How to use lavender essential oil on your face for acne

general description

Lavender essential oil is considered one of the most popular products among fragrant concentrated extracts. The substance is obtained by steam distillation from the flowering tops and stems of the plant. The ether appears colorless, pale yellow, and less often has a dark green tint.

The liquid is viscous, medium density. The aroma is rich, soft, with sharp balsamic notes or sweetness. The smell of the pomace depends on the type of plant used. French oils are considered to be of the highest quality and most universal in scope of application, while the most advanced are high-mountain oils produced in the growing areas.

Lavender essential oil is actively used in home medicine and cosmetology. This option is often found in industrial products: cream, soap, masks. They like to add the concentrate to perfumed compositions. The oil is widely in demand around the world, making the product mass produced and often falsified.

Origin of Lavender Oil

Lavender (the name comes from the Latin word "lavare" - to wash) is an evergreen shrub that grows around the Mediterranean Sea. Its most famous homeland is considered to be the lands of Spain, Portugal, and France, but lavender can often be found in northeast Africa, southwest Asia, including India and China.

Lavender oil has many healing properties. It is obtained by distilling the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. It is essential, which means it is very concentrated, it must be used with your favorite base oil, especially before applying it to the delicate skin of the face. How can lavender essential oil be beneficial for the face? Let's figure it out together.

A little history

The history of human use of lavender goes back more than 3 thousand years. The fragrant plant was found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs; legends associate the flower with the Gardens of Paradise and the Virgin Mary. The mass passion for lavender for antiseptic, hygienic, and cosmetic purposes began in the times of ancient Rome. This is where the flower's conquest of Europe began. The plant was grown en masse, and active trade began.

In the 14th century, a perfume called “Hungarian Water” gained popularity. The main components of the enchanting aroma are rosemary and lavender. The perfume captivated us not only with its surprisingly delicate, consistent scent. Perfume was credited with magical properties: preserving youth and beauty.

Lavender is always associated with France. It is in this country that it is grown on an industrial scale. Mountain French lavender is considered the highest quality, most sought-after type of flower. The plant appeared on the territory of the country only in the 17th century.

Nowadays, large lavender plantations are located not only in France. The plant is grown in large quantities in Bulgaria. Less colossal amounts of culture are found in Australia, Argentina, England, Hungary, Japan, Morocco, Italy, Algeria, India, and Russia.

By the way. Our Crimean lavender is inferior in quality to French lavender, but is suitable for preparing esters and hydrosols that are used in cosmetology.

Positive properties of lavender oil for the face

Positive properties of lavender oil

Lavender includes:

• organic acids that have the ability to promote the regeneration of epidermal cells and promote rejuvenation processes;
• tannins, the use of which helps to disinfect the surface layers of the epidermis and prevents the formation of inflammatory processes;
• resins that have properties to heal wound surfaces;
• linalool affects the functional ability of the fat glands, preventing hypersecretion of fat.

If a person has dry skin, then lavender essential oil nourishes and moisturizes it, activating the blood supply process. When used for oily skin and those prone to the formation of pathological processes, the disappearance of oily sheen, narrowing of pores and regulation of the functioning of the sebaceous glands will be observed. Applying lavender oil to skin with elements of rash, peeling and irritation leads to its cleansing and disinfection.

In addition to the listed positive properties, the product also helps protect the skin from environmental factors.

The following are the main beneficial properties of lavender essential oil:

1. Elimination of flaking and itching.
2. Elimination of facial wrinkles.
3. Reducing the depth of facial wrinkles.
4. Antibacterial effect that helps prevent the formation of rashes.
5. The regenerating effect promotes the resorption of scar changes, the disappearance of scars and traces of acne and boils.
6. Skin hydration and rejuvenation.
7. Improving local blood circulation.
8. Providing the skin with elasticity and a healthy appearance.

Composition and beneficial properties

Lavender essential oil contains about 250 beneficial components. These are mainly volatile alcohols, essential fatty acids, resins, tannins: lavandin, limonene, camphor, linalool.

Complex compounds have a beneficial effect on the functioning of cells, help to build the correct course of metabolic processes, and improve the regenerative abilities of tissues. The most valuable properties of a fragrant product are recognized as: cleansing, elimination of functional problems, effective rejuvenation.

The substance promotes:

• smoothing out wrinkles;
• activation of collagen and elastin synthesis;
• catalyzing internal processes in cells;
• cleansing pores, drying acne, eliminating inflammatory reactions;
• activation of protective, regenerative abilities;
• toning, skin health.

Cosmetologists call lavender oil indispensable for the care of different types of facial skin. The essential oil provides gentle care to the skin, normalizing, soothing, refreshing tissue, eliminating imperfections, tightening and strengthening the contours of the oval.

Benefits for the skin

Lavender ester is a universal product suitable for any skin, used as a main component for regular facial care, and also as a therapeutic agent to eliminate inflammatory elements on the skin. Lavender essential oil has the following properties beneficial for the epidermis:

• It has a regenerating and healing effect on various damage to the dermis, such as cuts, scratches, etc.
• Effectively relieves inflammation and irritation.
• Perfectly copes with the phenomena of skin peeling and itching.
• This ether is an excellent antiseptic.
• Lavender oil is very useful for acne, as it has a drying and anti-inflammatory effect.
• It is effective against various dermatitis, including those caused by allergies.
• The use of oil provides good protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.
• This ester can rejuvenate the skin.
• Using this product you can cope with acne marks on the surface of the epidermis.

Lavender oil is most often used in various masks intended for facial care.

Indications for use

All skin types will benefit from using lavender oil. Considering that the substance is not used in its pure form. In accordance with the quality and condition of the skin, the optimal ingredient composition of care products is selected. Flower squeezing does not have to be used continuously. The best effect for the skin is noticeable from the correct combination and alternation of suitable products.

Lavender essential oil will solve the following problems:

• weakening of the tone of the integument, lethargy, the appearance of early signs of aging;
• dryness, flaking of the surface;
• acne, pimples, excessive oiliness of the epidermis, redness, irritation;
• the need for protection from adverse influences (sun, cold, dry air, poor environment);
• damage (burns, frostbite, damage to integrity);
• rosacea, excessive pigmentation.

Regular use of lavender oil will deeply cleanse, refresh, even out the surface texture, and maintain a normal level of firmness and elasticity of tissues. Each skin type requires targeted action. Masks with fragrant flower ether are selected according to the beneficial effects of the component composition and complemented with other procedures.

Lavender oil will be a real godsend for those with sensitive, tired, problem skin. This option is ideal for those who experience stress and increased workload.

Anti-aging masks

To tighten your facial skin, tone it and smooth it, you need to mix olive oil with lavender and apply it to your face for forty minutes. Then wash with cool water.

To prevent wrinkles, it is recommended to apply a mixture of egg whites, liquid honey, lavender ether and homemade yogurt to your face. The substance obtained as a result of thorough stirring must be applied to the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash after thirty minutes and moisturize your face with your usual cream.

Deep hydration and nutrition

To nourish and thoroughly moisturize the epidermis, it is recommended to use components such as:

• Homemade yogurt.
• A little lemon juice.
• Castor and olive oils.
• Essential extracts of avocado and lavender.

It is very beneficial to mix several basic plant oils with lavender. For example, olive, peach, jojoba, apricot, etc. Such mixtures are indicated for all skin types.

Deep cleansing for oily skin

To reduce oiliness and cleanse pores, you need a mask containing the following ingredients:

• Blue or black clay.
• Some mineral water.
• Esters of lavender and tea tree.

First you need to combine the clay with water and stir thoroughly so that there are no lumps. Then add essential extracts and apply a thick layer to the face. It is advisable to lie down with your eyes closed and not talk during the procedure. Wash off the mask after twenty minutes, then moisturize your face with a cream suitable for your skin type.

Getting rid of acne

To eliminate unpleasant rashes on the face, it is useful to use the following mask:

• Natural honey.
• Yolk of one egg.
• Tea tree and lavender essential oil.

Leave the mixture on your face for fifteen minutes, then wash with warm water.

No less effective are mask ingredients such as blue clay, a little honey, homemade yogurt, olive oil and lavender. Regular use of this composition will allow you to quickly get rid of blackheads and other inflammatory elements on the surface of the epidermis.

Features of purchase and storage

Lavender essential oil is widely available on the market. Finding a copy will not be difficult. It is recommended to pay attention to the reputation of the seller and manufacturer. It is important to inquire about the type of product and raw materials used.

The highest quality is considered to be a high-mountain plant from France. Products based on it are used by cosmetologists and perfumers. The second most common is called Bulgarian lavender. The aroma of the flower is devoid of sweetness, the option is not inferior in cosmetic properties to the leader. Similar qualities of the substance are characteristic of products from Crimea.

The storage conditions for lavender essential oil are standard: a darkened glass container with a tight-fitting lid. The oil can be kept at room temperature, but away from sunlight. It is recommended to keep the product in a constant microclimate (without sudden changes in parameters).

Attention! A spoiled substance loses its attractive aroma. The consistency may become thicker and the color may change. If stored properly, this usually does not happen in the first five years. This period is called the real shelf life of the substance.

Properties of lavender oil

The oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it copes well with skin imperfections, and people with frequent breakouts are recommended to use it. It is widely known for its soothing effect on psoriasis, ulcerations and skin inflammation. It also helps to get rid of sunburn, reduce swelling and quickly heal wounds. Lavender essential oil has a calming effect on the psycho-emotional sphere of a person, helps normalize hormones and production. This is only the most modest description of this magical assistant and its properties.

Interesting! The antioxidants contained in the oil have a protective and rejuvenating effect on the skin, which is why lavender is often included in preparations for mature skin.

Terms of use

Lavender essential oil is not used in its pure form for regular skin care. The substance can be applied locally without dilution: to active inflammation, tissue damage. The oil will have an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing effect.

The aromatic substance can be easily combined with other products to make masks. Cosmetologists recommend adding the following combinations of esters to lavender, taking into account your skin type and problem:

• rose or tea tree for problematic epidermis, for burns;
• geranium, ylang-ylang for mixed epidermis;
• jasmine, tangerine are suitable for sensitive tissues;
• immortelle will become a universal remedy for the skin;
• St. John's wort base oil will help restore the texture of dehydrated skin,
• Carrot seed oil will enhance the analgesic, regenerating, restorative effect.

Lavender ether is used to make compresses, massages, enrich finished cosmetics, base oils or mixtures, and create multi-component masks. Cosmetologists recommend using up to 5–7 drops of lavender essential oil for one-time use. This dose is harmless and will provide the most beneficial effect from the use of the substance.

How to use

Lavender oil is under no circumstances recommended to be applied to healthy skin in its pure form. An exception is inflammatory processes on the face; in such cases, this remedy should be applied locally only to the affected areas, avoiding contact with other areas.

Cosmetologists advise using ether in combination with base oils and other essential extracts, and also adding it as an additional ingredient to various masks made only from natural ingredients.

Many people try to enrich their usual facial care products with essential oils. This should not be done, since any cosmetic products contain chemical compounds, and esters tend to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and promote the penetration of other substances with which they are used in combination. And this can adversely affect the condition of the epidermis.

Methods of application

Lavender essential oil is universal for caring for the skin of the face, body, and hair. The substance can be added to products for delicate tissues around the eyes and lips. The product does not deny internal use.

Facial beauty recipes

Lavender ether is often enriched in cosmetics. It is permissible to do this yourself or find a ready-made option on sale. At home, it is popular to prepare various masks with the inclusion of this aromatic oil:

1. An intensive course of masks with lavender ether will help increase tissue tone, eliminate fatigue, the beginning of sagging skin, and the first wrinkles For 2–4 weeks, instead of night cream, you can use a mixture of 1 tsp. base of jojoba, neroli or olives with a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. Make masks with egg, honey, cream up to 2-3 times a week. To 1 tsp. sour cream, add the same amount of honey, whipped egg white. Add 2-3 drops of aromatic flower oil to the homogeneous mass. The mixture is distributed over the skin. After 15–20 minutes, rinse your face with warm water. The skin is additionally nourished with cream.
2. For severely dehydrated, sagging skin, it is useful to massage using a mixture of 1 tbsp. l. olive oil and a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. The base is applied along massage lines. It is recommended not just to rub in the mass, but to actually help speed up blood circulation. A classic facial massage will help with this. Cosmetologists advise mastering Asahi techniques. After the procedure, the fatty base is not washed off. It is permissible to blot your face with a paper napkin.
3. A mask based on sour cream, lemon juice, and avocado will help eliminate dryness, tightness, and flaking Mix the ingredients 1 tsp each. each, add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. The mask is applied to the surface of the face, avoiding delicate areas (eyes, lips). After 10–15 minutes, the mass is removed with a contrast rinse (alternate washing with warm and cool water). The mask will additionally provide a whitening and anti-inflammatory effect. Lemon juice in the composition acts as a light peeling. The procedure is not performed before leaving home. It is advisable to do this mask before going to bed.
4. to effectively cleanse tissues and eliminate inflammation . Beat the yolk until foam forms, add a couple of drops of fragrant concentrates. The mask is distributed evenly without rubbing into the skin. After 10 minutes, the mixture is washed off with cool water. It is not recommended to lubricate clean skin with anything additional.
5. A clay mask will effectively cleanse tissues, eliminating blackheads, impurities, and toxins. They make a base that looks like sour cream. The clay is poured with plain or mineral water without gas; it is permissible to use a decoction of herbs. The mixture is supplemented with a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. Cover the face with the mixture, avoiding the eye area and lips. After 20 minutes, soak the mask with warm water, gradually removing it. The skin must be rinsed with cool liquid. You can additionally use a tonic or light moisturizer.

You can instantly soothe and moisturize the skin by wetting the surface with lavender water. Add 5-6 drops of ether to a glass of liquid. Enriched water is sprayed from a spray bottle or applied with a cotton pad. The procedure will help with sunburn, severe chapping, and dry skin.

Effect on eyelashes, eyebrows, lips

Lavender oil is used in the treatment of baldness. The substance helps get rid of dandruff, strengthens hair follicles and hair shafts.

The product in combination with a basic oily base can be used to care for eyebrows and eyelashes. The hairs are treated with the mixture. Such masks twice a week will accelerate hair growth and prevent premature hair loss.

The ether will be useful in lip care. The substance will eliminate cracks and peeling. The oil is added to a natural honey scrub or made into rich masks based on base oils. It is recommended to massage the treated sponges a little. Blood flow will have an additional beneficial effect on the skin.

Ingestion

Lavender ether can be taken orally in diluted form. The substance in the amount of 1-2 drops is added to a spoon of honey. The dose is washed down with liquid. It is permissible to dissolve a portion of ether in an alcohol-containing base.

Internal use of the substance will help with insomnia, depression, stress, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea. The heartbeat normalizes, blood pressure decreases, and the immune system is strengthened. Internal administration of the substance also has a diuretic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic effect.

The use of lavender oil in cosmetology

The modern beauty industry has advanced so much that positive results in skin care are achieved without the use of preservatives, silicones, parabens and other chemical components. With the right concentration and combination of natural ingredients, any problem can be easily solved. Lavender essential oil is ideal for all skin types. It is also used to prevent aging, fight teenage acne and inflammation.

Table: lavender essential oil for different skin types

How to get rid of wrinkles

Organic and inorganic acids in lavender ester are responsible for eliminating wrinkles. Immediately after applying a mask or cream with oil, metabolism accelerates and skin nutrition improves. Also, the plant components of lavender provide a lymphatic drainage effect, removing swelling and restoring the natural contour of the face. Collagen production is activated. Ursolic acid, in turn, smoothes out small networks of wrinkles around the eyes, lips and in the eyebrow area.

Red, pink, yellow and green clays have the best rejuvenating effect

To achieve a lifting effect, lavender oil should be applied as part of a product that will create pressure. Prominent examples are alginate, paraffin and gypsum masks. At home, film and fabric masks, as well as peelings, are suitable. It would be a good idea to enrich your anti-aging skincare products with a few drops of lavender essential oil.

How to get rid of acne

In the fight against acne, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effects. The ether dries out pimples and promotes their rapid healing. It is recommended to apply oil to the face as part of masks, lotions and creams. For post-acne, you can use various peelings and scrubs with the addition of soda, sea salt, and lemon juice.

Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, and rosemary are suitable for targeted treatment of acne.

If rashes occur locally, it is enough to apply 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton pad or ear swab and moisten the inflammation. To speed up the result, the procedure can be repeated after 5–6 hours. If you leave the product overnight, by the morning there will be no trace of the pimple left.

Precautionary measures

You should stop using lavender oil in case of unfavorable individual reactions of the body. The product must be tested before external or internal use. Otherwise, the body can be harmed.

The substance is not used in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, immediately after an abortion. Those with low blood pressure should use the product with caution. Patients with epilepsy and people with serious nervous disorders should not experiment with aromatic oil.

Regular, long-term use of the substance may result in allergies and irritation.

Attention! An overdose of essential oil can cause insomnia. The externally pure substance is contraindicated for those with dry, sensitive skin.

Contraindications of lavender essential oil for facial skin

Due to the high content of bitterness and terpene substances, lavender oil should not be used by everyone. In addition, this substance interacts with iron ions, which is unacceptable in case of anemia.

List of contraindications:

• Individual intolerance. If you are allergic to strong odors, avoid using lavender oil.
• Low pressure. Since lavender oil can calm the nervous system and slightly reduce blood pressure, it should not be used by hypotensive patients. This is especially true during the period of exacerbation.
• Anemia. Substances in the oil can bind iron. Therefore, if you have low hemoglobin, lavender cannot be used.
• Pregnancy. In an interesting situation, you should be wary of substances with strong odors. They can cause toxicosis and gestosis.
• Epilepsy and neurological diseases. Due to the calming effect of lavender oil, it is not recommended for use in epilepsy.

Lavender essential oil is a solution to such problems:

• rosacea, age spots, freckles;
• acne, pimples, redness and irritation;
• weakening of tone, lethargy and the first signs of aging;
• lack of vitamins and nutritional minerals;
• the need for additional surface protection from external influences, especially important before the onset of cold weather;
• dryness, flaking of the surface;
• excessive shine of the epidermis, prone to increased fat content.

Lavender oil, although it has unique healing properties, is not a solution to all problems, so you need to remember about proper nutrition, healthy sleep, and getting rid of bad habits.

Products with flower oil are universal, but their effect on dry, oily, problem skin is somewhat different:

• For oily skin types, the primary action is aimed at stabilizing the secretions of the sebaceous glands, eliminating unsightly shine and narrowing pores. At the same time, a thorough cleansing of the epidermis occurs, including the removal of toxins from the deep layers;
• dry – expects restoration of water balance, abundant nutrition and hydration. Fragrant masks will eliminate flaking and even out the texture, and pale, dull skin will be replaced with a radiant, healthy glow;
• Lavender essential oil for problematic types will have a tonic, cleansing and healing effect. The absence of inflamed, painful acne and clean pores will please you for a long time. This is not a temporary elimination of acne, but a long-term, high-quality cure and prevention of recurrence of the problem. Armed with masks with lavender oil, problems will turn into annoying little things;
• For mature skin, the aromatic preparation is also useful. It will increase the tone and turgor of the skin, partially eliminate deep wrinkles and stop the rapid formation of new ones, refresh and restore as much as possible the lost firmness and elasticity of the tissues.

The quality of the procedure, the final result and the pleasure delivered are influenced by the following factors:

• Natural, high quality main ingredient. The product can be purchased at a pharmacy or in a specialty store. Please note that the cost of the drug is quite high, and the packaging is made of dark glass;
• A high-quality essential product does not leave a greasy stain on a clean sheet of paper. You can carry out a small rapid test yourself at home to verify the authenticity of the essential oil;

• Apply fragrant masks exclusively to cleansed skin, otherwise the result will be zero. It's even better to steam the pores;
• It is advisable to test for an allergic reaction before performing the procedure. To do this, apply a few drops of the product to the inner bend of the elbow joint;
• You should not prepare masks for rejuvenating and nourishing your face in advance. This threatens to reduce its effectiveness.

Lavender products are strictly not recommended for use by the following categories of patients:

• patients with epilepsy, serious nervous disorders;
• those suffering from low blood pressure;
• pregnant women, especially 1st and 2nd trimesters;
• with an individual reaction to the drug.

Compositions with floral remedies are highly effective, have great benefits for the face, quickly and actively affect problem areas, and are natural. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of the drug to the lifting cream. This will only add to its advantages and effectiveness.

But here are the contraindications to the use of lavender essential oil as a remedy for acne and other skin problems:

• Allergy.
• Anemia.
• Epilepsy.
• Pregnancy (first 4 months).

User reviews

Lavender essential oil gets mixed reviews. Some people refuse to use the substance, unable to come to terms with the bright, intrusive aroma. Alternatives are often sought. When using the product for cosmetic purposes, many are satisfied with the result of the product.

Positive opinion about use in face masks.

The consumer used the product to enrich cosmetics but stopped doing so.

The consumer uses the option, but sees more promising alternatives.

I like the anti-inflammatory, regenerating properties.

Indications and contraindications

Lavender oil, which has been used for the face for a long time, has a list of indications.

1. Sensitive and dry skin - oil reduces inflammation, irritation, red spots, peeling.
2. Problematic and oily skin - the extract disinfects, removes inflammation, dries out acne, eliminates shine and tightens pores.
3. Numerous skin diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
4. Fading skin - oil tones and refreshes.
5. Normal skin - the extract is used as an addition to basic care products.

Due to the content of terpene substances and bitterness in the composition, lavender oil is not allowed for use by everyone. These substances interact with iron ions, and this is prohibited in case of anemia.

The list of main contraindications includes:

• low blood pressure - the calming property on the nervous system does not allow the oil to be used by hypotensive patients, especially during exacerbations;
• individual intolerance - if you are allergic to strong aromas, you should avoid the oil extract;
• pregnancy - women in this position should avoid this oil, as it often causes gestosis and toxicosis;
• Neurological diseases and epilepsy - the calming properties of lavender oil are not suitable for people with epilepsy.