Is Calendula Good For Babies?
Parents worry about what goes on their babies' skin, even if they are natural ingredients. It's no secret that baby skin is sensitive!
In fact, a baby's skin is thinner and less oily than adult skin, which makes it more susceptible to rashes and other skin problems. As a result, parents must be careful about what products they use on their little ones.
Calendula is a plant in the daisy family that has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. The flower petals are used to make teas, tinctures, and oils and are a staple part of the home remedies of many cultures.
The most common use of calendula is to treat skin conditions, including cuts, scrapes, and burns. Calendula extract and calendula oil are frequently found in skin creams, soaps, and lotions.
But here's the most important question: is calendula good for baby skin? Is calendula safe for babies? Let's find out!
Benefits of Calendula For Babies
The good news is that calendula is generally considered to be suitable for babies. Calendula is usually applied topically in the form of oils and extracts mixed with a carrier — these are often added to skincare products as well.
However, note that it's essential to always do a patch test before making any ingredient or product — be it natural or artificial — a part of your baby's skincare routine.
If your baby is allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, then avoid calendula. If you're worried about incorporating a natural ingredient into your baby's skincare, speak to a pediatrician for more clarity!
Now, let's take a look at what exactly makes calendula good for babies. Here are some of the benefits of calendula:
Calendula has anti-inflammatory and healing properties
Calendula is a plant with a long history of medicinal use. Its flowers, leaves, and stems have been used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious skin conditions.
Calendula is especially beneficial for babies due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties brought about by the presence of triterpenoids. Thus, it can help to soothe diaper rash, insect bites, and other skin irritations that are commonly seen in babies.
When applied topically, calendula helps to speed up the healing process by promoting the formation of new tissue. It also has demonstrated some antibacterial and antiviral properties. So, you can give calendula oil or natural baby skincare products containing calendula a try!
Calendula seems to be good for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
Also known as pot marigold or garden marigold, calendula has traditionally been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Calendula is thought to be effective in treating these conditions — which are commonly seen in babies as well — because it contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. In addition, calendula is sometimes used to treat acne.
You can thus consider using calendula oil or creams containing calendula for your baby's eczema or psoriasis. However, please speak to a doctor before doing so.
Calendula stimulates collagen production
Calendula contains triterpene alcohols (α-, β-amyrins, faradiol), triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides), and flavonoids (quercetin and isorhamnetin) which promote collagen production and encourage the skin to retain moisture. This is also why it is particularly helpful in wound healing.
Calendula is thus good for maintaining your baby's skin overall.
Calendula is good for sunburns
The flower heads of calendula can be made into an ointment or tea, and they are often used to treat mild sunburn. Babies have sensitive skin and are more prone to sunburns than adults. Calendula's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe irritated skin, and the plant's antioxidants seem to protect the skin from further damage. Although there is limited scientific research showing the benefits of calendula for sunburns, anecdotal evidence regarding the same is quite strong.
Calendula can be found in many over-the-counter products, or it can be grown at home and used fresh. When applied to your baby's skin, in the form of a cooled tea or oil, calendula can provide relief from the pain and discomfort of sunburn. However, make sure your baby doesn't try to lick the calendula oil or tea.
Please note that it's important to take your baby to the doctor if the sunburn is more than mild!
Calendula is good for the overall health of baby skin
Calendula has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still commonly used today. The most common use for calendula, as mentioned above, is in the treatment of skin conditions such as cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. It is also often used in baby care products due to its gentle nature.
In addition to its skin-soothing properties, calendula is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, as we explored in the aforementioned points. It also has fatty acids which can moisturize the soft and sensitive skin of babies. Plus, it's known to encourage skin hydration and firmness. All of these characteristics make calendula an ideal choice for the overall health of baby skin.
Enjoy the Goodness of Calendula with Nature's Baby Organics
USDA Certified Organic, EU certified, cruelty-free, and minimally processed, Nature's Baby Organics has a range of baby products that prioritize the goodness of natural ingredients. Many of our formulations contain organic calendula extract — from our Organic Diaper Ointment (Fragrance Free) to our Shampoo & Body Washes (Coconut Pineapple, Vanilla Tangerine, and Lavender Chamomile).
Specially formulated for babies and people with sensitive skin, Nature's Baby Organics' products are a great way to incorporate organic skincare into your daily routines. Check out our full range today and make baby bath and skincare time natural, nourishing, loving, and soothing.