Blue lotus flower has become a popular ingredient in the skincare world. From serums, to moisturizers, to facial oils and even micellar water, it can be found in all types of products on the market today.
Although this flower has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, many people still don’t know the benefits it can offer. Keep reading to learn all about this ingredient and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine:
What is Blue Lotus Flower Extract?
Blue lotus flower is formally known as Nymphaea caerulea. It’s a tropical water lily that features beautiful light blue, star-shaped flowers. You may also hear it referred to as Egyptian lotus, sacred blue lily, or blue water lily.
This flower primarily grows in Egypt and certain parts of Asia, where it was considered to be a sacred symbol of creation and rebirth. Its use can be dated all the way back to ancient Egypt, when it was used as a traditional medicine to treat conditions such as insomnia and anxiety.
Due to its psychoactive properties, blue lotus flower is categorized as an entheogenic drug—meaning it’s believed to be able to alter one’s state of mind. It contains compounds that can instill a sense of happiness and calmness.
Blue lotus flower is commonly found in teas, infused wines and drinks, or even in products to smoke. It’s currently not approved for internal consumption in the United States, however it is legally allowed to be cultivated, sold, and purchased. The extract from the flower’s petals, seeds, and stamens can also be applied topically to the skin.
Blue Lotus Flower Benefits
So what exactly are the benefits of blue lotus flower? Blue lotus flower is also known to offer a variety of benefits when applied directly to the skin! It’s important to note that while many users of blue lotus flower report these benefits to be true, scientific research is needed to fully support these claims.
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Fights inflammation
- Promotes smooth skin texture
- Calms and soothes irritated skin
- Balances oil production, which can help to prevent acne
- Prevents free radical damage (due to its antioxidant content)
- Boosts radiance
Due to its soothing properties, blue lotus flower is commonly found in products designed for those who are prone to redness or irritation. However, it can also be used for all skin types, as it helps to keep skin in a balanced state.
Whether your skin is on the oily side, dry, or somewhere in between, this ingredient can help to keep it in check. It’s also great for year-round use, whether it be in the summer heat when your skin is producing more oil, or in the winter when your skin needs an extra boost of moisture.
Plus, with pollution levels at an all-time high, using a product with blue lotus flower can help to protect your skin against harmful free radicals. In turn, this can help to prevent dryness, darkness, wrinkling, and fine lines from developing.
Overall, this ingredient is great for keeping skin smooth, hydrated, and radiant.
How to Use Blue Lotus Flower in Your Skincare Routine
With a variety of products out there that contain blue lotus flower, you might be wondering what the best way to use it is. As with anything you apply to your skin, it’s important to do your research first to ensure the product will suit your skin and its needs.
As mentioned, blue lotus flower can be found in a variety of different products. Choosing one all comes down to your preference. For example, if you have dry skin, a thicker cream that contains the ingredient might be the right choice. If your skin is on the oily side, a serum or lightweight gel moisturizer may be the best option.
If you’re not quite sure where to start when incorporating this ingredient into your routine, consider using a micellar water like the Herbal Dynamics Beauty Cucumber & Blue Lotus Micellar Water. This product is designed to gently cleanse the skin and remove any traces of makeup, oils and other impurities in one simple step.
In addition to blue lotus flower, this micellar water contains the following ingredients:
- Water Lily Extract: Helps with cell turnover, boosts skin’s radiance, and eliminates environmental toxins in the skin
- Cucumber Extract: Contains lactic acids to help keep skin smooth and antioxidants to fight free radicals
- Vitamin B5: Promotes a healthy skin barrier, increases moisture retention, and calms irritation and inflammation
If you’re someone who finds that traditional cleansers and makeup removers dry out your skin, micellar water can be a great alternative, as it can cleanse and nourish the skin all at once. Simply apply it to a cotton round and gently sweep it across your skin to break down makeup or any impurities that have built up on your skin throughout the day or night.
Another way to use this product is as a toner. To do so, apply a few drops to a cotton pad and swipe over skin. This will allow the skin to really absorb the ingredients and prep it for the rest of your routine.
In addition to its general health and skin benefits, blue lotus flower can also be a great ingredient for your hair.
Similar to the benefits it provides for your skin, extracts of the flower can help to heal damaged hair and restore its natural shine. It’s also believed to help improve hair’s elasticity by keeping it strong and hydrated. This is why blue lotus flower is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and different types of hair treatments.
Things to Consider
Whenever introducing any new skincare product into your routine, it’s important to do so carefully. If possible, always do a patch test by applying a small amount of the product to the inside of your arm to ensure your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction to it.
It’s also important to ensure you’re educated on the ingredient and what it can and can’t be combined with. For the most part, blue lotus flower can be used in combination with other skincare ingredients because of how gentle it is. However, if you ever have any doubts, be sure to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional.
All in all, blue lotus flower can be an incredible ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine. Whether you use it daily or on occasion, this flower extract can help to keep your skin fresh, hydrated, and radiant. It can also provide long-term benefits for the skin, making it a great investment.
