Lavender essential oil has been used for years as a topical medicine for many common ailments, including cosmetic issues. Here is a basic break down of how to use lavender oil to help improve your appearance and cure troublesome and sometimes annoying cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Lavender Essential Oil
Wrinkle Eraser
While aging happens to everyone, wrinkles are one of the least enjoyed side effects, especially for women. While there are many over the counter creams and liquids that claim to rid the face and skin of wrinkles, they are often filled with dangerous chemicals and can even age the face more. Lavender essential oil provides a natural and safe way to help the skin gain elasticity and appear more youthful and bright.
Lavender oil increases blood flow to the skin tissues when applied and improves circulation. This in turn allows the skin to instantly appear more youthful. The oil is able to penetrate deeper than traditional creams and improve even the deepest layers of skin, whereas over the counter products only focus on the first layer of skin. Lavender oil is usually more affordable than these other products but is more effected and long-lasting.
To apply, simply rub the oil on the areas that need treatment with either a cotton ball or a small make-up brush. Remember to keep your skin moisturized and to always use sunscreen to keep wrinkles at bay and to enjoy the results of the lavender essential oil.
Acne Healer
Lavender oil can work wonders for the skin. Since it is an astringent, it can remove acne causing bacteria when applied directly to the skin via a cotton ball. Results may take a little longer when compared to traditional over the counter medication, but there are typically little to no side effects. If you do notice any redness, swelling or irritation, discontinue the use of the oil until you speak with a medical professional.
You can also make your own skin toner using lavender essential oil by mixing a few drops of oil with distilled water in a glass jar. Allow the mixture to sit overnight and then use the toner as needed to even out skin tone and remove dead skin cells.
Wound/Burn Healer
Burns and cuts are not only painful, but can be unsightly as well. Lavender oil can be applied directly to the affected area. It will help to kill any bacteria that can cause an infection while also helping to speed up the healing process. Cuts tend to heal much quicker on the face due to the high amount of blood circulation. Since lavender oil tends to improve circulation, you can expect for cuts to heal very quickly when the oil is applied.
Lavender oil can also be used to heal sun burnt or dried out and chapped lips. It can be added to lip balms or chap-sticks.
Hair Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil can be used to combat hair loss and heal hair to help it become thicker and healthier. If you are having trouble covering the entire scalp with the oil, you can add it to what is known as a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil. This will help to evenly distribute the oil. Here are some ways that you can use lavender essential oil to help improve the condition of your hair.
Dandruff Treatment
If you suffer from dandruff, you understand the frustration and embarrassment that this scalp condition can bring. To treat the scalp with lavender oil, simply rub the oil as directly as possible onto the scalp. Place a shower cap on the hair or wrap it in a towel to keep the solution from dripping. Allow it to sit for about an hour before shampooing and conditioning as normal. This should help to remoisturize the scalp and help to alleviate any itching and irritation.
Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair
A common cause of hair loss is alopecia, where the body treats the hair as a foreign object and attacks the hair follicles. A study by Scotland dermatologists showed that after rubbing lavender essential oil directly onto the scalp, along with a few other oils, 44% of people in the study group showed significant hair regrowth. This is most likely because lavender oil helps to improve circulation, which is necessary for new hair growth. The oil may also help men who are suffering from male pattern baldness. If lavender essential oil is used as a sleep remedy, it may remove unnecessary stress, tension and anxiety, which are all reasons behind any type of baldness.
Natural Head Lice Treatment
Lavender essential oil has strong disinfecting properties, which can remove lice and lice eggs from the scalp if it is infected. Lice are strongly affected by lavender. The smell will aggravate them and the oil can kill them as well. To use as a treatment for lice, rub the lavender oil directly only the scalp and allow it to sit for twenty minutes. Shampoo as normal afterwards. After waiting a couple days to see if lice still remain, repeat as needed. The oil can also be used to help prevent the spread of lice if there is an infected person living in close quarters with others.
Natural and Effective Conditioner
So many store bought conditioners contain harmful chemicals and solutions that can actually weaken hair and leave it dry and brittle. In a bottle, combine dried lavender leaves, distilled water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Rub the mixture throughout hair and allow it to sit for fifteen minutes. Rinse well and you should experience instant revitalized hair that has a great scent.
Whether you suffer from skin or hair problems, a small bottle of lavender essential oil is one of the best products that your medicine cabinet can hold. It has proven its abilities to heal throughout history and can serve as a great natural alternative when compared to dangerous and overpriced products found on store shelves.