Using castor oil for your skin can have many benefits such as eliminating acne, preventing wrinkles, and keeping your skin hydrated.
Whether it’s fighting acne, hydrating your skin, or keeping it wrinkle-free, castor oil has many skincare benefits. Castor seeds are cold pressed and then heat is applied to obtain castor oil. Not only can it be applied to the skin, but it can also be consumed for other digestive benefits.
Although castor oil has many benefits, it is very important to understand the right way to apply it, and in the right amount, if you want to use it for your skin. From castor oil packs to castor oil drinks, everything has a process that should be followed for optimal results.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a thick vegetable oil that is extracted by pressing the seeds (bean) of the Ricinus Communis plant. “Castor oil contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, stearic acid, ricinoleic acid. It is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties,” explains cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Priti Mahire. It also contains nutrients such as vitamin E and Omega 6 and 9. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.
Benefits of castor oil for skin
1. Castor oil can prevent wrinkles
Castor oil helps replenish old cells and improves cell longevity. It helps in the production of collagen and hence, one of the biggest benefits of castor oil is that it prevents wrinkles. Castor oil contains antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body. This study published in Food science and technologystates that castor oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that fight free radicals and slow aging.
Castor oil can be applied on the face and left on overnight too for good results. Image courtesy: Freepik
2. Castor oil can fight acne
Castor oil has antibacterial properties. So, in this way, it helps fight acne and breakouts. It helps eradicate bacteria from your face that can often clog pores, causing acne. A study, published in Moleculesclaims that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also help reduce pimples on the skin.
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3. Castor oil can reduce swelling
Since castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce swelling and puffiness. It may also diminish under the eyes. Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which help the skin maintain its smoothness and softness, says this study, published in Molecules.
4. Castor oil can moisturize the skin well
Castor oil has hydrating and antioxidant properties. It can also help replenish skin cells, thanks to its ricinoleic acid content. Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that can help combat dry skin since it is a vegetable oil. Vegetable oils are occlusive, meaning they create a barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the skin, thus ensuring a better hydrating effect. In fact, it can even help fight dry lips.
Also Read: 5 Best Cold Pressed Castor Oils for Long and Shiny Hair
5. Castor oil can soothe sunburn
Castor oil is known to be anti-inflammatory. Therefore, if you get sunburned, applying castor oil will help you deal with the pain and will also prevent the skin from peeling.
6. Can promote overall skin health
Castor oil is good for skin health. According to a study published in MoleculesCastor oil contains fatty acids that help smooth the skin. Helps promote healthy pores and skin tissue by hydrating and purifying the skin.
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Castor oil for eyelashes
Using castor oil for your eyelashes is also a great idea. Since one of the biggest benefits of castor oil is its conditioning effect, it can help enrich your eyelashes. It prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle. In fact, organic castor oil is a great variety of castor oil for eyelashes.
How to use castor oil for skin?
Here’s how to apply castor oil on your face.
• Wash your face with warm water
• Take a few drops of castor oil on your palms and spread it evenly on your palms.
• Rub it slowly and gently on your face in circular motions.
• Leave it to act overnight.
• The next morning, wash your face with cold water.
Since castor oil is thick, it can be mixed with other oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil before application. For easier application, castor oil can be placed in a dropper bottle. Lip balms and lip balms containing castor oil are also great and easy options. Alternatively, castor oil compresses can also be used. Jamaican castor oil is a great option for chapped lips and other types of skin repair.
Also read: Castor oil is the best oil for dry eyes, says my mother
Castor oil can be mixed with other oils such as coconut oil and stored in a dropper bottle for easy application. Image courtesy: Castor Oil Freepik
How to use castor oil for under eye area
If you are looking to reduce wrinkles or puffiness near the eyes, applying castor oil will help. Here’s how to do it:
Clean the area around your eyes and make sure the area is dry. Take a drop of castor oil on your finger and apply it under your eyes or to an area prone to wrinkles. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. Leave the castor oil to act for 20 minutes. Gently wash the area and apply a moisturizer or covering cream
Side effects of castor oil on face
Although castor oil offers numerous benefits, there are some side effects that can occur when applied topically to the body. Some people may experience the following:
Skin irritation Breakout Redness and swelling Allergic reactions
You need to do a patch test before using castor oil all over your face to avoid any side effects.
Benefits of castor oil pack
Castor oil packs are an easy way to put castor oil in contact with your body. There are many benefits of castor oil packs. These are easy to use and are less messy too. These often come with adjustable straps and can be reused around 30 times. Ideally the flannel, of which they are made, and the oil should be renewed after a period of two months. In a single session you can use a castor oil compress for 30-60 minutes.