taken before application to ensure that it has been diluted correctly to reduce its potency.

First-time users should complete a patch test to check that the oil is suitable for their skin. Combine a few drops with a carrier oil, apply to the inside of your elbow and cover with a plaster. Leave for 24 hours and if you experience any irritation, redness, inflammation or itchiness, wash the oil off your skin and do not continue to use it.

Black and white illustration of a lavender flower

Lavender essential oil is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to benefit your skin. It can combat free radicals, reduce pain, lessen inflammation and help to ward away infections and bugs. When diluted correctly with a carrier oil, you can apply it to most parts of your body (always avoid your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and private parts) and it brings with it a wonderfully natural, floral scent that can keep you calm and relaxed, so it can help you physically and psychologically.