Is Calendula Good for Eczema? How to Use Calendula for Eczema

About 10% of the population struggles with eczema, a frustrating inflammatory skin condition that takes a physical and mental toll. Having struggled with eczema firsthand, we’re not sure what we hate more - the way it makes your skin feel or the way it makes your skin look.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to manage the red, dry, and scaly patches that form on the skin, many of which are completely natural. So, is Calendula good for eczema?

Absolutely. It’s a great way to help get the dryness and inflammation under control while enjoying many of the other Calendula benefits for skin. 

You cannot cure eczema using Calendula, however, you can use Calendula skincare for eczema to support your symptoms.

Overview of Calendula and Eczema

Before we can talk about the connection between Calendula and eczema let’s take a step back and explain what this skin condition is in the first place.

What is Eczema?

Also known as atopic dermatitis, this chronic skin condition is characterized by dryness, inflammation, and irritation. You probably know it better by its notorious appearance: red, itchy patches, sometimes accompanied by flaking, cracking, or even oozing in severe cases.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on what causes eczema. It could be genetics, environmental triggers, immune system overactivity, and/or a weakened skin barrier. There are things that can make it worse, including harsh soaps, synthetic fragrances, extreme weather conditions, and allergens.

Although eczema is not contagious, the way it affects your skin's comfort and appearance makes managing it non-negotiable. This typically involves a combination of hydration, skin barrier repair and protection, and inflammation control to keep flare-ups at bay.

The first step towards managing eczema is a conversation with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to first confirm it is eczema you’re dealing with and then help you come up with a tailored treatment regimen. So, how does Calendula fit into this conversation?

What is Calendula?

Calendula Officinalis is the scientific name, but we’ve also seen this ingredient referred to as pot marigold or even “the mother of the skin”. 

This flowering herb has powerful soothing and skin-repairing properties, which is why it has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to support wound healing, manage inflammation, and calm skin irritation.

Its flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids bring antioxidant protection to the skin barrier, forming a shield against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Meanwhile, its moisturizing effects can help those struggling with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin.

Calendula is generally well-tolerated, even for irritated, compromised skin. But is Calendula good for eczema specifically? Let’s dig into the science below.

Is Calendula Good for Eczema?

The short answer is yes, using Calendula for eczema is a great way to help relieve its painful, unsightly symptoms. Of course it won’t cure eczema by any means. So how does Calendula help relieve eczema symptoms? 

How Does Calendula Help Eczema?

Think about the symptoms of eczema - dry, red, itchy, inflamed skin. Then, remember the benefits of Calendula in skincare: it’s moisturizing, soothing, and supports a healthy inflammatory response. The Calendula eczema connection is clear!

• Reduces Inflammation and Redness: Calendula’s flavonoids and triterpenoids help calm inflammatory responses in the skin, to get redness, swelling, and overall irritation under control. Flare-ups feel more manageable with support from Calendula!
• Supports Skin Barrier Function: A weak skin barrier only makes eczema symptoms worse, but Calendula’s moisturizing, reparative effects help beef up the skin’s natural defenses. It locks in hydration while keeping external irritants out.
• Hydrates and Softens Dry, Flaky Skin: Dryness is one of the most common eczema symptoms. It’s a vicious cycle - the drier your skin gets, the more painful eczema is. Calendula delivers long-lasting hydration to prevent cracking, peeling, and itchiness.
• Provides Antioxidant Protection: Pollution and harsh weather can make eczema symptoms even worse, but Calendula’s antioxidants safeguard the skin against these elements. It gets oxidative stress under control for a happier, healthier complexion.

Many conventional treatments contain harsh chemicals or steroids. These can sometimes cause more harm than good. On the flip side, Calendula is known for being very well tolerated. It’s a plant-based alternative that’s gentle enough for daily use.

Other Benefits of Calendula in Skincare

The Calendula eczema connection aside, there are reasons anyone should consider incorporating this potent skincare ingredient into their routine. These include:

• Supports wound healing: Calendula can help support skin repair, in turn speeding up the healing time for minor cuts, burns, and scrapes.
• Balances sensitive skin: Its calming properties help manage rosacea, irritation, and general skin discomfort - not just eczema!
• Enhances hydration: Calendula-infused formulas offer deep nourishment without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s the perfect moisture sweet spot.
• Works well with other soothing ingredients: Plays nicely with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Oat Extract, and Ceramides for a more comprehensive skincare routine.

All that being said, we want to caution you against looking at any skincare ingredient as a “miracle cure.” Is Calendula good for eczema, and a ton of other skin concerns? Definitely! But can Calendula cure eczema? That’s another story…

Can Calendula Heal Eczema, Though?

No - Calendula will not cure eczema and rid you of this chronic skin condition for good. It’s going to help you live a healthier, happier life without the painful unsightly symptoms that come with eczema flare-ups, but it won’t completely eliminate the condition.

Calendula is just one piece of the puzzle in managing eczema. You’ll want to discuss how it fits into your regimen with your dermatologist. Not all Calendula products are created equal, either. You need to make sure you’re getting the right formulation for managing eczema.

Choosing the Right Calendula for Eczema

There are quite a few different forms you’ll find Calendula in, from creams and serums to mists and more. Each has its place. For instance, creams and lotions provide long-lasting hydration, whereas mists and toners are a bit more lightweight. 

But beyond the type of product you’re using, the specific formulation needs to be put under a microscope to harness the full potential of this plant-based ingredient. Look for a high concentration of Calendula extract for more soothing, anti-inflammatory effects. 

The best products are formulated with additional ingredients to support these properties, though. That could be Oat Extract, Ceramides, or Tremella Mushroom. What isn’t in the product is just as important, though. Each of these causes more harm than good:

• Artificial fragrances and dyes: Common irritants that make sensitivity worse.
• Harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES): Strip moisture from the skin and compromise the skin barrier.
• Alcohol-based formulas: Can cause dryness and irritation.
• Essential oils in high concentrations: While sometimes beneficial, they may cause more harm than good in sensitive skin.

Stick with gentle, pH-balanced formulas rooted in science. Finding the right Calendula for eczema can feel a bit overwhelming, but your search ends here at Naturopathica.

Manage Eczema Symptoms With Calendula Skincare at Naturopathica!

Here at Naturopathica we create thoughtfully formulated skincare that blends time-honored botanicals with advanced science for the best of both worlds. Our Calendula-based products calm, hydrate, and fortify sensitive, eczema-prone skin without harsh additives:

• Calendula cream: Our Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream is a deeply moisturizing formula infused with conditioning Borage Seed Oil to soften and soothe dry, sensitive skin.
• Calendula moisturizer: Our Calendula Essential Hydrating Lotion SPF 30 provides instant hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection with micronized Zinc Oxide to shield against irritation from environmental damage.
• Calendula cleanser: Our Calendula & Mint Nourishing Hand & Body Cleanser is a gentle, foaming wash that cleanses without stripping moisture, leaving skin refreshed and comfortable.
• Calendula body butter: Our Calendula & Tremella Nourishing Body Butter is a rich, replenishing moisturizer that locks in hydration and supports the skin barrier with soothing Tremella mushroom extract.
• Calendula face mist: Our Oat & Calendula Soothing Jelly Mist is a lightweight probiotic mist that instantly calms and hydrates irritated skin.

These products are all great choices for an eczema skincare routine, and you don’t just have to take our word for it - see what others had to say:

“I was hesitant to try a new product while in an eczema flareup but this felt wonderful. Non-irritating, nourishing, and just what my reactive skin needs.” - Christine

“I get extremely dry skin in the winter and my eczema tends to flare up worse as well. This balm is such a lifesaver!! Not only does it smell great, it’s so intensely moisturizing and hydrating and really saves my skin when it’s struggling. Obsessed!!” - Zara

“I have sensitive eczema prone skin. Adding this to my routine has helped retain moisture and soothe my skin. I use it everyday!” - Katelyn

We have plenty of other sensitive skin care products for you to explore as well. Get in touch with our customer service team if you’re struggling with eczema and want to know which of our products will help the most. In the meantime, let’s talk about how to use Calendula for eczema.

How to Use Calendula for Eczema

We recommend using Calendula as part of your daily routine to keep eczema under control, but it can also be used specifically for managing flare-ups. Here are some tips to tap into the potential of Calendula for eczema. 

Daily Skincare Routine for Eczema Relief

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that applies to managing eczema with Calendula. It can help prevent flare-ups by keeping the skin barrier strong and resilient. Here’s how to use Calendula for eczema on a daily basis:

• Cleanse gently: A calendula-infused cleanser removes impurities without stripping moisture. Stay away from foaming formulas with sulfates. They can aggravate sensitive skin and make matters worse. 
• Hydrate immediately: Apply a calendula mist or toner post-cleansing to deliver lightweight hydration and prep the skin for deeper moisture in the next step.
• Moisturize generously: A calendula-based cream or lotion locks in moisture and calms inflammation. Use formulas with Ceramides or Tremella Mushroom extract for maximum hydration.
• Protect your skin: If you’re using calendula in the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen to shield against UV damage, preventing eczema symptoms from worsening.

Targeted Treatment for Eczema Flare-Ups

Even with Calendula as part of your daily routine you need to be prepared to manage flare-ups when they occur. Fortunately, you can fall back on Calendula for rapid relief.

For example, a Calendula balm or body butter can be applied generously to irritated patches for intense hydration and protection against moisture loss. You can also use Calendula as a spot treatment by pressing a small amount into inflamed areas without rubbing.

Be sure to layer Calendula with more soothing ingredients such as Oat Extract, Chamomile, or Probiotics to really calm irritated skin. We’ve made it easy by formulating synergistic products here at Naturopathica, so you don’t have to play the guessing game with blends.

Whatever you do, though, steer clear of harsh exfoliation when using Calendula treatments. Eczema-prone skin is already compromised, so gentle care is the way to go.

How Often Should You Apply Calendula for Eczema?

Like we said, using Calendula for eczema on a daily basis can help you stay ahead of flare-ups. Some people even use this ingredient twice-daily, in the morning and evening. A mid-day reapplication could provide some relief if your skin starts feeling extra dry and irritated.

Always listen to your skin - if an area still feels dry or irritated, an extra layer of calendula moisturizer can help. But if after a while you notice the condition worsening, there’s a chance you could be overdoing it with Calendula.

More Ways to Manage Eczema Flare-ups

We know you came here to learn how to use Calendula for eczema, but keep in mind this is just one of the many strategies you have at your disposal. Here are some other ways to manage flare-ups:

• Choose fragrance-free skincare: Artificial fragrances can trigger irritation and make matters worse.
• Use a humidifier: Keeping moisture in the air helps prevent skin from getting too dry and itchy.
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics: Rough, synthetic materials can cause friction and discomfort if eczema takes hold of your body. 
• Stay mindful of diet and stress: Certain foods and stress levels can cause flare-ups, so keep track of any potential triggers with a journal.

Like we said from the start, you should get in touch with a dermatologist for additional solutions and a more professional approach to managing this condition. But, Calendula skincare products are a great step towards relief!

Wrapping Up Our Calendula Eczema Guide

So is Calendula good for eczema? In closing, this plant-based ingredient has proven potential in managing eczema flare-ups. It delivers soothing hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and skin barrier support. Just be clear, it won’t cure anything.

Learn more about managing eczema in our blog, like the link between Manuka Honey and eczema. But whether you’re looking for Manuka Honey or Calendula vs Chamomile for skin, we bring nature’s finest together with modern skincare science for the best of both worlds.

Start nourishing your skin with your new go-to for eczema relief today!