Top 15 Benefits Of Lemongrass For Your Skin

Lemongrass, which goes by the scientific name of Cymbopogon citratus, is a plant native to South India & Sri Lanka. It’s a bushy shrub-like herb which can grow as high as 6 feet. The plant is treasured across cultures for culinary & medicinal purposes. 

Due to its high content of the aromatic compound ‘citral’, lemongrass essential oil has a characteristic lemon-like fragrance. This oil is known to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.¹ These properties of lemongrass essential oil make it great for blood sugar regulation, tackling gastrointestinal problems, improving digestive health and even managing inflammatory conditions like arthritis pain.

And the very same properties make lemongrass an excellent candidate for use in skincare product formulations. Therefore, lemongrass as an ingredient is widely used by brands in making soaps, shampoos, creams, deodorants, perfumes, wipes, etc.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the key benefits of lemongrass for your skin health. So stay tuned & continue to read.

What Is Lemongrass & Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass is a tall, bushy herb that has culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. The oil extracted from its leaves and stalks is lemongrass essential oil. It has a fresh, citrusy aroma. The oil also has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in skincare, haircare, and aromatherapy. ¹

8 Lemongrass Benefits For Skin & Hair?

Here are a few key benefits of using lemongrass for your skin & hair health.

1. Improves Skin Appearance: 

Want tighter, brighter & acne-free skin? Look no further! The astringent property of lemongrass helps in getting rid of excess oil from the skin, strengthens skin tissues & makes your pores appear smaller. This results in a more polished-looking, matte & overall improved skin. This property of lemongrass makes it particularly suitable for use on oily, acne-prone skin. Lemongrass essential oil also tones up the dermal tissues & helps in tightening, uplifting and firming tired or saggy skin.

2. Soothes & Purifies Skin: 

Due to its antibacterial & antifungal properties, lemongrass helps clear out any dirt, germ or impurities from your skin. The anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties also help in detoxifying your skin & helping it get rid of any inflammation or redness.¹

3. Fights Off Skin Infections: 

Lemongrass essential oil is also quite potent against a few common bacteria & fungi that cause skin infections such as Candida and Staph species.³ Lemongrass is also helpful in treating wounds & infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, and scabies. Studies have found them to be effective even against some drug-resistant bacteria.⁴ This largely showcases the therapeutic potential of lemongrass, highlighting its possible use as an alternative medicine for holistically treating stubborn microbial infections.

4. Rich In Nutrients: 

If you believe in the quote ‘you are what you eat’, you’ll definitely want to incorporate lemongrass into your diet. This is because lemongrass is a rich source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also boasts a wide array of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron. All of these nutrients support a healthy body & beautiful skin.

5. Keeps Away Dandruff: 

Haven’t we all tried several anti-dandruff shampoos & serums for this pesky issue but in vain? Introducing lemongrass as a proven dandruff warrior! Not only is it excellent at cleansing your scalp of dandruff but it also keeps it away for good, thanks to its antifungal properties.^{5 6} Apart from this, it also helps in keeping your scalp & hair clean.

6. Promotes Hair Growth: 

With advancing age, hair loss becomes one of our major concerns. Neither men nor women are spared from its vagaries. But lemongrass can be your much-needed aid. It strengthens hair follicles, and keeps the scalp clean & thus might help in promoting hair growth.⁷

7. Busts Stress: 

Lemongrass essential oil is a natural mood lifter. It has a calming effect on your muscles & nerves which relieves fatigue, eases pain & helps you sleep better. The essential oils have a pleasant aroma because of which they are used in aromatherapy sessions. These sessions can help rejuvenate both mind & body.

8. Fights Body Odour: 

Smelly underarms & stinky socks? We understand your concern! But fret not as this fragrant grass with antimicrobial power can help you get rid of foul body odour in a jiffy.

Other Benefits Of Lemongrass Oil

1. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Lemongrass may do more than just smell refreshing. Recent research suggests it can also help support healthy blood sugar levels. Studies show that lemongrass contains active compounds like citral, which may help regulate glucose levels by reducing oxidative stress and improving the body’s glycaemic response. ⁸

This doesn’t replace medical treatment, but lemongrass may gently support blood sugar balance when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

2. Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Some studies suggest that lemongrass oil may help reduce joint pain and discomfort in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Research has shown that regular topical application or massage with lemongrass oil helps lower pain levels over a few weeks. This benefit is mainly linked to its anti-inflammatory properties, making lemongrass a gentle, supportive option alongside medical treatment. ^{9 10}

3. Acts as a Natural Insect Repellent

Lemongrass is widely used as a natural insect repellent, thanks to its high citral content. Its strong citrus aroma helps repel mosquitoes and insects by masking the scents that attract them. This makes lemongrass a popular, plant-based option for keeping bugs away, especially in outdoor and tropical settings. ^{11 12 13}

4. Help Relieve Headaches

Lemongrass oil is often used to help ease headaches and tension. Its calming aroma may help relax muscles, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation, which can bring relief from mild headaches. This is why lemongrass is commonly used in aromatherapy and head massages. ^{14 15}

5. Natural Deodorizer

Lemongrass works as a natural deodorizer thanks to its antimicrobial properties. It helps fight odour-causing bacteria while leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent. This makes lemongrass a popular choice in natural deodorants and home fragrances. ^{16 17}

6. Busts Stress: 

Lemongrass essential oil is a natural mood lifter. It has a calming effect on your muscles & nerves, which relieves fatigue, eases pain & helps you sleep better. The essential oils have a pleasant aroma because of which they are used in aromatherapy sessions. These sessions can help rejuvenate both mind & body.²

Lemongrass Uses

Lemongrass is a versatile herb. You can use it for your skin, hair, and health in the following ways:

• Add lemongrass stalks to soups, curries, and stir-fries for a fresh, citrusy flavour. You can also add it to sauces, marinades, or dressings.
• Brew fresh or dried lemongrass for a soothing herbal tea.
• Use crushed stalks or lemongrass essential oil in your DIY hair and skincare recipes.

Tips To Use Lemongrass Essential Oil For Skin & Hair

Lemongrass essential oil has numerous benefits. But if you wish to enjoy them, you need to know how to use this oil the right way. Here are some easy tips you can follow:

• Always dilute the oil before use. You can mix it with any carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
• Patch test the diluted oil on a small area before extensive use to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.
• For healthy skin, add a few drops of the oil to your moisturiser, cleanser, or face masks.
• You can also add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair oils to support a healthy scalp and stronger hair.
• If you wish to use the oil for aromatherapy, add it to a diffuser. You may also add it to your bath to relax and uplift your mood.

Ending Note

When used wisely, lemongrass can be a wonderful addition to your daily routine. To enjoy its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other benefits, try adding it to your marinades, gravies, or soups. A soothing cup of lemongrass herbal tea is another great option. 

To experience lemongrass benefits for your skin, include products containing this ‘magic grass’ in your skincare routine. But when using lemongrass essential oil topically, ensure to use it in the recommended dilution, as these oils are very concentrated. Also, remember to do a patch test first to avoid any unforeseen allergies. 

Here’s to wishing you a zestful, refreshing skincare journey with lemongrass!