Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species. The oil has cosmetic uses, and it is believed to have some medicinal uses.

The herb is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos to help purify the skin. Lavender contains a slew of skin care benefits, including antioxidants, which can detox the skin and reduce inflammation. Lavender also has antimicrobial properties, which are suitable for healing skin. Using an over-the-counter skin care product with antimicrobial properties can work to reduce blemish-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface and result in clearer, more healthy-looking skin.

In addition to treating (and healing) acne, lavender can also be used to soothe and ultimately heal a sunburn, help control dry skin-related ailments—i.e. eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.