The Power of Calendula: A Guide to Nourishing Skincare for Babies and Children

February 18, 2023 2 min read

The Power of Calendula: A Guide to Nourishing Skincare for Babies and Children

Author:  Maria Tweed, MD

 

A few years back, my passion for skincare and love for my patients and kids motivated me to create a nourishing skincare line for little ones. In the process of developing the line, I delved into the science behind several medicinal herbs and plants. My research led me to discover the remarkable properties of Calendula officinalis, which I ultimately decided to feature in my products due to its proven benefits and efficacy in babies and children's skincare.

WHAT IS CALENDULA?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a flowering plant that naturally grows in western Europe, southeastern Asia, and the Mediterranean. It has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient Roman times, with the name "calendula" derived from the Latin word "calendae," as the plant bloomed at the beginning of each month in the calendar year. Calendula is a common plant in gardens worldwide, recognized by its bright orange flowers and soft floral scent.

 

calendula flowers

WHAT ARE THE MAIN HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING CALENDULA FOR YOUR KIDS?

Calendula's green flower base contains skin-soothing properties that are both protective and nourishing. In my research, I discovered that calendula offers several benefits for skincare, including:

  • Antibacterial

The oils and acids in calendula have been shown to be effective in fighting different strains of harmful bacteria.

  • Anti-inflammatory

Calendula's flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants, protect skin cells from inflammation and damage. The linoleic acid in calendula has powerful moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent treatment for inflammatory conditions such as diaper rash (1) and eczema.

  • Antiseptic
Calendula is extremely rich in carotenoids, which are precursors of vitamin A. These carotenoids are responsible for making wounds heal faster (2)(3) making calendula ideal for babies and children in preventing infection from burns, cuts, and bug bites.
 

12 WAYS YOU CAN USE CALENDULA ON YOUR CHILDREN’S SKIN:

With calendula's impressive medicinal properties, it's easy to harness its power. Below are twelve common skin concerns that calendula can help improve, making it a great choice for babies, children, and even adults with delicate skin:

  1. Eczema
  2. Diaper rash
  3. Baby drooling/teething rash
  4. Heat rash
  5. Sore nipples when breastfeeding (and it’s non-toxic for babies, which makes it a win-win for new mamas and newborns!)
  6. Sores
  7. Wounds
  8. Cuts
  9. Insect bites
  10. Sunburn
  11. Chapped lips
  12. Mild (first-degree) burns

 

 

Our Lovingly Soothing Balm, featuring calendula, is an excellent option to soothe these ailments, especially eczema. I'm proud to say that after extensive research, calendula is the star ingredient in both our Lovingly Soothing Balm and Lovingly Hydrating Body Serum. It's a gentle yet effective ingredient that offers numerous benefits for little ones' delicate skin. I love using these soothing products on my kids and can't wait for you to try them on your family too!

 

(1) “A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children.” (ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234. doi: 10.1100/2012/810234. Epub 2012 Apr 19.).
(2) “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.”, (J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Jan 20;196:94-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006. Epub 2016 Dec 10.).
(3) “Traditional wound-healing plants used in the Balkan region (Southeast Europe).” (J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan 30;211:311-328. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.09.018. Epub 2017 Sep 21.).


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