Whether you’re a longtime 'The Bliss fan' or a skincare newbie, there’s a good chance you’ve heard us gush about calendula at one point or another. This powerful plant is a signature of The Bliss ingredient and has been a mainstay in our manufacturing from day one. Calendula, with its known benefits to help address an array of skin concerns, has remained a staple in our science-backed skincare products ever since.
Why calendula should be a key part of your plan for getting radiant, healthy-looking skin?
Calendula Benefit #1:
It Helps Reduce Sensitivity And Soothe Irritation
A well-known benefit of calendula extract is its ability to help reduce irritation, particularly for those with already sensitive skin. Calendula’s skin-soothing benefits can likely be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to limit trans-epidermal water loss, which in turn strengthens the skin’s defenses against potential irritants. It has been shown to reduce both the visible symptoms and feelings of skin irritation and discomfort.
Calendula Benefit #2:
Calendula Is Rich In Natural Antioxidants
One of the calendula’s most notable benefits in terms of skincare is its ability to help protect the skin from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a catch-all term to describe the damage that occurs when the skin is exposed to free radicals or reactive oxygen species. These damaging compounds form after exposure to a stressor, like UV radiation or pollution, and accumulate on the skin. Without intervention, free radicals can alter cellular DNA, ultimately resulting in damage to necessary structural compounds like collagen and elastin.
That’s where calendula comes in. Calendula flowers are rich in antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, limiting the effect they can have on the skin. In practice, this means calendula helps protect the skin from stressors, which keeps it functioning optimally and looking its best.
Calendula Benefit #3:
Calendula Extract May Help Keep Skin Hydrated
In addition to antioxidants, studies show that calendula flower extract is rich in various skin-friendly oils. Though the exact quantities of these compounds vary depending on where the flowers were grown, when they were harvested, and how the extract was made, research indicates that calendula seeds typically include a high concentration of linoleic and calendic acid. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the skin’s natural moisture barrier and is involved in maintaining the skin barrier’s proper functioning. Evidence suggests that using topical skincare products containing linoleic acid—like those made with calendula extract—may help promote a more hydrated, healthy skin moisture barrier.
