Eczema is a chronic skin condition affecting a large portion of the population, causing intense itching, inflammation, and dryness. Many people who experience eczema symptoms seek complementary remedies, leading to growing interest in plant-based solutions like lemongrass. Lemongrass is a fragrant herb whose essential oil is celebrated for its therapeutic properties. This analysis evaluates the scientific support and safety considerations for using lemongrass products on sensitive, compromised skin.
Understanding Eczema and Lemongrass’s Potential Role
Eczema is characterized by a compromised skin barrier function, which makes the skin less effective at retaining moisture and protecting against environmental irritants and pathogens. The skin of an individual with eczema often lacks adequate ceramides and lipids, leading to excessive water loss and a cycle of dryness, itching, and inflammation. This weakened barrier allows allergens and microbes to penetrate more easily, triggering an overactive immune response that results in chronic skin inflammation.
Lemongrass essential oil (LEO) is primarily composed of monoterpenes. Citral, a blend of geranial and neral, is the most prominent component, often accounting for 60-80% of the oil. The second most notable component is geraniol. These compounds are the basis for the herb’s theoretical benefits in managing eczema symptoms.
Lemongrass’s potential stems from its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Citral has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings, suggesting it could help temper the immune response that drives eczema flare-ups. Furthermore, the antimicrobial action of LEO is active against a variety of bacteria and fungi, including common skin pathogens that can colonize and worsen eczema lesions. By reducing microbial colonization and soothing inflammation, lemongrass offers a plausible mechanism for supporting skin health in people with eczema.
Scientific Evidence and Practical Application Methods
Scientific evidence regarding the direct effect of lemongrass on human eczema is limited, with a scarcity of large-scale human clinical trials. Most current data supporting the oil’s application comes from in vitro (cell culture) studies, animal models, and small-scale human tests on induced inflammation. For instance, LEO has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast cells, and a small human study suggested a protective effect on skin barrier integrity following induced inflammation.
The most common and potent form for topical use is the essential oil, which must always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut oil. A common safe dilution for sensitive skin is extremely low, generally aiming for a maximum of 0.5% to 1.0% concentration. This translates to approximately three to six drops of essential oil per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil.
Less concentrated applications may be gentler on severely irritated skin.
Lemongrass Hydrosol
Hydrosols are the aromatic water byproduct of essential oil distillation and contain the water-soluble components of the plant, making them far milder than the oil. A hydrosol can be spritzed directly onto the skin to provide gentle, anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits.
Homemade Infusion
For an infusion, fresh or dried lemongrass can be steeped in a carrier oil for several days to create a mildly scented, soothing oil. This oil lacks the potency of the essential oil.
Safety Protocols for Sensitive Skin
The highly concentrated nature of lemongrass essential oil necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols when applying it to sensitive or compromised skin. Lemongrass is considered a “hot” oil, meaning it carries a higher risk of causing skin irritation or sensitization if not properly diluted. Undiluted application is strongly discouraged as it can lead to contact dermatitis, which is particularly problematic for skin already experiencing an eczema flare.
A patch test is a mandatory step before applying any lemongrass product to a larger area of the body. This involves applying a small amount of the fully diluted product to an unaffected, inconspicuous area of skin, such as the inner forearm, and waiting 24 to 48 hours to check for any adverse reaction like redness, itching, or swelling. If no reaction occurs, the product may be used cautiously on eczema-affected areas.
Another consideration is phototoxicity, a reaction where a substance on the skin causes burning or blistering when exposed to sunlight. While many citrus-scented oils pose this risk, lemongrass essential oil is not considered phototoxic when used topically. Individuals with highly sensitive, broken skin should still exercise caution and avoid immediate, prolonged sun exposure after applying any new topical product.