The word lavender can evoke scenic images of purple, flowering fields and a beautiful scent that can quieten your mind and achieve deep relaxation. The lavender plant and its derivatives has been used throughout history after its numerous benefits were discovered. Lavender was added to baths in ancient Roman times and Egyptians used the extracted lavender oil in the mummification process. These days, lavender is added to beauty treatments, like aromatherapy oils and lotions to enhance relaxation, and to treat a host of medical conditions.
How to Use Lavender Oil to Improve Your Skin Condition?
Lavender oil has many healing and soothing properties. However, before you attempt any home remedies, perform a test patch to ensure you have no allergy or sensitivity to lavender oil.
1. Acne Treatment
Lavender oil is widely known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which is beneficial in acne. The lavender oil kills off the bacteria that causes the inflammation of the skin lesions in acne.Aromatherapists use lavender oil for skin conditions, like acne, very widely. If using it at home: pat some lavender oil onto the acne using some cotton swabs. You will notice a decrease in the inflammation after a few applications.
2. Eczema Treatment
Eczema is characterized by skin inflammation and severe itchiness. Lavender oil used for this skin condition is beneficial because it relieves the itchiness and reduces the inflammation. The oil also adds some moisture to the affected areas, which speeds up the recovery process.
3. Detoxification of Skin
There are so many air pollutants present that our skin can absorb thus affecting the integrity and health of the skin. Lavender oil is rich in anti-oxidants which can help dispel any airborne contaminants that may adhere to your skin.
4. Healing Burn Wounds
Lavender oil for skin that has burn wounds is beneficial because the lavender oil’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil also minimises scarring and relieves pain caused by the burn. Minor burns can be dabbed with lavender oil to speed up the healing process.
5. Treatment of Insect Bites
Inflammation and itching caused by an insect bite will be reduced after lavender oil is applied. It will reduce the inflammation caused by the insect bite. Apply lavender oil to repel insects and prevent bites as well.
6. Antidandruff Treatment
a recipe of dried lavender steeped in hot water and some apple cider vinegar is said to minimise a dry, flaky scalp.
7. Massage
Using lavender oil for skin during a massage will rejuvenate any tired and tense muscles. You may soak your hands and feet into a lavender bath by adding 4-6 drops of lavender oil into a small tub of warm water to leave you feeling refreshed. Massaging your feet with lavender oil before bedtime will soothe tired feet but also moisturise and soften any dry, roughened skin.
Other Health Benefits of Lavender Oil
1. Improving Relaxation
lavender oil is used to promote a good night’s rest. Many insomniacs have found improved quality of sleep after using lavender oil. Certain studies have also found comparable results in elderly patients who replaced their sleep medicine with lavender oil. Lavender oil will be the safer and cheaper option for the treatment of insomnia if more insomniacs replaced their medications with lavender oil.
2. Decreasing Anxiety
lavender oil is useful in the treatment of headaches, like migraines and depression, that is often associated with anxiety and emotional stress. A study showed that people who inhaled lavender oil prior to writing an exam achieved better results because their brain’s cognitive function was markedly improved.
3. Decreasing Pain
another study proved that patients recovering from major surgery had less post-operative pain when lavender oil was added to their regular oxygen compared to patients with no added lavender oil. Regular massages with lavender oil can improve joint pain in conditions like rheumatism, sprains, lumbago, etc.
4. Urinary Disorders
conditions like cystitis and bladder inflammation can be treated with the use of lavender oil because it stimulates the production of urine. It will also reduce the pain of cramps that may occur as a result of these conditions.
5. Breathing Problems
conditions like asthma, nasal congestion, laryngitis, cough etc. can be treated with lavender oil. The oil is believed to breakdown the phlegm so that it can be easily expelled from the body. This promotes a faster recovery from the respiratory condition. The lavender oil can be applied directly onto the chest, back and neck areas or it can be added into the vaporiser, if one is being used.
6. Other Health Benefits
Lavender oil has been shown to be effective at killing off an infestation of nits and lice on the hair. According to a Scottish study, the condition of alopecia has been shown to improve by 40% after the participants regularly massaged lavender oil into their scalps.
Precautions for the Use of Lavender Oil
As with most essential oils, lavender oil should be used correctly to be safe and effective. If you are unsure, consult a licensed aroma-therapist.
- Undiluted lavender oil should not be applied directly onto the skin because it may cause sensitivity reactions, unless directed to do so by a professional. You may dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil.
- Avoid getting any lavender oil into your eyes or other mucous membranes. If this occurs, rinse the area out immediately.
- Before applying the diluted oil to the skin, test a patch of skin to see your skin’s reaction. Do a test patch and wait up to 24 hours for a reaction before treatment.
- Keep the essential oils out of reach of children as they can be very toxic.
- Using lavender oil for skin is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Lavender oil should not be used in children under the age of 2 years.
- When taking certain medications like barbiturates, benzodiazepines and chloral hydrate, avoid lavender oil use as the effects of drowsiness and sedation may be markedly increased.