Like many medicinal herbs, calendula flowers are also used for acne treatment. When you experience a hormonal change or when excess oil is generated, the pores on the skin get clogged with dirt. Such clogged pores are a breeding place for bacteria, as they can multiply rapidly here. Bacterial infections lead to acne problems, and the lesions caused by acne can leave mild or permanent scars. Hence, it is essential to treat acne and control its scarring to avoid an unsightly appearance of your face.
Calendula Flowers
These flowers are popularly known as "pot marigolds;" the Calendula herb usually bears bright yellow or orange flowers. Out of these, the deep orange-colored flowers are found to possess medicinal properties, and they have been used since the olden days for treating superficial wounds, sores, burns and liver complaints. The flowers bloom in spring and summer as well. They can be easily dried and stored for using for acne and other skin care treatments.
Medicinal Properties of Calendula Flowers
Marigold is a good toner, and it can reduce inflammation and heal the damage caused by acne skin lesions. It can also detoxify your liver and gall bladder. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, astringent, stimulant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and diaphoretic properties, and so it is widely used for the treatment of various ailments.
Petals and pollen grains of this flower contain carotenoids auroxanthin and flavoxanthin (antioxidants), and titerpenoid esters (anti-inflammatory). Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, Calendula flowers can soothe the inflammation caused by acne skin lesions. Its anti-bacterial property helps to control or inhibit the growth of acne bacteria. Its detoxifying nature helps to reduce the toxicity leading to acne. The flowers extracts come in the form of tincture, lotion, cream and ointment for treating acne problems.
Using Calendula Flowers for Treating Acne
- Take a cup of boiling water and add a teaspoon of calendula flowers and keep it for cooling. Then, strain the water, transform it in an air tight container, and store it in the refrigerator. Apply this toner on the acne affected areas. This can be used regularly as a skin care product for treating acne and its scars.
- Apply calendula cream on the acne spots, and it will reduce the inflammation caused by acne.
- Soak dried calendula flower petals in good quality olive oil in a clean glass container covered with a cotton cloth. Keep it for nearly 10 days in a sunny place. Then, strain the oil and store it in an air-tight glass container. This Calendula infusion can be stored for nearly 1 year. It can be applied topically to the inflamed or dark spots of acne to reduce inflammation.
Although calendula flowers are effective in treating acne, other acne prevention steps like cleaning and moisturizing should not be ignored. Dead skin cells have to be removed regularly by cleansing and toning, as otherwise your acne may spread. Consult a dermatologist when your acne does not respond to treatment with calendula flowers.
