Calendula Benefits For Skin For Eczema, Dryness, & Wound Healing

When you’re dealing with eczema or perioral dermatitis, it can seem like radiant skin is a far-fetched fairytale.

But a little bit of calendula oil might help with that.

Making calendula oil was my very first step in healing my perioral dermatitis, after discovering all of the major calendula benefits for skin.

Whether you have sensitive skin (like me!) or aging skin (uh, also like me), or any kind of inflammatory skin conditions (also me 😭) you’ll find the medicinal properties of the calendula plant to be quite impressive. In fact, all skin types can benefit from calendula oil.

Here’s everything you need to know about the calendula benefits for skin.

What is Calendula?

Calendula, also known as pot marigold plant, is not only beautiful but also packed with healing properties. This bright yellow and orange flower, which resembles the sun, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its scientific name is Calendula officinalis, and it has been used medicinally for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.

Calendula is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide due to its popularity in natural remedies. It’s a versatile plant that can be used in many forms, but one of the most common and potent is calendula oil.

How is Calendula Oil Extracted?

Calendula oil is created through a simple infusion process. Dried calendula flowers are placed in a sterilized glass jar, which is then filled with a carrier oil such as olive oil, almond oil, or for sensitive skin, either jojoba oil or argan oil. The jar is sealed and left in a cool, dry place or in the sun for a solar-infused oil for about 4-6 weeks, with occasional shaking to aid the infusion process.

Once the oil is infused, the calendula petals are strained out, and the oil is transferred to a new jar for storage. Additives like vitamin E or lavender essential oil can be added to increase shelf life and add additional benefits.

Benefits of Calendula and Skin Health

Calendula contains several potent active compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenes, and carotenoids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Here’s how these properties benefit your skin:

• Antibacterial Properties: Calendula has been shown to have strong antibacterial properties, which can help ward off skin infections. This is particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as it can help reduce breakouts and keep the skin clean and clear.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: One of the most well-known benefits of calendula is its ability to soothe and reduce inflammation. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It can help to calm redness, swelling, and itching, making it a go-to for conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
• Anti-fungal Properties: Calendula also has anti-fungal properties, which can be beneficial for treating conditions like athlete’s foot or ringworm. It can also help to prevent fungal infections from developing in the first place.
• Antioxidant Properties: Calendula is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, which protect the skin from environmental stressors and premature aging. These antioxidants also promote skin healing and regeneration, reducing scars and blemishes.

Active Antioxidants in Calendula

Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. They are linked to aging and a host of diseases, but little is known about their role in human health, or how to prevent them from making people sick. In the context of skin health, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Calendula contains several potent antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids are a type of compound found in calendula that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties. They play a crucial role in protecting the skin from damage and promoting healing.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause damage to the skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and redness.
• Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in calendula that are rich in antioxidants. They help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and environmental pollutants.
• Saponins: Saponins are compounds that have antimicrobial properties, which can help protect the skin from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are sugars that help hydrate the skin and promote wound healing.

In fact, calendula’s antioxidant properties are so powerful that they can be used for sun protection. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that calendula extract demonstrated a dose-dependent effect against different radicals, indicating its potential use in preventing UV irradiation-induced oxidative stress in skin. The study also found that oral treatment with calendula extract maintained glutathione (GSH) levels close to non-irradiated control mice, suggesting its protective effect against oxidative stress.

The Science Behind Calendula Skin Benefits

These active components in calendula work together to promote skin health in several ways. The antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. They also help to reduce inflammation, which can lead to skin problems such as acne and eczema.

In addition to their protective properties, these components also promote healing. 

Several studies have backed up these claims about the calendula plant’s benefits for skin health. For example, a study found that calendula extract helped to maintain levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, in the skin of mice exposed to UVB radiation. This suggests that calendula could help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure.

Another study found that a mouthwash containing calendula extract helped to heal wounds and prevent radiation-induced mucositis, a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes, in patients with head and neck cancers. This suggests that calendula could help to promote healing in damaged skin. A separate clinical trial supports this finding. The trial found that using calendula ointment significantly increased the speed of wound healing following a cesarean section. This suggests that calendula could be beneficial for healing minor cuts, scrapes, and burns on the skin.

Another study found that calendula has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, as well as angiogenic and fibroblastic properties, which positively affect the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process. This supports the use of calendula for reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.

A review on the use of topical calendula for the prevention and treatment of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions also found positive effects. This suggests that calendula could be beneficial for those undergoing radiation therapy, which often causes skin reactions.

Calendula for Different Skin Conditions

Calendula is a powerful plant with numerous benefits for skin health. It’s been proven time and time again, so it’s often the first place people start their skin healing journey. Whether you’re dealing with acne, skin inflammation, fungal infections, or just want to promote healthy skin, calendula is definitely worth considering.

Calendula for Dry and Cracked Skin

Dry and cracked skin can be a real pain, and not just in the literal sense. It can make your skin feel uncomfortable and look less than its best. But don’t worry, calendula comes to the rescue. Calendula oil is rich in fatty acids and plant sterols that provide hydration and plumpness to the skin. It helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping your skin hydrated.

According to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Calendula officinalis, the plant from which calendula oil is derived, has been used for centuries for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The study found that calendula has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, as well as angiogenic (formation of new blood vessels) and fibroblastic (formation of fibrous tissue) properties, which positively affect the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process.

Calendula’s Benefits for Conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that cause inflammation, redness, and scaling. They can be quite challenging to manage, but calendula may offer some relief. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula soothes the skin, reduces redness, and promotes wound healing.

In a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the calendula flower was found to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It was shown to have a positive effect on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process, which could be beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Calendula’s Role in Skin Hydration and Cell Regrowth

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. It helps to keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Calendula can play a significant role in skin hydration. As mentioned earlier, it helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss. This helps to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

But that’s not all. Calendula also plays a role in cell regrowth. It’s rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which help to protect your skin from damage. These antioxidants also promote cell turnover, helping your skin to regenerate and stay fresh and youthful.

In a review published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, botanical extracts, including calendula, were found to be beneficial for dry skin. They were shown to improve skin hydration and barrier function, and also have anti-inflammatory effects.

So, whether you’re dealing with dry and cracked skin, conditions like eczema and psoriasis, or just want to keep your skin hydrated and promote cell regrowth, calendula could be a great addition to your skincare routine. 

As always, remember to do a patch test before trying any new skincare product, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Common Questions About Calendula