The use of natural products such as herbs in skin and hair care is getting popular. Many of these herbs have great benefits for your skin and hair, and several commercial products contain extracts from these herbs.
Lotus is a perennial aquatic flower, biologically known as Nelumbo nucifera. It has been used as a medicinal herb in China and India.
Various parts of this herb have been utilized in the formulation of personal care products. These parts include: (1)
- Seeds
- Stem
- Roots
- Flower
- Rhizome
The lotus flower alone has therapeutic properties such as:
- Anti-acne
- Antiwrinkle
- Skin brightening
- Antibacterial
- Skin coolant
- Emollient
- Stress reducing
Skin and Hair Benefits of Lotus Flowers
Lotus flowers are famously used as a medicinal herb in many cultures because of their therapeutic benefits. Products that contain active ingredients of lotus flower extracts have extensive benefits for your hair and skin. They can be used for skin rejuvenation, as a potential antibacterial, and as an antioxidant.
These uses of lotus flowers can be attributed to their rich chemical profile that comprises flavonoids, antioxidants, alkaloids, minerals, protein, and fatty acids. Some chemical components include: (2)
- Quercetin
- Luteolin
- Kaempferol
- Isoquercitrin
- Myricetin
- Palmitic acid
- Linoleic acid
Skin benefits of lotus flowers
Using lotus flowers on the skin can offer the following skin care benefits:
1. Acts as a natural face tint
Lotus flower petals have subtle color-giving properties that can be utilized to prepare natural dyes for tints. This is a good way of avoiding cosmetics that contain chemically obtained ingredients.
The latest trends involved a shift toward skin care products or cosmetics from natural sources. In one study, a product was prepared using a base with lotus flowers as the coloring agent. The resultant tinted glossy formulation produced a beautiful light pink natural color. (2)
2. Protects the skin from sun damage
Dermatologists urge people to wear sunscreen and protect their skin from sun rays because these rays have UV radiation, which is bad for your skin and causes various skin disorders and skin damage.
Lotus is shown to have ultraviolet B (UVB)-protective effects. One study suggested that lotus plant extracts possessed strong protective effects against UVB-induced phototoxicity. (3)
3. Prevents wrinkle formation
Water extract from lotus flowers has antiwrinkle effects.
One study has shown that lotus flowers have whitening and wrinkle-preventing activities. Also, the study concluded that lotus extract preparations did not cause significant skin irritation, making them safe for use in cosmetic formulations. (4)
Now, you can say bye to wrinkles and hi to youthful skin with the use of lotus flowers.
4. Protects against skin diseases
Lotus flower extracts have high total phenolic and flavonoid content and, therefore, show strong reducing power/antioxidant activity. This is why lotus extracts have a cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress.
One study verified that lotus flowers have great potential to be used against oxidative stress-induced health conditions, which include various skin diseases. (5)
5. Fights skin inflammation
Tissue inflammation can be responsible for skin issues such as atopic dermatitis.
Lotus flower extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity in various in vivo research studies. In fact, the extract produced effects similar to potent anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone and dexamethasone.
So, lotus flowers can be used to prevent skin inflammation and inflammation-induced skin disorders. (6)
6. Provides antiaging effects on the skin
Lotus flower extracts have the potential to reduce the following symptoms:
- Loss of elasticity
- Acne
- Pores
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Blemishes
Not only this, but lotus flower extracts also promote younger-looking skin.
Research was done to study the efficacy of green tea and lotus extract cosmetic formulations for the treatment of facial wrinkles. The study concluded that green tea and lotus extract demonstrate a synergistic antiaging effect. (6)
Hair benefits of lotus flowers
Here are some of the hair care benefits offered by lotus flowers.
1. May prevent premature hair graying and may delay hair graying
Lotus flower extracts can be helpful in combating hair graying.
Studies show essential oil from lotus flower extract has effects on melanogenesis as it stimulates melanin synthesis. Melanin is the protein in the human body responsible for pigment production.
Lotus flowers are rich in esters such as palmitic acid methyl ester, which induces melanogenesis and therefore plays a role in the regulation of melanin content. Therefore, lotus flowers will prove useful in the prevention of gray hair. (7)
2. May help in managing dandruff
Dandruff is a widely known, persistent, recurring inflammatory condition that affects the regions of the body that are abundant in sebaceous glands.
This ailment is described as the presence of flaky white or yellowish scales on the scalp. Other than causing constant discomfort, this condition can also make the affected person socially awkward and can negatively impact the person’s self-esteem.
Malassezia species play a crucial part in the pathogenesis of this disorder. (8)
Studies have shown that lotus oil has an inhibitory action on dermatophytes such as Malassezia, and researchers suggest its role as a treatment for superficial microorganisms. This indicates that lotus oil can be beneficial for managing and preventing dandruff. (9)
How to Use Lotus Flowers on Your Skin
- Mix milk and lotus flower oil.
- Add some broken lotus petals and make a paste.
- Use your fingers to apply the paste to your skin.
- Leave it on till it dries. This can take about 3 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How to Use Lotus Flowers on Your Hair?
- Mix 3 drops of lotus oil and 3 spoons of jojoba oil or other carrier oil.
- Optionally, you can also add eggs to this mixture.
- Apply this blend to your hair.
- Let it sit in your hair for an hour or so.
- Wash your hair like you usually do.
Side Effects of Lotus Flowers on the Hair and Skin
Although it is safe to use lotus flower oil and also to consume lotus, some people may be allergic to it. The allergic effects of lotus may include the usual allergy symptoms such as: (10)(11)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling in the throat
- Swelling of the tongue
Most-Asked Questions
What diseases is lotus flower beneficial for?
The different parts of lotus flowers possess beneficial effects for the treatment of: (1)
- Smallpox
- Cough
- Dysentery
- Fever
- Cholera
- Hematuria
- Hyperlipidemia
Is lotus flower good for the skin?
Lotus flower extracts are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols that are great for your skin. So, yes! Lotus flowers can prove to be beneficial for your skin.
Can I eat lotus?
All parts of the lotus flower are safe for consumption.
Does lotus flower lighten skin?
Lotus is rich in vitamin C and many other nutrients that aid in making the skin complexion brighter. So, yes, lotus may be able to lighten skin. (12)
Is lotus a bleaching agent?
Some dermatologists agree to lotus being a bleaching agent.
Final Word
Lotus flowers have been used for centuries in countries such as China and India for their therapeutic benefits. These flowers are considered to be sacred and promote spirituality, but studies have also uncovered the various benefits they hold for the skin and hair.
Incorporating lotus flower extracts into your skin and hair care routine will help you maintain healthy skin and hair.
