Lemongrass is a popular herb that is commonly used in culinary dishes, especially in Asian cuisine for its unique flavour and aroma. Apart from being used in culinary dishes, it is also a popular herbal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine systems.
In traditional medicine, lemongrass is used to treat a variety of health conditions such as digestive problems, respiratory illnesses, and fever. Usually, this herbal plant is consumed in various forms, including as a tea, infusion, or tincture.
In addition, lemongrass is available as an essential oil, which can be applied topically to treat skin conditions. The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant. It is packed with antioxidants, and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. In this article, we will discuss the five benefits of lemongrass oil for your skin.
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Is Lemongrass Good for Skin?
Lemongrass is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for skin and wellness routines.
We can extract the leaves and stems of the plant into an essential oil. The oil can be applied topically to the skin with numerous benefits such as reducing acne, hydrating dry skin, and helping reduce skin inflammation and irritation.
Lemongrass is also a popular ingredient in natural skincare products that are designed to promote healthy and glowing skin in form of toner or serums. Some even believe that this herbal plant can be used as an anti-aging ingredient, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Make Lemongrass Oil?
To make homemade lemongrass oil for the skin, you will need:
Fresh lemongrass stalks
Carrier oil (such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil)
A glass jar with a lid
A strainer or cheesecloth
A dark glass bottle for storage
Here are the steps to make lemongrass oil for the skin:
Cut the fresh stalks into small pieces and bruise them with a pestle or the back of a knife. This will release the essential oils.
Place the bruised lemongrass in the glass jar and cover it with carrier oil. Make sure that it is completely submerged in the oil.
Close the jar with a tight lid and place it in a warm, sunny spot for about two weeks. Shake the jar every day to help infuse the oil with the lemongrass fragrance.
After two weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the lemongrass pieces. Squeeze out as much oil as possible.
Transfer the lemongrass oil to a dark glass bottle for storage. Store it in a cool, dark place.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil for Skin?
To use the lemongrass oil on your skin, simply apply a small amount to the area and massage it gently into your skin. The oil can be used as a moisturizer, massage oil, or added to your bath for a relaxing and fragrant soak.
Other ways to use lemongrass oil for skin:
Mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. Apply the mixture to the skin, massaging gently until it's fully absorbed.
Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to your favourite moisturizer or lotion. Mix well and apply as usual.
Make a homemade facial toner by combining equal parts of witch hazel and distilled water. Add a few drops of lemongrass oil and mix well. Apply the toner to the skin using a cotton ball or pad.
Add a few drops of the essential oil to a warm bath. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes to relax and moisturize the skin.
Create a DIY facial steam by adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Place your face over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes. This can help to open up pores and deeply cleanse the skin.
Remember to always perform a patch test before using lemongrass oil on your skin to ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to the oil.
Benefits of Lemongrass Oil for Skin
1. It helps to reduce acne and breakouts
The reason why lemongrass oil could help to reduce acne and breakouts is that the plant is rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The antimicrobial properties help to fight against bacteria that cause acne and breakouts. While the anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and redness, making it an effective treatment for acne-prone skin.
Another way lemongrass oil can help to reduce acne and breakouts is it balances oil production. It’s common to know that excess oil production is another common cause of acne breakouts. The oil has astringent properties that can help regulate sebum production, keeping the skin from becoming too oily.
By controlling oil production, lemongrass oil can help prevent clogged pores and reduce the risk of new breakouts.
2. Soothes and hydrates dry skin
One of the most common causes of dry skin is inflammation and irritation. Lemongrass oil can help reduce inflammation and irritation on the skin because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds. This means that the oil could be an effective way to help soothe dry, itchy skin and prevent further irritation.
It is also well-known that lemongrass oil can be beneficial for moisturizing the skin. It helps moisturise the skin by increasing the skin moisture levels because the oil has natural humectant properties that can help to draw moisture from the air into the skin.
This essential oil can also help to form a barrier on the skin's surface. This skin barrier helps to prevent water loss from the skin and keep moisture in as well as prevent dryness. When this barrier is compromised, the skin can become dry and dehydrated.
3. Reduces skin inflammation and irritation
It has been mentioned several times that this herbal medicinal plant can act as an anti-inflammatory for the skin. So, how can it help to reduce skin inflammation? When applied topically, lemongrass oil suppresses the production of cytokines. Cytokines play a key role in regulating the body's immune response to infection, injury, and other types of stress. When cytokines are produced in excess, they can contribute to the development of inflammation in the body.
Additionally, the oil contains high levels of antioxidants. We all know that antioxidants can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as free radicals. These free radicals can cause dryness and damage to the skin. Since this essential oil is rich in antioxidants, that means the oil is effective to neutralize free radicals and helps to keep the skin healthy by preventing inflammation and irritation.
4. Acts as a natural skin toner
Other than being well known for its properties as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidants, lemongrass oil is also famous for its astringent properties. The astringent properties can help to tighten and firm the skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Another beauty benefit of lemongrass oil is how it can help to balance the skin's natural oils and control shine. This makes it to be an ideal choice for people with oily or combination skin because it helps the skin look fresh and revitalized.
To use lemongrass oil as a natural skin toner, simply dilute a few drops of the oil in water or a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your face using a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. Allow the toner to dry, then follow up with your regular moisturizer. You can also use the essential oil as a refreshing facial mist throughout the day to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.
5. Promotes healthy and glowing skin
Did you know that our skin can become unhealthy because of toxins? If you want to have healthy and glowing skin, then you will need a detoxifier for your skin.
Lemongrass oil is a natural detoxifier that helps to remove toxins from the skin because it contains citral. Citral is a natural compound that can help to remove toxins and impurities from the skin, resulting a healthy-looking and glowing skin.
In conclusion, lemongrass oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that offers numerous benefits for the skin. It is a natural and safe alternative to harsh chemicals found in many skincare products. When using the oil, it is essential to dilute it with carrier oil and perform a patch test before applying it to the skin. With regular use, this herbal plant oil can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemongrass Oil
Can you apply lemongrass oil directly to the skin?
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether or not the oil can be applied directly to the skin.
The short answer is yes, the oil can be applied directly to the skin. However, it is important to note that it should be diluted before use. It is a potent essential oil, and applying it directly to the skin without dilution can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching. It is recommended to mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil in a ratio of 1:3, respectively.
In addition, it is crucial to conduct a patch test before applying the oil to the skin. This test involves applying a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of the skin and monitoring it for any allergic reactions or irritations. If there is no reaction, the oil can be applied more widely. However, if any discomfort occurs, the oil should be washed off immediately and not used further.
In conclusion, lemongrass oil can be applied to the skin, but it is crucial to dilute it first and conduct a patch test to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Is lemongrass oil good for skin lightening?
While there is limited research on the topic, lemongrass oil is believed to have certain properties that can help with skin lightening.
We’ve mentioned previously that it contains citral, a natural compound also known for its skin-lightening properties. Citral has been found to inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin. By inhibiting the production of melanin, lemongrass oil can help to lighten the skin tone.
However, the oil should not be used as a sole treatment for skin lightening. It is always best to consult with a skincare professional before using the oil for skin lightening.
Can lemongrass oil burn skin?
Due to its high concentration, lemongrass oil has the potential to cause skin irritation and even burns when applied topically in high concentrations or without proper dilution.
Undiluted lemongrass oil is highly concentrated, and applying it directly to the skin can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and burning. This is because the oil contains citral, which is a skin irritant, and it can cause a reaction in individuals with sensitive skin. For this reason, it is crucial to dilute the oil before using it topically and conduct a patch test before applying it more widely.
Furthermore, exposure to direct sunlight after applying the oil to the skin can increase the risk of skin damage and burning. This is because the plant contains phototoxic compounds that can react with sunlight and cause skin sensitivity and sunburns. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid exposure to direct sunlight after applying lemongrass oil to the skin.
If you experience any skin irritation or burns after using the essential oil, it is recommended to discontinue use and seek medical attention if necessary.
Is lemongrass essential oil safe for babies?
While it has numerous health benefits for adults, the safety of using lemongrass oil on babies is a concern. Due to the potency and potential skin irritation, it is generally not recommended to use an essential oil on babies, especially newborns.
Babies have delicate skin, which is highly sensitive and more susceptible to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Undiluted oil can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching, which can be especially harmful to babies' delicate skin.
Moreover, there is limited research on the safety of using lemongrass oil on babies. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians recommends that essential oils should not be used on infants under three months of age unless under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. It is always best to consult with a pediatrician or a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oils on babies.
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