Calendula: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Why Calendula Is The Right Flower To Add To Your Skincare

Calendula flower has magical healing properties and is a must-have when it comes to treating skin problems. With calendula in hand, we can say goodbye to stubborn acne, eczema and other skin irritants in no time.

It is not just today that calendula is used as an ingredient for skincare. It dates back to ages ago. Calendula oil is famously talked about in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for its antimicrobial properties. 

Calendula belongs to the family of marigold plants and has long been used for skin health benefits and healing wounds.

It is a pretty yellow-colored flower, whose extract can be found in ointments, tinctures and washes to treat bruises, cuts and wounds. From medicine to cosmetics and skincare, calendula is used everywhere. 

All of this is thanks to the magic healing powers it possesses. That is why many skincare products today contain calendula oil.

Let us look at the benefits and uses of calendula in detail.

CONTENT INDEX

• Facts about calendula
• Calendula products
• Benefits of using calendula in skincare
• Side effects of using calendula
• tuco Intelligent® range containing calendula

Everything You Need To Know About Calendula

Calendula is a type of marigold plant (not the ornamental marigold plants), which is native to Asia and Southern Europe. The word ‘calendula’ in Latin means ‘little calendar’ or ‘little clock’. It is popular for its medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Since historic times, calendulas have been used to cure headaches, red eye, fever, and toothaches. Known as the poor man’s saffron, the use of calendula extends to the kitchen too. 

Calendula products

Calendula oil is extracted by infusing marigold flowers in a carrier oil. This oil is, in turn, used as an ingredient in ointments, creams or salves. It can also be processed into tea, capsules and tinctures. Calendula is also be found in many skincare products and medicines, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to curb the side effects caused by radiation treatment of cancer.

Let us understand why calendula is so popular in the skincare industry.

Benefits of Using Calendula

Sun shield

Calendula cream can be used as a sunscreen to protect our skin against the harmful rays of sun. Studies show that calendula oil has SPF properties just like a sunscreen. When applied topically, it creates a barrier on the skin, which prevents further damage \ by the harmful UV  rays of the sun. Although it is yet to be proven that it can replace sunscreen, calendula can definitely be used as a skin-healing cream when nothing works.

Wounds and pressure ulcers 

Due to the benefits of calendula (its healing properties), it is used in the preparation of ointments, tinctures and creams. It was found out that people who used calendula ointments healed much faster (than thiose who used regular ointments without it) and reported significant reduction of redness and swelling. than 

Other studies show that calendula spray, in addition to standard care and hygiene practices, can prevent infections and reduce body odor.   

Reduces acne

Calendula is found in many acne-clearing skincare products due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It controls the production of excess sebum on the skin, which is the primary cause of acne and other breakouts. Stubborn skin problems such as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads can easily be diminished with regular use of calendula oil. 

When you wash your face with a calendula cleanser first thing in the morning, it removes the excess oil and dirt,  preventing clogging of pores. You can also use calendula creams, oil or spot treatments to your whole face or the target areas of acne. 

PS: Did you know there is a calendula mask too? This can get rid of the stubborn scars on your face. Put them on once a week to see the difference. 

Gets rid of eczema

Many people use calendula oil to treat chronic skin conditions, such as eczema.  Research shows that calendula creams can be used to relieve the pain due to dermatitis, especially in people receiving radiation for breast cancer.

Gets rid of psoriasis

Calendula has been used by people to get rid of skin problems such as psoriasis. However the research is still preliminary. The reason for using calendula creams and ointments is due to Calendula’s  wound healing properties , and it can be applied on the affected spots twice a day.

Soothes diaper rash

Calendula oil or cream can be used to soothe rashes caused by diapers. Aloe vera or coconut oil do this job too, but calendula has been found to be extremely mild, and gives quicker relief to the skin.  Apply a small amount of calendula oil or mix it with aloe vera gel for better results.

Better skin

One of the main benefits of calendula oil is that it heals the skin and improves the skin texture. It is proven to improve our overall skin appearance. Creams containing calendula essence can promote skin hydration, firmness and provide spot treatment. 

But before you start using these products, always remember to do a patch test on your skin to check for any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount on your inner wrist. Wait for 24-48 hours to see if you feel any irritation or itching. If you do, then discontinue the product immediately. Otherwise, it is safe to use.

Are There Any Side effects of using Calendula?

Generally calendula is safe to use. But you have to keep a few things in mind while using it. If you are allergic to plants in the asteraceae/compositae family, avoid calendula. Also, don't use calendula if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, avoid calendula at least two weeks before surgery as it tends to cause drowsiness. Try starting with a small amount, and slowly increase it according to your skin needs. 

Always go for organic brands as they are free from toxic chemicals that might harm our skin. TheUnbottleCo is also a trusted skin-friendly brand for kids, that has all its products made from natural ingredients, without any sulfates or parabens. Some of their products containing calendula are:

Bye Dry Skin, Handmade Soap Proven To Fight Tan & Dark Spots With Calendula & Neem Oil 

Hi! I’m Tuco Intelligent®'s Bye Dry Skin Handmade Soap. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside me:

To treat:

• Calendula oil, which has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties for soothing eczema
• Jojoba oil, promotes collagen synthesis, and controls sebum production

To prevent recurrence: 

• Chamomile acts as a powerful antioxidant which eliminate free radicals
• Neem oil, which naturally stimulates collagen production, treats acne and heals wounds