Lavender oil is a versatile and popular essential oil known for its calming scent and a wide range of health benefits. It’s antimicrobial properties make it a strong temptation when treating and caring for the skin, however; lavender essential oil may not be your best option for facial skincare.

My unpopular opinion: lavender essential OIL is not a good choice for face skincare.

It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and skincare. One of its most notable benefits is its effectiveness in treating skin issues, particularly acne. And it’s true, it will kill bacteria in acne breakouts, but it will also weaken the skin barrier, which is super important in creating a strong skin microbiome.

Just like our gut microbiome, we all have bacteria and microbes on our face. A whole ecosystem of sorts. And when we use essential oils on our skin, it’s like using an antibiotic in our gut, it will kill the bad AND the good. Essential oils are extremely potent, meaning they will break through the Stratum Corneum (the outer layer of the Epidrmis skin layer). This can create an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome, leading to rashes, more breakouts, sensitive skin, and other adverse reactions.

It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to using lavender on the face. I am here to tell you that lavender hydrosol is GREAT for the skin’s barrier. This water-based lavender medicinal will give your face the protection and cleansing effects that lavender is known for, but at a potency that is safer for the skin’s protective layer. In this article, we’ll dive into how lavender hydrosol can improve your skin health, soothe acne, and why we should avoid using harsh essential oils on our face.

Why Lavender Hydrosol is a Better choice for Your Face

While lavender oil is undoubtedly full of beneficial medicinal properties, it can be too potent for a lot of people’s skin barrier, especially those with sensitive skin. This is where lavender hydrosol swoops in for the rescue.

What is Lavender Hydrosol?

Lavender hydrosol is a co-product of the distillation process, created alongside essential oil. During distillation, as the distillate exits the condenser and collects in the vessel, the essential oil floats to the top while the hydrosol settles at the bottom. This separation reflects the division of the plant's chemistry into two distinct products. Although hydrosol contains only trace amounts of essential oil, it retains a significant portion of the plant's soluble compounds. Consequently, hydrosol has its own distinct aroma and chemical profile, offering unique benefits for therapeutic, cosmetic, and aesthetic purposes.is the aromatic water that remains after the steam distillation of lavender essential oil. Because it’s much less concentrated than essential oil, hydrosol is gentler on the skin and can be used directly without dilution.

Benefits of Using Lavender Hydrosol:

Gentle and Safe for All Skin Types: Lavender hydrosol is gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive skin. It won’t cause irritation or dryness, making it a great alternative to lavender oil for facial care.
Hydrating: Hydrosols are naturally hydrating and can be used as a facial mist to keep your skin refreshed and moisturized throughout the day.
Toner for Acne-Prone Skin: Lavender hydrosol can be used as a toner to help balance the skin’s pH and reduce oiliness, which is often a contributing factor to acne.
Calming and Soothing: Just like lavender oil, hydrosol has calming properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. It’s particularly effective for treating sunburns, rashes, and other skin conditions.

At Mesa Verde Lavender Farm, we offer a high-quality lavender hydrosol that’s perfect for everyday skincare. It’s a gentle, all-natural product that can be used as a toner, facial mist, or even as a base for DIY skincare recipes.

How to Use Lavender Hydrosol in Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating lavender hydrosol into your skincare routine is simple and can make a big difference in your skin’s health and appearance. Here are some ways to use it:

Facial Toner: After cleansing your face, apply lavender hydrosol to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your skin or simply spray it onto your face and then wipe your face. This helps to remove any remaining impurities, balance your skin’s pH, and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Facial Mist: Keep a bottle of lavender hydrosol in your bag or on your desk for a quick and refreshing facial mist throughout the day. It’s perfect for setting makeup or giving your skin a boost of hydration when it feels dry or tired.
Acne Treatment: For acne-prone skin, use lavender hydrosol as a targeted treatment by spraying it directly onto blemishes. You can also use it in place of water when mixing clay masks for added soothing and healing benefits.
Sunburn Relief: Spray lavender hydrosol on sunburned skin for instant relief. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and pain, while its hydrating effect soothes and cools the skin.
DIY Skincare Recipes: Lavender hydrosol is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of DIY skincare recipes. Try mixing it with aloe vera gel for a calming after-sun lotion, or blend it with other hydrosols and essential oils to create a personalized facial mist.

DIY Face Toner with Lavender Hydrosol Recipe:

1/2 cup lavender hydrosol
1/4 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup distilled water

Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. Apply the toner to your face with a cotton pad after cleansing, or spritz it directly onto your skin for a refreshing boost.

Why Mesa Verde Lavender Farm's Products Stand Out

When it comes to skincare, the quality of the products you use matters. Here at Mesa Verde Lavender Farm, we produce some of the finest lavender oil and hydrosol available, ensuring that our products are 100% pure, organic, and free from synthetic additives.

Located in the heart of Colorado, Mesa Verde Lavender Farm is committed to sustainable farming practices and hand-harvesting our lavender at peak bloom to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness. Our lavender oil and hydrosol are made using traditional steam distillation methods, preserving the natural benefits of the lavender plant.

By choosing Mesa Verde Lavender Farm's products, you can trust that you're getting the best nature has to offer. Our lavender hydrosol is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine with a gentle, effective, and all-natural product.

Lavender oil for the rest of the body and lavender hydrosol for facial skin are both powerful tools in your skincare arsenal, each offering unique benefits for different skin types and concerns.

Whether you’re dealing with acne, sunburn, or just looking to improve your skin’s overall health, these natural products can help you achieve clear, glowing skin.
While lavender oil is excellent for treating specific skin issues like acne and irritation, lavender hydrosol is a more versatile and gentle option that can be used daily as part of your skincare routine.

Mesa Verde Lavender Farm's high-quality lavender products are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to harness the healing power of lavender for their skin.

Remember to always patch test new products, especially if you have sensitive skin, and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns. With regular use, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits of lavender oil and hydrosol for healthy, beautiful skin.

Why Not to Use Lavender Oil for Acne: Use Hydrosol Instead