5 Benefits of Lavender Oil for Your Skin, Hair and Overall Health

Helps Combat Acne

All essential oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and lavender oil is not an exception. It is considered one of the most beneficial oils for acne treatment. Lavender essential oil inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause infection and subsequent acne breakouts, helps normalize sebum secretion and balance your skin’s pH, accelerates healing, prevents acne scars, and soothes irritated skin.

However, you should keep in mind that pure essential oils can irritate your skin and even case chemical burns. In fact, most essential oils shouldn’t be used undiluted on the skin. To treat acne using lavender oil, add several drops of essential oil to your skin cream or mix it with a light carrier oil of your choice.

Treats Dandruff and Hair Loss

A common cause of dandruff is a bacterial or fungal infection (for a long time, dandruff was believed to be caused by fungi, but it has recently been reported that bacteria play a role in it, too). Thanks to its antiseptic properties, lavender oil kills pathogenic bacteria and fungi that thrive on your skin, as well as soothes irritated scalp and prevents dryness, itching, and flaking.

In addition, lavender oil is believed to be effective for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth. To enhance its stimulating effect, you can combine it with other essential oils such as rosemary, thyme and cedarwood. Mix them with a carrier oil (coconut should work great) and massage into your scalp daily.

Can Be Used As a Skin Toner

Lavender oil boosts circulation in the skin, which helps better provide skin cells with oxygen and nutrients. A homemade lavender skin toner will keep your skin feeling fresh throughout the day, boost skin cell renewal, and improve complexion. As pure lavender oil doesn’t mix with water, the easiest way to make a lavender toner is soak fresh or dried lavender buds in water for several days, then drain the mixture and pour it in a clean bottle. After washing your face in the morning, pour some toner on a cotton pad and gently wipe your face with it.

Relieves Pain and Promotes Healing

If you have sore muscles or joint pain, add several drops of lavender oil to massage oil and rub it onto the affected area to reduce pain. Thanks to its regenerative properties, lavender oil can speed up the healing of acne scars, small cuts and burns, insect bites, sunburn, eczema, dermatitis, and other skin issues and minor injuries. Let us once again remind you that you shouldn’t use undiluted lavender oil as a skin treatment. Mix it with some aloe vera gel or lotion to protect your skin.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety, Improves Sleep

Research shows that the calming scent of lavender is effective in reducing the signs of anxiety and stress, as well as relieving tensions headaches, nausea, and the symptoms of motion sickness. Besides, lavender oil relieves insomnia and improves the overall quality of sleep, including the time it takes to fall asleep and overall length of sleep. Of cause, leaving a burning aroma lamp next to your bed is dangerous so you’ll have to buy a nebulizer, an ultrasonic diffuser, or a plug-in unit. Or you can make a sleep spray by combining several drops of lavender oil with distilled water and pouring it into a spray bottle. To sleep better, simply drizzle some spray on fresh linen.