True Lavender Essential Oil: How to use it?

The essential oil of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is derived from the steam distillation of dried flowers. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this perennial plant naturally grows in hilly or mountainous Mediterranean regions. Its purple inflorescences are renowned for their olfactory and medicinal qualities. However, it is important to distinguish true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) from spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), as these two plants do not have the same uses or virtues.

The essential oil of true lavender presents itself as a clear yellow to orange liquid, emitting a floral and herbaceous fragrance. Its main constituents are esters (approximately 30% linalyl acetate), monoterpenols (linalool) and monoterpenes (terpinene, limonene). These compounds are responsible for its calming, purifying and antibacterial properties. It is also suggested that this essential oil possesses healing virtues. Several mechanisms of action are proposed, but some contradict each other or are still poorly understood.

Thetrue lavender essential oil is gentle and can be used by all skin types. However, it is a real ally for irritated or sensitive skin (insect bites, discomfort sensations...), as well as for oily or blemish-prone skin. This essential oil has ananti-bacterial activity, acting against the proliferation of microorganisms, such as Cutibacterium acnes involved in acne. Moreover, it is acclaimed for itssoothing virtuesand for itscalming actionon delicate skin. It relieves itching and has a repellent effect on certain insects, like mosquitoes.

For optimal use, apply one to five drops of true lavender essential oil to the affected areas every fifteen minutes, then three times a day until the redness or irritation disappears. Very gentle, it can be used undiluted but generally has a concentration of less than 10% in skincare products. It's worth noting that its properties do not change when it is diluted.

Precautions for Use : Even though it is generally well-tolerated, the use of an excessive amount of true lavender essential oil can be harmful. It is recommended for sensitive individuals to dilute it, that is 20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil. Its use is not advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children.

It is also worth noting that true lavender essential oil contains allergenic biochemical compounds, such as linalool (20 to 48%), geraniol (<1.5%), limonene (<1%) and coumarin (<0.2%).

Before using true lavender essential oil, it is recommended to test it. To do this, apply two drops in the crook of your elbow and wait at least 24 hours to ensure that there has been no reaction.

Just as when it is applied to the skin, theessential oil of true lavender soothes irritations and redness of the scalp, and purifies it. Its softening action also helps to relieve itching and feelings of discomfort. This essential oil is also the ally of dry or damaged hair . It is indeed attributed with nourishing and toning properties, although these have not yet been clinically demonstrated.

Nevertheless, several studies have shown that its application to the hair, in synergy with other essential oils, proves to be effective in cases ofalopecia. Indeed, its combined use with linalool thyme, rosemary, and Atlas cedar essential oils would help to prevent hair loss.

Finally, true lavender essential oil is renowned for its anti-lice properties. The camphor and linalool present in the composition of true lavender essential oil act as a repellent against these parasites. Simply apply a drop, either pure or diluted, behind each ear and massage.

For its soothing and purifying properties, we find the true lavender essential oil (INCI name: Lavandula Angustifolia Oil) in the composition of the following Typology skincare products:

• The exfoliating night cream helps to restore skin radiance and remove dead skin cells. It is notably enriched with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), active ingredients with unclogging properties, and lavender extract. Day after day, the dilation of pores and the number of blackheads decrease.

• The antioxidant face cream hydrates and protects the skin from cellular oxidation. Its daily application helps to prevent premature signs of skin ageing. Enriched with astaxanthin and natural extracts, it gives the complexion a healthy glow.

• The firming body serum helps to combat the early signs of skin sagging. Rich in tightening agents such as retinol and borage vegetable oil (INCI name: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil), it firms and smooths the skin.

• The antioxidant serum : enriched with ferulic acid and ashitaba extract, this serum protects the skin from daily aggressions (pollution, tobacco, UV...). It slows down skin ageing for a brighter and firmer skin.

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• ALTMAN P. M. & co. An ex vivo, assessor blind, randomised, parallel group, comparative efficacy trial of the ovicidal activity of three pediculicides after a single application - melaleuca oil and lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon tea tree oil, and a "suffocation" pediculicide. BMC Dermatology (2011).

• DE OLIVEIRA J. R. & co. Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2015).

• HOLLINGER J. C. & al. The Application of Natural Ingredients in the Treatment of Alopecias, Focusing on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2020).

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