The Amazing Benefits of Using Lavender Oil in Your Beauty Routine

Lavender is one of the most recognizable flowers and scents. A part of the mint family along with basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage to name a few, lavender has a history that goes back 2,500 years. Believed to have origins in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India, lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, which means “to wash.” The ancient Romans liked to use lavender oil to scent their baths, hair, and fabrics. Today, lavender oil is primarily used in aromatherapy.

Interested in the benefits of adding lavender oil to your beauty routine? Read on.

Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils. According to a 2015 study published in the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, it serves multiple purposes, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, detoxifying, and sedative effects.

Used as aromatherapy, it promotes relaxation and is believed to treat several ailments, including anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, insomnia, and eczema. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that topically applying lavender oil mixed with sage and rose can also reduce menstrual cramps. 

You can reap these benefits by breathing in the scent of lavender essential oil. You could also mix it with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil and apply it on your wrist or mix it with your bath. You could also add a few drops to a diffuser to fill the room with a relaxing scent. 

According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lavender oil could be beneficial to individuals suffering from alopecia aerate, which causes a person’s hair to fall out in patches. In the study, people who applied lavender oil, thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood on bald spots experienced hair growth over seven months. Another study conducted in 2016 applied lavender oil on mice and found that their hair grew thicker and faster than usual. 

Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties also make it effective in treating common scalp issues, such as dry scalp and dandruff by preventing bacteria and fungi growth. Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage onto the scalp. You could also add lavender oil to your hair products to enjoy its relaxing and nourishing benefits. 

Lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory capabilities give it a pain-relieving and numbing effect that soothes inflammations. It also has wound-healing properties that can promote the healing of skin tissue. Its scent can also ward off mosquitoes, as well as relieve the itching of insect bites and keep them from being infected. 

Studies have also demonstrated that lavender oil is an effective means to reduce the symptoms of eczema. A study called the "Case History of Infected Eczema Treated with Essential Oils" found that lavender oil has an immediate effect against itching and preventing infection. In the same manner, lavender oil can also help with acne, sunburns, and diaper rash.

You could also try products that are infused with the benefits of lavender oil. For a soothing shower experience, try Dove Relaxing Lavender Body Wash, which is formulated with Moisture Renew Blend with calming lavender oil and chamomile to soothe the senses.  It’s also formulated with shea butter, vanilla, and ¼ moisturizing cream to protect skin moisture and prevent dryness.

When using lavender oil, always dilute it with a carrier oil. Avoid applying it on broken skin to be safe and stop using it if you develop any negative side effects. For severe inflammation, consult with your doctor for the best treatment.