Delicately soothing with a sweetly floral scent, lavender has long been touted for anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Renowned by ancient Romans as a holy herb, this pretty petal sure knows how to pack a punch.
A member of the mint family, lavender has a unique aroma and several skincare benefits. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and extremely effective on burns and bites. There are a multitude of ways to incorporate this unassuming crusader into your routine and lavender works wonders for all skin types.
Acne Treatment
Lavender has pretty potent antiseptic qualities and is antibacterial, making it one of the best acne fighters around. It also can work wonders on oily skin. When experiencing breakouts, simply apply a small amount of lavender oil directly to the breakout. You can also apply a few drops to a cotton ball and apply as a spot treatment.
While you’re at it, massage a few drops into your temples to reduce tension and help keep future stress-induced breakouts at bay.
Eczema And Dry Skin
Eczema can cause excessive itching and can be difficult to live with. Dealing with eczema flare ups on the face can be particularly problematic, as makeup and harsh cleansers may cause further irritation. Soothe rough, dry patches with a few drops of lavender oil added in to your daily moisturizer.
Need an all-over remedy? Treat yourself to a deliciously relaxing bath and soak away your troubles in lavender bliss.
cute girl with a towel on her head in a bath
Parisian Lavender and Oatmeal Bath
- 2 Tbsp. of Dried Lavender (can be substituted with 15-20 drops of French Lavender Oil)
- 1 Cup Epsom Salt
- ½ Cup Baking Soda
- 1 Cup (finely ground) Oatmeal
Combine all ingredients in a sealable jar and add to bath as desired; typically 1 cup.
Lavender Infused Masks
Before applying any mask treatment, let your face rest above a bowl of steaming hot water to help open your pores. Drape a towel over your head as you hold it above the bowl to intensify the treatment and ensure the steam can work its magic.
Applying a facial mask after a shower will also provide a similar effect. Masks work best when applied to a clean, damp face.
- Take a trip round the salad bar and pamper your skin with an Avocado Lavender Mask. Simply combine 1 Tbsp. of organic honey, half an avocado, and a few drops of lavender oil. A small splash of lemon juice can amp up the brightening power of this mask. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mash until well mixed. Apply all over or just as a spot treat, leaving on for about 10 minutes.
- Combine 1 Tbsp. of raw, unfiltered honey and about 3 drops of lavender oil in a small bowl. Gently smooth the mixture over your face and neck, leaving on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and enjoy feeling like the Queen Bee.
- Marry the anti-inflammatory powers of lavender with the detox properties of clay for one power house of a mask that you’ll use again and again. Combine 2 Tbsp. of bentonite clay, 2 tsps. of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of lavender oil, and about 1 Tbsp. of filtered water. Mix until a thick paste forms and apply to your face. Once it’s fully dry (you’ll notice little cracks and crumbling around the application area) rinse off with cool water
- Pro Tip: Don’t mix the clay mask with a metal spoon or bowl! Metal can deactivate the detoxing properties.
Refreshing Mist
Perfect for a relaxing end to the day, swap out your usual toner for a lavender based spray. After cleansing, simply mist the toner all over your face to benefit from the calming properties and you’ll be drifting off to a floral scented slumber in no time.
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