Lemon balm hydrosol benefits are moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, mildly antiseptic, and are a wonderfully fragrant addition to skincare (1). It’s said to boost the appearance of the skin and reduce the fine lines. Hydrosols with its myriad of therapeutic properties are known to be healing waters for the skin.
What makes lemon balm hydrosol benefits a wonderful addition in skincare products? Its ability to protect against environmental stressors. The caffeic and ferulic acid, which are present within lemon balm hydrosol are potent antioxidants (2). Antioxidants are the hardest-working skin-care ingredients in the game.
Hydrosols contain the water-soluble molecules of the essential oil in trace amounts as well as other water-soluble components of the plant. Not only do the antioxidants in lemon balm scavenge free radicals they also promote a brighter, more even complexion. They’re also the superstars at nixing fine lines and keeping skin looking fresh.
Lemon balm hydrosols are made from what is leftover from the water-soluble components of the aromatic lemon balm herb that retains a small amount of essential oil. Lemon balm hydrosols offer a myriad of treatment possibilities when Lemon balm essential oils might be too strong. They are a safe and gentle way for people with sensitive skin.
Learn more about lemon balm in the video below and read on to learn lemon balm hydrosol benefits.
Lemon Balm Hydrosol Benefits
1. Reduces Wrinkles
Your skin loses its elasticity when an enzyme called elastase breaks down elastin proteins and result in wrinkles. Similar to helichrysum hydrosol, lemon balm hydrosol is a strong anti-inflammatory with antibacterial agents. It soothes, cleanses and tightens the skin, is excellent for acne and other problematic skin conditions and fights fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating circulation without irritation (3).
2. Reduces Blackheads
Blackheads are acne before it’s officially acne. Dermatologists call it a “precursor” for acne since it’s just a clogged, debris-filled pore. Lemon balm hydrosol contains potent astringent and antibacterial properties. Due to rosmarinic acid, one of lemon balm’s key antioxidant ingredients it is able to cleanse pores and reduce blackheads.
3. Tones Skin
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lemon balm hydrosol is used to soothe the skin is a cooling agent that has anti-bacterial and hydrating properties. Mixtures of these two benefits make an excellent toner that helps soothe your skin after a rough day. Lemon balm hydrosol tightens and refine pores which will help regulate the amount of impurities the skin takes in.
4. Reduces Breakouts
Lemon balm hydrosol benefits provide an anti-inflammatory action that may prove useful for alleviating redness and swelling associated with acne outbreaks. It has a wonderful soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral component which makes it fantastic for irregular breakouts.
5. Soothes Skin
Lemon balm hydrosol has enormous anti-inflammatory powers that soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of redness (4). As it fights chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, it’s hugely effective for people who suffer rosacea, eczema, and acne flare-ups.
However, for extremely irritated skin, cucumber hydrosol is the best for relief.
6. Astringent
Lemon balm hydrosol helps in shrinking skin pores and further absorbs excess oil from the skin, thus helping to even out complexion (5). It not only shrinks the skin pores but also removes the dirt and further controls oil secretion making it look healthier. Lemon balm hydrosol can reduce excess oil secretion, redness and brightens your skin to get an even skin tone.
7. Treats Cold Sores
Lemon balm oil, which is also called Melissa extract, may have an antiviral effect on the herpes simplex virus (6). One study indicated that the oil prevents the herpes virus from penetrating the cells. Used in a hydrosol it can help treat and prevent cold sore outbreaks.
8. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Lemon balm hydrosol is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood. It has a mellow and slightly sweet, with a somewhat herbaceous and bitter smell. This aroma is said to be great for aromatherapy. The smell helps relax and calm the mind and muscles. It is known to uplift your mood (7). You can add lemon balm hydrosol to your bath water and soak in it.
9. Reduces Upset Stomach
In the digestive system, lemon balm has historically been used to calm occasional discomfort associated with indigestion, gas and bloating. Lemon balm hydrosol is popularly used in digestive tonics and may be helpful in alleviating nausea and vomiting and for soothing the occasional stomach aches.
10. Reduces PMS and Menstrual Discomfort
lemon balm hydrosol has anti-inflammatory properties. When your uterus is trying to shed its inner lining, it contracts and expands to push it out through your vagina. This can cause your uterus and the surrounding blood vessels to feel inflamed. Lemon balm hydrosol treats this by relaxing your muscles, soothing the brain and central nervous system.
11. Treats Insomnia
Lemon balm hydrosol improves sleep in people with insomnia. It happens to be mildly sedating to the nervous system. Lemon balm hydrosol also lowers stress, anxiety, and pain, which is helpful for inducing a comfortable state of sleep. It can be used as a pillow mist to provide this benefit.
How to Use Lemon Balm Hydrosol
Facial Toners
Some essential oils can be irritating to use around the eyes and face, but lemon balm hydrosol makes a great facial toner.
Baths
A tablespoon or so of lemon balm hydrosol can make a relaxing aromatic bath. Since hydrosols are water-soluble, they are the perfect addition to any bath.
Cooling sprays
Lemon balm hydrosol is a great addition to any summer day. Take it to the pool, to the beach, or outdoors when you are working in the sun. It makes a great cooling mist for the back of the neck on a hot day.
Compresses
Hydrosols are perfect replacements for water in hot or cool compresses. Lemon balm hydrosol makes a wonderful anti-inflammatory compress.
Cuts/Scrapes
Spray lemon balm hydrosol on cuts or scrapes to help ease inflammation and begin healing.
Linen Sprays
Lemon balm hydrosol can be used as a linen spray. Used on your pillows before bed and on your towels. To improve sleep and benefits from its aromatherapy properties.
Body Mist
Lemon balm hydrosol can be spritzed onto your body just like a perfume would. You can double its use to not only smell amazing but also to help your emotional well-being that day and lower the nervous tensions in your body.
Lemon balm hydrosol benefits are basically a softer and gentler version of their essential oil counterpart, which makes them a great choice for treating children, people with sensitive skin, or the elderly. They are safe to apply directly to your skin and are therefore a great option for body mists or skincare formulas.