Calendula Toner Benefits and Uses - Natural Remedy for Red, Sensitive Skin to Strengthen Skin Barrier

Hello.

Do you struggle with stinging, reddening skin during seasonal changes? It's disheartening to see flushed cheeks every time you look in the mirror. Especially during times like these with frequent fine dust, yellow dust, and rapid temperature changes, skin becomes even more sensitive.

Today, I'd like to discuss calendula toner, known as a "natural first aid" for those with sensitive skin. Calendula, also called marigold, is an herb that has been used for centuries for skin soothing and recovery. This article will cover everything from calendula toner's benefits to proper usage and precautions.

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Nature's gift of soothing ingredients - Calendula protects your skin barrier.

What Benefits Does Calendula Offer?

[Benefits Summary]

• Powerful anti-inflammatory action for skin soothing
• Promotes damaged skin barrier recovery
• Supports skin regeneration and wound healing
• Prevents skin aging with antioxidant components
• Relieves dryness with moisturizing effects
• Soothes sensitive skin irritation

1. Powerful Anti-inflammatory and Soothing Effects

The most representative benefit of calendula is its anti-inflammatory action. The flavonoids, triterpenes, and carotenoids contained in calendula quickly calm skin inflammation and reduce redness. It's particularly effective for those suffering from acne, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Unlike general chemical ingredients, it has almost no irritation, making it safe for sensitive skin. This is why dermatologists often recommend products containing calendula to patients with sensitive skin.

2. Damaged Skin Barrier Recovery

Modern skin is exposed to various external irritants such as fine dust, UV rays, and stress. This environment weakens the skin barrier and accelerates moisture loss. Calendula shows excellent effects in repairing damaged skin barriers.

Calendula's phytol component promotes skin cell regeneration and helps ceramide synthesis to form a healthy skin barrier. With consistent use, you'll experience increased skin resistance to external irritants and reduced symptoms of easy redness or stinging.

3. Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing

Calendula has been used as a wound treatment in Europe for hundreds of years. Rich in components that promote cell proliferation, it helps small wounds or trouble marks heal faster.

Using calendula toner on marks left after squeezing acne or on skin sensitized after exfoliation speeds up recovery. It also promotes collagen production, helping improve skin elasticity.

4. Powerful Antioxidant Effects

Calendula contains powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. These components remove free radicals to delay skin aging and protect skin from UV damage.

Using calendula toner after UV exposure provides skin soothing and photoaging prevention effects simultaneously. Daily consistent use can brighten skin tone and fade blemishes.

5. Excellent Moisturizing and Hydration

Calendula has excellent ability to supply and maintain moisture in the skin. It absorbs quickly into the skin without stickiness, maintaining long-lasting hydration.

It's especially useful in dry environments or indoors where moisture easily evaporates from air conditioning. Using it as a base before makeup helps makeup adhere naturally without lifting.

6. Sensitive Skin Irritation Relief

For those with skin sensitive to chemical ingredients or fragrances, calendula is an excellent alternative. With minimal irritation yet definite effects, it can be used even on atopic or extremely sensitive skin.

Particularly when using calendula toner in the calming stage after using strong ingredients like retinol, AHA, or BHA, you can minimize irritation while maximizing effects.

Precautions When Using Calendula Toner (Are There Any Side Effects?)

[Precautions Summary]

• Avoid if allergic to the Asteraceae family
• Patch test mandatory for first-time use
• Consult experts before use during pregnancy
• Follow storage period after opening
• Be cautious when applying directly to wounds
• Be careful when using around eyes

1. Check for Asteraceae Family Allergies

Calendula belongs to the Asteraceae family. Therefore, those with allergies to chrysanthemums, daisies, ragweed, etc., should avoid use. Allergic reactions can cause itching, rashes, and swelling, so always check the ingredients.

If you're unsure whether you have an Asteraceae allergy, it's safe to apply a small amount on your inner arm or behind your ear before use and observe for reactions over 24 hours.

2. Patch Test is Essential

No matter how gentle an ingredient is, reactions can vary depending on individual skin condition. If using a product for the first time, always conduct a patch test.

Apply a small amount on the inner elbow or below the jawline on the neck and monitor for 24-48 hours. If there are no symptoms like redness, itching, or stinging, it's safe to use on the entire face.

3. Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Although calendula is generally known as a safe ingredient, it's advisable to consult with experts before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Especially for topical application rather than oral consumption, it's mostly safe, but it can vary depending on individual conditions.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make skin more sensitive, so extra caution is needed when using new products.

4. Storage Method and Shelf Life

Calendula toner contains many natural ingredients and requires careful storage. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. After opening, it's best to use within 3-6 months.

If it discolors or develops a strange smell, discontinue use. During summer, refrigerated storage is also a good method. Cool toner enhances skin soothing effects even more.

5. Do Not Use on Deep Wounds

Although calendula helps with wound healing, it's better not to use it on deep or severe wounds. Light scratches or acne marks are fine, but wounds requiring stitches need professional treatment first.

Also, for acne with severe inflammation or purulent trouble, cream or ointment forms may be more effective than toner.

6. Caution When Using Around Eyes

When applying toner with cotton pads, be careful not to get it in your eyes. If it enters the eyes, it may temporarily sting or cause redness. If this happens, rinse immediately with clean water.

The area around the eyes has particularly thin and sensitive skin, so it's better to apply by gently patting it in for absorption.

How Can You Use Calendula Toner in a Healthy Way? (Usage Methods)

Basic Usage

The most basic usage is applying it during the toner stage immediately after cleansing. Before the moisture completely dries after cleansing, while the skin is still moist, pour an appropriate amount into your palm and gently pat it over the entire face for absorption.

You can also use cotton pads, but if you have sensitive skin, applying directly with hands reduces friction and is better. After the toner is completely absorbed, apply serum or cream.

7-Skin Method

If you have sensitive and dry skin, try the 7-skin method. This involves applying toner thinly in seven layers. Apply once, wait until absorbed, then repeat adding another layer.

This method supplies moisture deep into the skin without being burdensome, making it especially good for sensitive skin. If you're short on time, repeating 3-5 times is sufficient for good effects.

< The 7-Skin Method is  a Korean skincare method that involves applying toner multiple times to ensure sufficient moisture. The method involves repeatedly applying the toner with a cotton pad or your hands, gently pat-drying the skin, and then finishing with a moisturizing cream. >

Using as a Soothing Pack

When skin is especially red or stinging, you can use it as a soothing pack. Saturate cotton pads or a compressed mask with calendula toner, place on the face, and rest for 5-10 minutes.

It's especially effective after excessive UV exposure or after exfoliation. Using cold toner stored in the refrigerator enhances the soothing effect even more.

Using as a Mist

Putting calendula toner in a spray bottle and spraying frequently is also a good method. It can provide immediate moisture to skin dried by air conditioning or heating.

You can lightly spray it even over makeup to maintain moisture. However, when spraying over makeup, spray from about 20-30cm distance, then gently press with hands to help absorption.

Making DIY Calendula Toner

If commercial products feel burdensome, you can make and use your own. Steep 10g of dried calendula petals in 200ml of boiled and cooled water for 24 hours.

Filter out the petals through a strainer or coffee filter, then store in a sterilized container in the refrigerator. Since it has no preservatives, it's best to use within 1-2 weeks. If desired, adding about 5% glycerin can enhance moisturizing power.

My Personal Experience

I have skin that turns red and stings on my cheeks during seasonal changes. I tried various soothing toners, but the effects were minimal or temporary. However, things definitely changed after using calendula toner.

I started skeptically at first, but after about two weeks, my skin was less red when I woke up in the morning. Now I've been using it for three months, and even when I change cosmetics, trouble rarely occurs and my skin feels generally calmer.

What I especially like is that there's absolutely no stickiness. I can use it without burden even in summer, and the quick absorption fits well into my morning routine. Lately, I spray it once more as a mist before going out, and my skin condition seems to stay good all day.

Combining with Other Products

Calendula toner works well with various products. Using it with niacinamide serum provides both whitening and soothing effects simultaneously, and combining with hyaluronic acid serum maximizes moisturizing power.

However, when using with retinol or products with strong acid ingredients, pay attention to the order. Applying strong ingredients first, then finishing with calendula toner can reduce irritation.

Conclusion

We've explored in detail the benefits, usage methods, and precautions of calendula toner.

Calendula is a natural soothing ingredient loved for hundreds of years, showing excellent effects in calming red, sensitive skin and strengthening damaged skin barriers. If you want to gift your skin, tired from chemical ingredients, nature's healing power, try calendula toner.

Of course, the same effects don't appear for everyone. However, if you use it consistently while listening to your skin, you'll certainly experience positive changes.

Healthy skin isn't created overnight. Taking care of it little by little every day is most important. I hope calendula toner becomes a small help in solving your skin concerns.

Starting today, create healthy and calm skin with calendula!

References

1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Calendula officinalis Herbal Monograph
2. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology - "Calendula Extract in Skin Care"
3. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - "Anti-inflammatory Effects of Calendula"
4. Journal of the Korean Dermatological Association - Sensitive Skin Management Guidelines
5. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Cosmetic Safety Information
6. Phytotherapy Research - "Wound Healing Properties of Calendula"
7. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea - Natural Soothing Ingredient Research

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