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)
Article Contents
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:
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 2 tablespoons of lotus flower and blend well.
- Apply this hair mask to your scalp.
- 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:
- Take 2–3 drops of rose water in a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lotus powder to it and blend well. Ensure that the mixture is not watery and does not contain lumps.
- Apply it to your face.
- Wash your face with normal water for at least 10 minutes.
General Queries Related to Lotus for Hair and Skin
What are the side effects of using lotus powder?
There is a lack of evidence to show that it causes any side effects.
Are lotus flowers edible?
Yes, lotus flowers are edible. They are highly nutritious and good for health.
Is blue lotus legal to use?
Yes, it is legal to grow, sell, and buy blue lotus. The only exception is the state of Louisana, where it is illegal to grow blue lotus for human consumption.
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.
References
- Temviriyanukul P, Sritalahareuthai V, Promyos N, et al. The effect of sacred lotus (nelumbo nucifera) and its mixtures on phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and inhibitions of the key enzymes relevant to alzheimer’s disease. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463813/. Published August 14, 2020.
- A cosmetic perspective on the antioxidant flavonoids from Nymphaea lotus L. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348731113/.
- Jeon S, Kim N-H, Koo B-S, Kim J-Y, Lee A-Y. Lotus (Nelumbo Nuficera) flower essential oil increased melanogenesis in normal human melanocytes. Experimental & molecular medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2721149/. Published July 31, 2009.
- Tungmunnithum D, Kongsawadworakul P, Hano C. A cosmetic perspective on the antioxidant flavonoids from Nymphaea lotus L. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2079- 9284/8/1/12. Published January 30, 2021.
- Park HJ, Jin G-R, Jung JH, Hwang SB, Lee SH, Lee B-H. Hair growth promotion effect of nelumbinis sem*n extract with high antioxidant activity. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7984906/. Published March 13, 2021.
- Arooj M, Imran S, Inam-Ur-Raheem M, et al. Lotus seeds (nelumbinis sem*n) as an emerging therapeutic seed: A comprehensive review. Food science & nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8269573/. Published May 6, 2021.
- Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences. https://rjtcsonline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Topical%20and%20Cosmetic%20Sciences;PID=2013-4-2-10.
- Paudel KR, Panth N. Phytochemical profile and biological activity of Nelumbo nucifera. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710907/. Published 2015.
- Kim S-Y, Moon G-S. Photoprotective effect of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera gaertn.) seed tea against UVB irradiation. Preventive nutrition and food science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4596341/. Published September 2015.
- Analysis of flavonoids in Lotus (nelumbo nucifera) leaves and their … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278044264/.
- A comparison of the effects of topical green tea and Lotus on facial … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255736631/.
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I am an expert and enthusiast, designed to provide information and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide information based on the data I have been trained on. In this case, I can provide information related to lotus flowers and their benefits for the skin and hair, as mentioned in this article.
Lotus flowers have both spiritual and cultural significance, particularly in Asia. However, they also offer various benefits for the skin and hair due to their bioactive compounds. The phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins present in lotus flowers make them an excellent choice for promoting skin and hair beauty.
Evidence of Lotus Benefits for Skin and Hair
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Medicinal Benefits: Different parts of the lotus plant, such as its leaves and flowers, provide medicinal benefits. Lotus contains bioactive compounds, including antioxidant, astringent, emollient, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging compounds, which are used for pharmacological purposes (1).
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Skin Benefits: Lotus flowers have Ayurvedic skin-benefiting properties that improve skin texture and elasticity. They are rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin C, which nourishes and replenishes the skin, and B complex vitamins, which are ideal for anti-aging. Lotus also contains minerals that are beneficial for skin health (1).
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Hair Benefits: Lotus flowers offer several benefits for hair health. Here are some of them:
a. Reduces Hair Graying: Lotus flowers contain potent antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, which is a common cause of premature graying of hair. They stimulate melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair color, and help prevent graying (3).
b. Prevents Hair Thinning: Lotus powder, when used in hair masks, can help resolve the issue of hair thinning. The antioxidant properties of lotus help fight hair loss, making the hair thicker and shinier (4).
c. Regenerates Hair Follicles and Prevents Hair Loss: Lotus flowers contain natural antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress, a leading cause of hair loss. These antioxidants help remove free radicals, balance reactive oxygen species, and promote metabolism, thus regenerating hair follicles and preventing hair loss (5).
d. Nourishes Hair with Emollient Properties: Lotus flowers are rich in minerals such as iron, copper, and vitamins C and B. When used in the form of oil, they strengthen the hair and scalp. Massaging the hair and scalp with lotus oil extract stimulates blood flow, improves hair condition, and has a cooling effect, reducing inflammation and soothing the scalp (6) (7).
Method of Using Lotus for Hair and Skin
To use lotus on the hair, you can create a hair mask by combining 2 tablespoons of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 2 tablespoons of lotus flower. Apply the mask to your scalp and wash your hair after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
To use lotus on the skin, you can create a mixture by adding 2-3 drops of rose water to 1 tablespoon of lotus powder. Blend well and apply it to your face. Wash your face with normal water after at least 10 minutes.
General Queries Related to Lotus for Hair and Skin
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Side Effects: There is a lack of evidence to suggest any specific side effects of using lotus powder.
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Edibility of Lotus Flowers: Lotus flowers are edible, highly nutritious, and good for health.
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Legality of Blue Lotus: Blue lotus is generally legal to grow, sell, and buy. However, in the state of Louisiana, it may be illegal to grow blue lotus for human consumption.
In conclusion, lotus flowers offer various skin and hair benefits due to their bioactive compounds. They can improve skin texture, reduce aging effects, provide antioxidant activity, balance oil production, purify the skin, soothe the skin, and reduce pigmentation. Lotus oil can be used to achieve beautiful skin and shining hair. However, it's always important to do a patch test before using any new product on your skin or hair, and consult a professional if you have any specific concerns or allergies.
