One of our most common ingredients here at Mash Labs is the calendula flower. For those of you who aren’t familiar, this is what it looks like:

So, you might be asking why this bright gold, marigold wannabe flower is such a popular ingredient with our clients. Well, the plant is actually good for a number of uses. Mainly, rashes, infection, inflammation, and a number of other skin related issues.

It is believed that the chemicals in calendula help new tissue grow, therefore serving as an effective anti-aging ingredient – extract of youth anyone? In fact, extracts from the calendula flower prevent aging in two ways: by tightening the skin, which reduces daily damage, and by increasing skin hydration.

Calendula has antiseptic and wound healing properties, making it a great ingredient for healing redness, acne and sunburn. Also, similarly to sunscreen, it helps protect your skin against UV rays.

As if this golden flower wasn’t already a gift from the heavens, calendula also has skin conditioning properties, working to reduce the occurrence of dry skin, and to stimulate collagen production.

Calendula is a naturally occurring antioxidant. It’ll help protect against pollutants and photo-aging caused by sunlight.

Dermatologists suggest that you add calendula extract to both your daytime and nighttime routines. During the daytime, use it, along with sunscreen, to maximize this its sun-protective qualities – especially during the dog days of summer. At night, you’re advices to mix the extract into your routine to help with inflammation or to speed blemish healing.

Of course, you’re not limited to just buying the extract. You can also but skincare products that have calendula serving as one of its main ingredients.

So, what makes calendula superior to all others? Because, not only does it have moisturizing and wound healing properties, but the calendula flower has the added advantage of protecting against UV radiation.