Calendula offinialis extract or Calendula has been used as a traditional herbal medicine. In skin care, it seems like it has been flying under the radar. Professionals or those who are knowledgeable about plant extracts know the benefits of this ingredient. When it comes to Calendula, just because it is low-key doesn’t mean it should remain low-key. Today, studies show that topical treatments include it for its beneficial properties as an anti-inflammatory, an antiseptic and as a stimulus for collagen production.
Calendula is popularly used for wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent. (1) One study concluded that Calendula showed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. In addition, it indicated that Calendula had the ability to accelerate the healing process and reduce the inflammation caused by the wound. (2) Calendula in another study demonstrated that herbal remedies can prevent/reduce skin flare-ups, itching and excessive exfoliation. (3)
When used for wounds, you want an antiseptic. An antiseptic or antimicrobial will prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other harmful, microscopic threats to your body. One study showed Calendula to be an excellent antifungal which can prevent the growth of most bacteria. (4) This means when you apply it to a wound, Calendula will help fight bacteria and fungi from forming as a result it will limit the chances of infection. (5)
Calendula offinialis extract comes from the common marigold and is high in polyphenols that are packed with antioxidants and help prevent oxidative stress. A study showed that polyphenols, from Calendula offinialis extract, stimulate or induce skin cell synthesis, preventing degradation in human skin cells. As such, Calendula has significant anti-aging potential according to this study. (6)
When it comes to skin care, it is important to understand not only the products and the brand, but the ingredients you are using. When it comes to Calendula offinialis extract, it may be from the common marigold plant, but it does so many positive things for the skin. Sadly, many mainstream skin care companies have not recognized the value of this herbal ingredient. Today, studies are showing that in topical uses, it provides anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and collagen production benefits.
Footnote
(1) Parente, L. M., Lino Júnior, R., Tresvenzol, L. M., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., & Paulo, N. M. (2012). Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 375671. doi:10.1155/2012/375671
(2) Ibid
(3) Dawid-Pać R. (2013). Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 30(3), 170–177. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.35620
(4) Efstratiou, Efstratios, et al. “Antimicrobial Activity of Calendula Officinalis Petal Extracts against Fungi, as Well as Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Clinical Pathogens.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 18, no. 3, 18 Aug. 2012, pp. 173–176., doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.02.003.
(5) Efstratiou, Efstratios, et al. “Antimicrobial Activity of Calendula Officinalis Petal Extracts against Fungi, as Well as Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Clinical Pathogens.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 18, no. 3, 18 Aug. 2012, pp. 173–176., doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.02.003.
(6) Kang, C. H., Rhie, S. J., & Kim, Y. C. (2018). Antioxidant and Skin Anti-Aging Effects of Marigold Methanol Extract. Toxicological research, 34(1), 31–39. doi:10.5487/TR.2018.34.1.031