What Is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil, derived from the lavender plant can be taken orally, applied to the skin, or breathed in through aromatherapy. Lavender oil has many benefits many of which are to the skin. With the ability to lighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and lessen acne, it is a great oil to have on hand. The oil has even been shown to treat digestion and hair health. 

Acne Relief 

Lavender oils antibacterial properties kill the bacteria that cause acne breakouts. This helps to heal acne breakouts and prevent acne from occurring. The lavender oil works to unclog pores and reduce inflammation when you apply it to your skin. 

To use lavender oil for acne:

  • Dilute the oil in coconut oil or another carrier oil, and apply it to your skin after washing your face. 

To use lavender oil as a toner:

  • Mix two drops of lavender oil with one teaspoon of witch hazel
  • Soak a cotton ball in the solution and gently rub it over your face

To use lavender oil for spot treatment:

  • Mix argan oil with one drop of lavender oil, apply directly to the pimple twice a day. 

Eczema And Dry Skin

Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and scaly skin. It can be mild or chronic in multiple locations, the antifungal properties of lavender oil help reduce inflammation and keep eczema at bay. Psoriasis is another skin condition that causes redness and irritation to the skin. Lavender oil has been shown to lessen these symptoms.

Lavender oil for eczema:

  • Mix two drops lavender oil with two drops tea tree oil, dilute with two teaspoons of coconut oil, use daily as needed

Skin Lightening

Lavender oil has been shown to help in lightening skin and reducing inflammation. The oil can be used to reduce discoloration, which includes dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Face Wrinkles

Lavender oil is full of antioxidants, a strong property in helping to protect you from free radicals. Free radicals are partly responsible for fine lines and wrinkles on the face. 

Lavender oil for wrinkles: 

  • Mix a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil, apply the moisturizer once or twice a day as needed

Anti-inflammatory

Lavender oil can sometimes be used to treat painful inflammation. The pain-relieving and numbing effects in lavender oil help soothe inflammation. The beta-caryophyllene in the oil can act as a natural anti-inflammatory as well.

Lavender oil for a burn:

  • Mix one to three drops of lavender oil with two teaspoons of coconut oil
  • Apply to the affected area three times a day 

Lavender oil for sunburn:

  • In a spray bottle combine a quarter cup of aloe vera juice, two tablespoons distilled water, 10-12 drops of lavender oil and jojoba oil
  • Shake the bottle well, spray onto your sunburn three times a day

Wound-healing

Lavender oil may be able to speed up the healing process if you have a cut, scrape, burn, or another wound. A study in 2016 found that lavender oil promotes the healing of skin tissue.

Lavender oil for minor wounds:

  • Mix three drops of lavender oil with a few drops of coconut oil
  • Apply the mixture to your wound with a cotton ball
  • If your wound is already healed you can use the mixture to reduce remaining scars as well.

Insect Repellent

Lavender oil has been proven effective in preventing insect bites as well as relieving the itching that a bug bite causes. Some Store-bought bug repellents contain lavender oil as well. The oil can be used in either a spray or in a candle to deter insects. 

Insect repellant candle – add seven drops of lavender oil to a candle and place outside. 

Insect repellent spray- mix 8 ounces of water and 4 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle, shake well, apply to skin and clothing before going outdoors.

Bug bites can cause itching, redness, and pain they can sometimes become infected as well. Lavender oil can help relieve these symptoms by killing the bacteria and reducing inflammation and pain. 

Lavender oil for bug bites:

  • Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with coconut oil
  • Put the mixture on the bite twice a day or more as needed
  • If the bug bite stings try adding a drop of peppermint oil to the mixture to numb the bite

Lavender oil also works well for treating poison ivy.

Other Ways To Use 

Lavender oil can be used in a pill form and be ingested, or steamed as aromatherapy. Lavender oil is relatively safe to use, however, it can cause some discomfort and irritation to some. Always test the oil on a small patch of skin 24 hours before use, to test for any skin irritation or allergies. Stop the use of the oil immediately if you have any negative side effects.