• Calendula is a plant native to Asia and Europe that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries 
• The dried calendula petals are formulated into teas, drops and capsules for oral consumption to support health
• As a topical, oils, tinctures, gels, salves and creams can help alleviate a number of skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis
• Calendula topical applications are best known for calming inflammation and accelerating the wound healing process

Calendula is a medicinal plant that is known primarily for its skin healing, nourishing and soothing properties. It’s been used in traditional and alternative herbal medicine to treat a number of health conditions and skin issues, and can be taken orally or applied topically. Calendula benefits are many, including wound healing and relief from dry, itchy irritated skin.    

What Is Calendula?

Calendula officinalis, known by its common name calendula or pot marigold, belongs to the marigold family. It is a natural remedy that can offer a number of health benefits.

Dried calendula flowers or petals of this plant have been used medicinally for centuries, as it is rich in flavonoids which protect the body from destructive free radicals. Calendula has several medicinal benefits when applied topically or taken orally, as it contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. 

Calendula also has lutein and beta-carotene which is converted within the body to vitamin A. This vitamin plays a key role in wound healing, and hydrating and strengthening skin. 

Two primary fatty acids provide additional benefits: linoleic and calendic acids soften and plump the skin, and repair and protect the skin barrier. 

Lastly, it is rich in oxygenated oils called monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Monoterpenes are what give essential oils antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral effects, while sesquiterpenes have antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Calendula leaves and petals are infused in a carrier oil to produce an essential oil. This oil is then used as is or formulated within teas, drops and pills for oral use; and tinctures, gels, salves and creams for topical application.

You can use this essential oil as a first-line treatment or to complement more conventional skin care products.   

Benefits of Calendula for Your Skin

There is a need for large clinical studies on calendula, as there are few documented trials on this essential oil. However, numerous in vitro studies do demonstrate the health benefits of calendula and illustrate the positive effects on skin health and appearance.

Applied topically, calendula oil has been shown to produce multiple benefits such as providing sun protection, boosting wound healing and encouraging collagen production to plump and strengthen skin. And due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can play a role in managing and healing skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Acne treatment     

Calendula can treat and prevent acne through several mechanisms of action. This essential oil has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and astringent effects to clear pores of debris and excess oils. 

It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This essential oil can relieve the uncomfortable sensations of itching and irritation that often accompany acne lesions by calming inflammation and supporting the immune response by reducing histamine levels which enables faster resolution of acne lesions.  

Calendula speeds up the healing process, helps calm and soothe skin, and aids in moisture retention to nourish skin. Hydration is especially important for those prone to acne breakouts as acne treatments are known to cause dryness and irritation. 

This oil’s moisture-boosting and softening properties keep skin soft and supple. 

Lastly, this essential oil can help lighten dark spots called postinflammatory inflammation (PIH),  dark marks that remain after lesions have healed, and it can reduce the appearance of acne scars. It achieves this by promoting tissue regeneration and collagen production to restore a smooth and even texture, and healthier firm skin. 

Anti-aging

Calendula can be an effective anti-aging tool due to several valuable effects on the skin. 

Furthermore, it can offer strong protection as a sunscreen to protect against photodamage brought on by the damaging effects of the sun. Importantly, calendula oil contains antioxidants in the form of flavonoids which makes it an effective free radical scavenger to protect against skin damage that causes premature skin aging.   

Flavonoids are responsible for these benefits; they can protect against sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines that develop due to sun damage. These unsightly marks are a very common skin complaint, especially so for mature skin that has accumulated damage.

This essential oil can also target existing hyperpigmented spots by encouraging skin cell turnover; this process allows pigmented cells to be replaced by fresh undamaged cells.

Calendula can increase moisture levels in skin to plump and firm skin. This minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles and smooths the skin’s surface. This also strengthens the skin barrier and promotes healthier skin. 

With age, skin naturally slows production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that maintain taut and plump skin. Some studies have shown calendula can promote collagen synthesis, which firms and rejuvenates skin.

As well, this oil has been found to be rich in linolenic acid which provides multiple benefits as an anti-aging solution: it speeds up skin cell turnover; boosts moisture to plump skin; strengthens the skin barrier to protect against sunburns and environmental damage; and softens and smooths skin. 

All these positive effects combine to make calendula an important addition to an effective anti-aging skin care regimen

Anti-fungal

Calendula has been proven to have strong antifungal characteristics, making it a natural and effective choice to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm and vaginal infections. These infections are caused by an imbalance of Candida albicans yeast (a type of fungus) that is naturally present on the skin and in the vagina. 

One study investigating the effectiveness of calendula against 23 different fungi found this essential oil exhibited antifungal activity against all 23 types. 

Researchers also noted the need for new and effective alternatives to established drugs as these can be costly, toxic and limited in their action. Essential oils answer this need as they have been shown to be viable, safe and natural.

Lastly, in another trial comparing the effects of calendula cream and clotrimazole (the standard therapy) on vaginal candidiasis, researchers found that both treatments were effective but while the calendula cream took longer to treat the infection, its long-term effects were greater compared to clotrimazole.

Eczema and psoriasis treatment

Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions triggered by the immune system, and both  share common uncomfortable symptoms of red, flaky skin, inflammation, and stinging and burning. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is characterized by a compromised skin barrier function, itchiness and hypersensitization to food and environmental allergens. Skin can become red, intensely itchy, and accompanied by flaky patches that have a clear discharge. 

Psoriasis is characterized by a buildup of skin cells brought on by an overactive immune system and a range of environmental triggers which causes inflammation, patches of thick, red itchy patches and silvery scales.  

Calendula can calm aggravated skin via its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. As a salve it can reduce pain, soothe itchy irritated skin, reduce the inflammation that causes redness and swelling, and heal the discolored patches.    

These actions also contribute to improving skin’s appearance; so too can the vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids found within this oil which nourishes, moisturizes and supports skin, and helps retain a healthy skin barrier function.

Wound healing and reduced scarring 

Calendula has been demonstrated to have strong wound healing properties. Wounds can refer to any skin injury such as burns (including sunburns), bruises, scrapes and cuts.

Its anti-inflammatory effects shorten the tissue growth and repair process which reduces the duration of inflammation; long-term inflammation interferes with wound healing and results in delaying wound closure and increasing pain.

Rapid recovery can also be inhibited by the presence of microorganisms; this essential oil’s antimicrobial quality can kill these pathogens and promote faster healing.

The presence of free radicals in the affected area can destroy lipids, proteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid. As an antioxidant, the flavonoids found within this essential oil can prevent the damage incurred by free radicals to facilitate the healing process and allow for rapid resolution.  

In one study of cesarean wounds, researchers found that a calendula ointment considerably increased the speed of healing.

Lastly, the same characteristics that promote wound healing also apply to the scar healing process. Healing wounds quickly along with short-term inflammation free of infection will result in minimal scar tissue.

Calendula Skin Care Products

Calendula is commonly found in many skin care products, including organic products, and is typically marketed as a homeopathic remedy to hasten the healing of superficial wounds, insect bites, bruises, minor burns, sunburns and frostbite, diaper rash; and eczema and psoriasis.

There is a wide range of skin care products to choose from, the most popular being gels, oils, serums and creams. 

The best one for your skin will be compatible with your skin type.

Creams have a thicker texture and may be ideal for dry and sensitive skin but too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin; serums have a consistency that is ideal for all skin types while gel-based products are lightweight and ideal for combination, oily and acne-prone skin.

Creams also hydrate skin to support the skin barrier; essential oils provide a protective barrier to retain moisture but do not add to moisture levels. 

However, calendula essential oil has a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio in comparison to other essential oils, making it more effective in skin barrier repair. This benefit applies to both skin care products and the essential oil itself. 

When choosing a product, read the product label to see if there are additional active ingredients included that would be beneficial for your skin and skin concern.

How to Use Calendula Extract

Calendula is gentle and safe for all skin types, including sensitive and dry. Calendula extract and products containing this oil can be applied several times a day based on your needs:

• Apply a balm, salve or ointment as needed to alleviate irritation and inflammation
• Add the extract to a facial toner or moisturizer to increase the benefits of your product
• Use as a spot treatment to treat skin injuries such as burns, bruises and cuts; or to reduce inflammation and redness that present with acne, eczema and psoriasis
• Use the essential oil as a sunscreen to protect your skin every time you step outdoors

Safety

Because topical pure calendula products are so mild, they can safely be used multiple times a day and in conjunction with other personal care products. 

Applied topically, calendula oil presents no safety concerns, although people allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family (including chrysanthemums and ragweed) could potentially experience an allergic reaction. 

Alternatives to Calendula

If calendula is not right for you, there are other alternatives that can be used to similar effect.

• Tea tree oil is a very popular essential oil, as it can provide multiple benefits to treat a range of skin concerns. It has been proven to hydrate skin, calm the symptoms of acne, psoriasis and eczema; heal fungal infections, and prevent dark spots from forming on skin 
• Aloe vera gel is another natural gentle treatment that has been proven to treat a number of skin issues. It can boost moisture, promote wound healing, reduce and control acne-causing bacteria and  lighten hyperpigmentation. As an effective anti-aging ingredient, it promotes collagen production, fends off free radicals and prevents and repairs photoaging to improve the look of wrinkles and elasticity in sun damaged skin.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products are another option. Products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are established treatments for acne as they kill acne-causing bacteria and clear pores of dead skin cells and debris.

OTC anti-aging solutions are available in all skin care products including cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers. Look for hyaluronic acid to attract and return moisture to firm and plump skin, and minimize the look of lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide is prized for its strength in hydrating and strengthening skin, reducing acne symptoms, and targeting dark pigmented spots.

Takeaway

Calendula oil is a gentle essential oil that has a long history of use to treat a number of health concerns and common skin conditions. It can be safely taken in oral form or applied topically.

Calendula has a number of important characteristics: it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that are all greatly beneficial to skin health. 

It’s best known for its efficacy in wound healing and tamping down inflammation but can also target a long list of skin complaints including lightening hyperpigmentation, rejuvenating and protecting sun-damaged skin, and boosting collagen to minimize lines and wrinkles.  

Calendula essential oil can be used as is, added to skin care products, or purchased in ready-made products. It is safe for all skin types, has no negative side effects, and can be used as either a first-line or supplementary skin care solution.