Top 7 Marigold Extract Benefits for the Skin
Plant extracts and oils from flowers, seeds, roots, and berries can amplify any skincare routine and support a healthy complexion that shines from the inside out. And there’s another botanical to discover: the Marigold flower or the Calendula officinalis flower.
The vivid orange perennial is jam-packed with nourishing compounds that may help support healthy skin to create a dewy, even-toned shine. In this guide, we’re digging up everything there is to know about marigold extract benefits and how to get glass skin when incorporating it into your daily skincare routine.
7 Skin Benefits of Marigold Extract
Calendula oil comes from the flower of the marigold plant and has been used since the 12th century for its potential anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. That said, many people use moisturizing marigold extract on their skin to plump and tone their complexion.
#1 Smooth Complexion
Fine lines and wrinkles are a gorgeous testament to the life you’ve lived and the laughs you’ve relished along the way, but they can also be triggered by oxidative stress, such as:
- Environmental pollutants
- Sun exposure
- Stress
Marigold extract may help diminish the negative impact these factors have on your skin. A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Science found that topical use of the flower’s extract on sun-damaged skin may help facilitate the synthesis of collagen—the protein we need to keep our complexions smooth and plump.
#2 Enhance Elasticity
Firm skin is a cornerstone of a healthy, luminous complexion. There are some ways to naturally promote this, such as protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and dodging second-hand smoke. But, we don’t have a whole lot of control over some of the other factors that reduce our skin’s elasticity—namely, aging.
Fortunately, marigold extract may offer some assistance. Research demonstrates that marigold is rich in natural compounds that may stimulate elasticity, including:
- Terpenoids
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids
- Volatile oils
The result of using products that contain marigold extracts, like HydraKate Recharging Water Cream? More youthful-looking skin.
#3 Improve Hydration
Hydration is one of the keys to a glowing complexion. Whether your skin is dehydrated due to a lack of moisture or dry because of inadequate natural oils, it can result in itchy, flaky, and tight skin that’s dull and uncomfortable.
To improve luminosity, studies indicate that creams with marigold extract may curb transepidermal water loss, which can help skin lock in the moisture it needs to stay supple. This makes marigold particularly helpful for people with dry skin.
#4 Offer an Extra Dose of Sun Protection
Sun protection is a vital component of healthy, beautiful skin. Fortunately, the flower extract can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays with:
- Natural sun protective elements – Research shows that marigold has a natural SPF of 8.36%. Does this mean that using marigold extract suffices as sun protection? No, the skin needs a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher daily. But it does mean using a marigold-infused cream with your SPF may further shield your skin from damaging radiation.
- High antioxidant content – Antioxidants are a gift from the gods, helping your body combat free radicals and the cellular damage caused by threats like UVB radiation. Marigold’s impressive antioxidant content does triple-duty: It can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, prevent skin damage, and may work to restore skin health.
#5 Brighten and Revitalize Your Complexion
Few things say wellness like a brilliant complexion, and as we trend away from heavy makeup, bare, luminescent skin has become the “it” cosmetic.
The naturally occurring compounds in marigolds, such as triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids may help you achieve this. These phytochemicals have several skin-boosting properties, including:
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulatory
The saponins in marigolds also act as a natural surfactant, which can help keep your skin clear of impurities. Meanwhile, the carotenoids in Calendula may organically encourage a more incandescent appearance. So, if you were wondering, “Why does my skin look dull,” you can remedy this by applying marigold extract.
#6 Accelerate Wound Healing
Throughout history, marigolds have been used to treat different skin conditions. It has been used as a repellent to prevent insect bites, but also has anti-inflammation properties. Aside from wound healing, ancient people used to brew marigold to treat sore throats as well.
From that spot of acne you picked at on your face to the small cut you endured, wounds may hinder the flawless complexion you hope to attain.
Research on the link between marigolds and wound healing is still in its infancy. And yet, a clinical trial found that using an ointment with Calendula might trigger speedier recovery after an episiotomy. Some scientists also speculate that the Calendula officinalis flower may spur blood flow and increase oxygen to the affected area, which can stimulate healing.
#7 Enrich Skin Tone
You may be familiar with this scenario: Your skin appears clear on your cheekbones but your chin is pink and your forehead looks patchy and discolored. What’s the deal?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by various factors, including:
- Certain medications
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
Marigold extract may help even this out to give you a more uniform and stunning complexion. This is thanks to the terpenoids it contains, which may decrease the signs of hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and free radical damage.
Reap the Benefits of Marigold Extract with Kate Somerville
Marigold is filled with natural compounds that can do wonders for your skin, from fostering hydration to bolstering elasticity. And it’s one of the leading reasons our Skin Health Experts included it in our ultra-moisturizing HydraKate Recharging Water Cream. So it wouldn’t hurt to try including marigold extract in your skincare routine.
In addition to marigold extract, the water cream includes blue light-activated algae extract and hyaluronic acid for a splash of hydration that nourishes your skin all day long.
Sources:
International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Oxidative stress in the skin: impact and related protection. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34312881/
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Efficacy of marigold extract-loaded formulations against UV-induced oxidative stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21491442/
Healthline. Skin elasticity: 13 ways to improve it. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-elasticity#why-it-changes
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. Anti-aging potential of phytoextract loaded-pharmaceutical creams for human skin cell longevity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581564/
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30251317/
CDC. Sun safety. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
Science Direct. Calendula officinalis-an overview.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/calendula-officinalis
Science Direct. Antioxidants in the prevention of UVB-induced keratinocyte apoptosis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134414002802
Science Direct. Marigold carotenoids: much more than lutein esters.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996918308299
The Dermatology Review. Flower extracts in skincare.
Healthline. What you should know about hyperpigmentation.
https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperpigmentation#outlook
Mount Sinai. Calendula information.
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/calendula
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Novel use of terpenoids for treatment of dermatologic disease: a systematic review of clinical trials.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25923990/
