Lavender oil

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Lavender oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce skin irritation and redness. A study published in the journal Molecules found that lavender oil reduced inflammation in skin cells by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

(Reference: Kim HJ, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Lavender Essential Oil in Macrophages Stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide. Molecules. 2012;17(6):8210-8220. doi:10.3390/molecules17078210)

2. Wound healing: Lavender oil has been shown to have wound healing properties that may help speed up the healing process of cuts, scrapes and other minor wounds. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil improved the healing of surgical wounds in rats by promoting collagen synthesis and increasing blood flow to the wound site.

(Reference: Takahashi M, et al. Lavender oil promotes wound healing in mice via regulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:3673465. doi:10.1155/2016/3673465).

3. Antimicrobial activity: Lavender oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that may help prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil inhibited the growth of several strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common cause of skin infections.

(Reference: Takahashi M, et al. Lavender oil promotes wound healing in mice via regulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:3673465. doi:10.1155/2016/3673465).

4. Anti-aging properties: Lavender oil has been shown to have antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are known to contribute to the aging process. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil protected skin cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death.

(Reference: Lu T, et al. Protective effects of lavender oil on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in human skin cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;18(1):39. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2119-z).

5. Relaxation and stress reduction: Lavender oil has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help reduce stress and promote relaxation. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that lavender oil aromatherapy reduced anxiety and improved the mood in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

(Reference: Yavari Kia P, et al. The effect of lavender essential oil on anxiety and stress in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2017;23(4):264-270. doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0277).