Lotus Flower for the Hair and Skin

Lotus has a lot of spiritual and cultural significance, especially in Asia, but still, many are unaware of its benefits for the skin and hair.

Different parts of the lotus, such as its leaves and flowers, provide medicinal benefits. The phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins in lotus flowers make them a top choice for skin and hair beauty.

Lotus contains bioactive compounds including antioxidant, astringent, emollient, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging compounds that are used for pharmacological purposes. (1)

Extract from the petals has various Ayurveda skin-benefiting properties that improve skin texture and elasticity. It is packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin C, which nourishes and replenishes the skin, and B complex, which is ideal for antiaging. It also contains a lot of minerals that are beneficial for skin and hair health.

A small study conducted in 2021 showed that lotus has immense benefits for the skin and hair and is perfect for cosmetic applications. Lotus is one of the valuable resources of bioactive flavonoids which is used in cosmetic industry for its antioxidant and soothing action. (2)

Hair Benefits of Using Lotus Flowers

Here are the benefits of using lotus flowers on the hair.

1. Reduces hair graying

Lotus flowers contain potent antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, which is the cause of premature graying of hair. They are replete with nutrients that stimulate melanin, which is the pigment that imparts color to the hair and prevents graying. (3)

2. Prevents hair thinning

As you age, your hair becomes thinner, but using lotus powder on your hair through hair masks can resolve the hair thinning issue and add volume and bounce to your hair strands.

The antioxidant properties of lotus help fight hair loss, making your hair thick and shiny eventually. (4)

3. Regenerates the hair follicles and prevents hair loss

Oxidative stress is the leading cause of hair loss, and studies have shown that naturally occurring plant antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress. The sources of oxidative stress can be reduced through the activity of natural antioxidant substances such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenol compounds.

These compounds reduce oxidative stress, remove free radicals, balance reactive oxygen species, and promote metabolism. (5)

4. Nourishes the hair with emollient properties

Lotus flowers contain a lot of minerals including iron, copper, and vitamins such as vitamins C and B, (6) which strengthen the hair and scalp when used in the form of oil.

Moreover, massaging the hair and scalp with oil stimulates blood flow and improves the hair condition. Lotus oil extract calms the scalp and has cooling properties, (7) reducing inflammation, soothing the scalp, and lowering chronic hair inflammation.

How to use lotus on the hair:

1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 2 tablespoons of lotus flower and blend well.
2. Apply this hair mask to your scalp.
3. Wash your hair after 15 minutes with lukewarm hair.

Skin Benefits of Using Lotus

Here are the benefits of using lotus flowers on the skin.

1. Improves skin texture

Lotus provides various health benefits to the skin, apart from reducing aging effects and skin whitening. It eliminates acne and has an antibacterial property.

Moreover, it reduces the heat on the skin and provides a cooling effect. It also relieves stress and calms the skin.

In addition, lotus reduces pigmentation and improves skin complexion. Since it has emollient properties, it also improves skin texture. (7)

2. Reduces aging effects

Lotus seed extract has an antiaging effect that improves symptoms such as loss of skin elasticity, enlarged skin pores, fine lines, acne, and blemishes. Its active constituents have antioxidant activity that improves the skin and is a recommended ingredient for antiaging products. (8)

A small study published in 2015 showed that lotus benefitted the skin and it can be used to develop cosmetics for whitening and removing wrinkles. (9)

3. Provides antioxidant activity

The flavonoids in lotus flowers have antioxidant properties that get rid of free radicals by impeding the formation of reactive oxygen species and thus fights with the sign of skin aging, thus provides healthy skin and can be used for many cosmetic purposes due to its endogenous antioxidant availability. (2)(10)

The flower hydrates the skin, improves suppleness and blood circulation, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines due to its antioxidant action.

4. Balances oil production and purifies the skin

Lotus flowers help in pore and oil management.

Studies have shown that this skin-balancing flower manages sebum production without depleting the skin’s natural hydration. It is best for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

When sebum production is controlled, pore cleaning and reduction in pore size occur. (11)

5. Soothes the skin and reduces pigmentation

Lotus flowers help to reduce stress on the skin and provide a relaxing and calming effect. They reduce skin pigmentation and enhance skin complexion. They also have emollient activity and improve skin texture. (7)

The oil-balancing properties of lotus powder remove excess pores on the skin, and its antifungal property prevents the spread of acne and is ideal for acne-prone skin.

How to use lotus on the skin:

1. Take 2–3 drops of rose water in a bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of lotus powder to it and blend well. Ensure that the mixture is not watery and does not contain lumps.
3. Apply it to your face.
4. Wash your face with normal water for at least 10 minutes.

General Queries Related to Lotus for Hair and Skin

Final Word

The lotus flower is simply beautiful and full of skin and hair benefits. It is a widely used herb in cosmetics and has antiwrinkle, skin-whitening, cooling, and relaxing properties. Many skin and hair care products contain lotus and its extracts. (7)

Replenish your skin with lotus oil. The oil will wane away your skin and hair problems without side effects. Lotus oil is a great agent that can be used to achieve beautiful skin and shining hair.