Aside from its versatility, the main reason I love lavender essential oil so much is that it’s so beneficial for the skin. Seriously, it’s one of the best essential oils for skin. Not only is it useful in a number of situations, but it’s also incredibly gentle and can be used on just about any skin type. If I could only choose one essential oil to use on my skin, I would absolutely choose lavender. I add it to pretty much every one of my skincare formulations!
11 Benefits of Lavender Oil + How To Use It
So, what is it exactly that makes lavender so great for our skin? Read on for 11 benefits and ways to use lavender oil for your beauty routine. And by the way, lavender is also excellent for your hair!
1. Lavender speeds healing for cuts, scrapes, & bruises
Scientific studies conducted with humans and animals have found that lavender may contain wound-healing properties [source]. This is one of the many reasons that lavender is a go-to for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.
It’s an excellent essential oil to have in a first aid kit. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is considered beneficial in fighting off infection and is a common ingredient in salves formulated to treat skin injuries [source].
Lavender all-purpose salve
When paired with calendula, lavender can be used to make an effective all-purpose salve to speed healing for various skin issues. It’s great for dry, chapped lips, parched winter skin, eczema, bug bites, burns, wounds, and more.
Salves are actually really simple to make, and they’re very customizable. You can use herb-infused oils or even just coconut or olive oil; combine your base oil with beeswax and essential oils, and there you have it.
Or mix 3 parts fractionated coconut oil with 1 part lavender essential oil in a small spray or roll-on bottle to help clear up skin irritation associated with chafing or razor burn.
2. Lavender promotes collagen production
In fact, one study found that topical applications of lavender oil promoted collagen synthesis and replacement, so wounds healed faster [source].
Lavender facial oil
Revive dull and tired skin by using lavender in an antioxidant-rich rosehip facial oil recipe. Rosehip is also beneficial as an anti-inflammatory for anti-aging and skin regeneration [source] for burns, wrinkles, and scars, so it’s the perfect partner for lavender to nourish and heal skin while you sleep.
3. Lavender boosts beauty sleep
Lavender also contains sedative properties [source]. Not only can it help ease stress and tension, but it can also encourage a good night’s rest [source]. While there are several things you can do to promote better quality sleep, utilizing essential oils is one of the simplest and most pleasurable ways to do it!
Diffusing sleep blends with lavender at bedtime or using it in a linen spray is a great way to not only make the room and sheets smell utterly fantastic, but it also helps you fall asleep faster [source].
Sleepy Time Lavender Honey Mask
You could also make a lavender honey mask before you go to bed to soothe your skin and help you relax before bedtime—it’s a win-win!
Combine 1-½ tablespoons raw honey with 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave it on for 15 minutes—though I keep mine on longer, it feels so cool and tingly. Then rinse with warm water.
4. Lavender soothes irritated skin
Lavender has long been believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties, and scientific studies support this. An animal study published in 2018 found that topical (and oral) applications of lavender exhibited anti-inflammatory actions in skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis [source].
Lavender body butter, lotion, and moisturizers
Add lavender essential oil to lotions, massage oils, and bath recipes to help soften and condition your skin. Lavender is an excellent addition to a sensitive skin facial moisturizer.
Body butter is a great product to have on hand for dry, irritated, or inflamed skin. Start with this body butter recipe, and simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil. The shea and coconut are super nourishing, and the lavender helps soothe unhappy skin.
Lavender Massage Oil
—1 ounce (roughly 2 tablespoons) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, sesame seed, or grapeseed oil
—10–12 drops lavender essential oil
—Dark glass dropper bottle
Combine the ingredients in a dark glass bottle and shake well before each use. Use the dropper to put about 1 teaspoonful into your hands and gently massage into the skin.
5. Lavender fights free radicals
Lavender oil also contains antioxidant properties [source]. Free radicals are unstable molecules caused by stress, diet, toxin exposure, diet, and other environmental factors that can contribute to cell deterioration, cancer, chronic diseases, and the visible signs of aging, as well as the overall health of the body.
Antioxidants have the ability to scavenge and reduce free radicals. This is why antioxidants are so important for our skin health.
It’s crucial to consume antioxidants through our diets [source], but we can also utilize their benefits with antioxidant-rich skincare products. Antioxidants are great for our overall health and have the added bonus of helping our skin appear healthier and more youthful.
Lavneder facial serum
Keeping the facial skin nourished, moisturized, and protected from environmental damage [source] is key to having younger-looking skin. Antioxidant-rich facial serums are an excellent way to do this.
If you make the serums yourself, they’re incredibly affordable! Create your own facial serum, and don’t forget to add some lavender essential oil.
6. Lavender battles acne
Among the many beneficial properties of lavender are its antimicrobial properties [source]. Not only does this make it useful for wounds, but it is also supportive for skincare in general.
Because it combats bacteria, it’s a great essential oil to use in formulations designed for cleansing the scalp and hair (shampoo, body and face washes), as well as for treating acne.
Lavender facial cleanser, body wash, scalp cleanser
Hands down, one of the easiest ways to add lavender to your cleansing routine is to add a few drops to your existing body wash or shampoo. However, if you like to make your own cleansers, try adding lavender essential oil to an oil cleanser or a cleansing balm.
7. Lavender soothes a sunburn
If you have a sunburn, turn to lavender to help cool and repair skin. This sunburn skin spray is incredibly cooling and soothing for dry or sunburned skin. Spritz all over to quench parched skin.
Sunburn Soothing Lavender Bath Soak
—3 tablespoons honey
—1 can coconut milk
—6 drops lavender essential oil
Whisk the honey with the coconut milk, and then add the drops of lavender essential oil. Add to your bath, and soak up the moisture.
8. Lavender tones & repairs skin
Refreshing lavender hydrosol is an excellent toner to revitalize skin. Use lavender in a refreshing face spray to tone skin after cleansing as well as to cool and repair sunburned skin.
Use lavender hydrosol with a couple of drops of lavender essential oil or make this simple homemade toner recipe below.
Lovely Lavender Toner
—4 tablespoons lavender hydrosol
—½ cup witch hazel
—6 drops lavender essential oil
Pour and measure 4 ounces of witch hazel into a measuring cup. Add the lavender hydrosol and essential oil and stir. Using a funnel, slowly pour the mixture into a clean 6-ounce bottle.
Shake before each use and then swipe over the face with a cotton pad. You can also put the toner into a spray bottle and spritz it on your face. Let the liquid absorb into your skin before applying moisturizer. Store in the refrigerator for 2–4 weeks.
9. Lavender relieves stress
Lavender is well-known for its calmative properties when dealing with stress and anxiety. It’s often used in anti-anxiety blends, as well as other products formulated to help reduce stress. In the past, preparations made from the herb were the go-to option for any issues dealing with nervous tension [source].
If you’re having a particularly stressful day, diffuse some lavender and spend a few minutes enjoying its calming and relaxing aroma, or simply mix a few drops in a cup of Epsom salts and enjoy a nice, long bath soak. I promise you won’t regret it!
Lavender Body Wash
The soothing scent of lavender calms your mind while massaging this body wash into tense muscles relaxes you from head to toe.
—1 cup water
—¼ cup honey
—⅔ cup unscented liquid Castile soap
—2 teaspoons jojoba oil
—40 drops lavender essential oil
Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Transfer to a lidded plastic bottle. Swirl before each use to combine the ingredients. Squeeze some of the mixture onto a washcloth, massage into the skin, and then rinse well.
10. Lavender deodorizes your feet
Lavender oil is naturally antiseptic, and its antibacterial action is perfect for deodorizing and combating odor-causing bacteria. Lavender is an ideal addition to a foot soak or a massage for tired feet.
Lavender Foot Powder
—2 ounces cornstarch
—10 drops lavender essential oil
—10 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine the cornstarch and the essential oils in a bowl, and stir thoroughly to break up clumps, ending up with a fine powder. Apply the powder to clean, dry feet. Store extras in a cool, dry place for 6 months.
11. Lavender is perfect for perfume
Lavender makes a wonderful personal fragrance. It’s a timeless scent that has been used in essential oil perfume and fragrance blends for centuries. With its distinct aroma, it can be used on its own or paired with other essential oils for a unique custom blend.
I personally like to pair it with ylang ylang for a fresh, exotic fragrance. However, it also combines nicely with citrus, florals, and earthy-smelling oils.
As an added bonus, not only will your natural perfume smell delightful, but it can also help keep you calm throughout the day! Here’s a great guide to get you started on creating your own unique perfume.
Lavender Perfume Roll-On
—6 drops lavender essential oil
—2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
—3 drops sweet orange essential oil
—Carrier oil (something light with little to no scent, like jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil is best)
—10 mL roll-on bottle
Add the essential oils to the bottle and gently swirl to combine them. Fill the rest of the bottle with carrier oil, replace the cap, and swirl again. Apply to pulse points like wrists, clavicle, and behind the ears. Remember to shake the bottle before each use.
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