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 appears 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 has 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 an anti-bacterial activity, acting against the proliferation of microorganisms, such as Cutibacterium acnes involved in acne. Moreover, it is highly praised for its calming virtues and for its soothing action on fragile skin. It relieves itching and has a repelling 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, using 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 important to note 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.