Have you ever heard of Calendula? Well, if not, you are in for a treat because we are obsessed with this magical substance and cannot wait to share!
Calendula, pronounced: Ka-LEND-u-lah, comes from a plant you might know well: the pot marigold. The flower is widely used as a medicinal plant whose antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a strong ingredient for healing. In addition to using whole petals, Calendula flowers can be ground into powder or made into oils, creams, and ointments. The FDA has approved calendula for use as a spice and as an ingredient in cosmetics, soaps and shampoos, body creams, and wound treatment, both internally and topically.
At Urban Waxx, we are completely in love with our Oh So Soothing Calendula Oil. This magical elixir is something developed for our treatment rooms, to soothe and hydrate the skin after waxing. We quickly realized that this oil needed it’s own place on our retail shelves! The first thing you will notice is the color. It’s a beautiful shade of pinky-orange, naturally derived from the marigolds it comes from. The color can change from one batch to the next, due to the fact that it is from a completely natural ingredient- flowers- and that the flowers can change color slightly dependent on how and where they are grown. Pretty neat, huh? The smell of this oil is a total game changer. At first, it smells sweet like cotton candy. That smell quickly fades leaving a lush, warm scent that is good enough to eat! Again- all natural!
We use Calendula oil all over our bodies, even right after a wax! We have found that the oil leaves a beautiful silky hydration and it REALLY clears up bumps and blemishes. Hydrating, clarifying AND so soothing!
There are SO many benefits of Calendula!
1. Hydrates and Nourishes Dry Skin
Calendula has can be used to relieve many types of skin conditions that may cause dry, itchy, or irritated areas. It soothes symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. By promoting the production of collagen, an essential protein for plump and youthful skin, Calendula aids in sustaining soothed, hydrated skin. Although strong in effect, Calendula is so gentle that even those with extremely sensitive skin will enjoy it!
Calendula is so gentle, in fact, it appears in many products for babies. As a natural remedy option, it is often preferred for prevention and treatment of rashes and irritations that babies experience like diaper rash and cradle cap.
2. Slows Wrinkles from forming
Calendula has also been found to assist in slowing the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Calendula have been found to significantly protect against oxidative stress in human skin cells. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of damaging atoms and antioxidants. Oxidative stress plays a large role in the aging process as well as the development of several illnesses. Calendula allows it to keep skin hydrated and healthy making it a great component for daily lotions or lip balm.
3. Reduces Skin Scarring
One of the most amazing Calendula benefits is its ability to reduce scarring when used to treat wounds. The Calendula properties that benefit wound healing apply to the scarring process as well. Calendula increases blood flow to the injury, promotes a speedy and healthy healing process, free of infection, and encourages growth of healthy new tissue. In the cases of lesions like chicken pox and acne, the herb softens and soothes the skin, prevents inflammation, boosts the immune response, and this allows wounds to heal quickly and cleanly.
4. Heals Wounds
Out of all its magical properties, Calendula is primarily known as a healing plant because of its soothing abilities. Although a gentle herb, the healing effects derived from Calendula petals are very powerful, making it a must-have for skin trauma. It is beneficial for any wound healing you may need including insect bites, bruises, blisters, cuts, and cold sores. Topical application of Calendula is used to keep wounds clean and help new tissue to grow. It is often used to help poorly healing wounds, those that are exhibiting signs of tenderness, redness, or inflammation, to correct course.
The healing herb is also effective in treating minor burns, including sunburn. It assists in sun protection and may consequently be included in sunscreen formulas for preventative care. Calendula cream, ointment, or healing balm may be applied to wounds to reduce swelling and their antimicrobial components, specifically their antifungal agents, can prevent secondary infection, leading to a quicker healing process.
So, now you see how incredible Calendula oil can be for you whole body, and all of the healing properties contained in this beautiful flower! We hope you love it as much as we do!