Calendula is the latest oil to take the beauty world by storm, thanks to its amazing versatility and, of course, its natural origins. Derived from the petals of marigold flowers, it has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that make it a great treatment for a whole host of skin conditions.

You can use pure calendula oil, which is made by infusing the marigold petals into a carrier, like sunflower oil. But lots of natural beauty brands also include it as a hero ingredient in their products, like the calendula line from Weleda. No matter what form you choose to use it in, read on to learn more about five things calendula oil can help you treat.

SPOT-TREATING ACNE

Thanks to both its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, calendula oil is a great treatment for breakouts. Wash your face with a cleanser formulated with calendula oil, or apply it directly to a pimple. It will both minimise the infection that caused the spot in the first place, as well as help diminish any redness and help it heal. While it’s treating your acne, there is also evidence that calendula oil can help increase skin’s hydration and firmness. So go ahead and apply it all over your face to get those benefits, too.

SOOTHING CHAPPED LIPS

Again, calendula oil is an excellent hydrator, which means it can soothe dry lips. It will also help repair any cracks from extra-chapped lips, too. Mix a few drops of the oil into your usual lip balm for a moisturising and healing boost.

RELIEVING SUNBURNT SKIN

Smoothing calendula oil over sunburnt skin will provide instant soothing results, and its anti-inflammatory properties will help diminish the redness and inflammation you might be experiencing. Mix a few drops in with your moisturiser or apply it directly to smaller affected areas. There is also evidence that calendula oil can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it is still recommended that you use it a supplementary product to a sunscreen rather than on its own.

HEALING BUG BITES

When the itch from a mosquito bite won’t let up, apply calendula oil directly to the bite. It will soothe the itch, reduce redness and inflammation, and help protect you from infection.

MOISTURISING YOUR SCALP AND HAIR

If you experience a dry, irritated scalp, look for a shampoo and conditioner system formulated with calendula oil. Its anti-fungal properties can help treat dandruff, and combined with its moisturising capabilities, you’ll be left with a much healthier scalp. Those benefits extend to your hair, too. Calendula oil has been shown to have regenerative properties that help your hair grow longer an stronger, and protect it from environmental aggressors.

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Written by - Tara MacInnis