We all know that castor oil is widely used as a laxative. Many of us are unaware that castor oil is used in cosmetics for the skin and face. Before knowing about the benefits of this oil for the skin, we will first understand what this oil is. Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. This plant is widely grown in tropical areas of South America, Africa, and Asia. Being a tropical nation, India is one of the largest producers and exporters of castor oil/seeds. This is a translucent liquid with a yellow tint, an essential ingredient in a widevarioushold items, from painting to cleaning products. This oil is said to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties making it one of the right cosmetic products. (1)

Benefits of Castor Oil for Face and Skin:

Castor oil is naturally packed with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which makes this oil more nutritious for the skin than any other oil. Some of its benefits are listed down.

  • Anti-inflammatory:

Castor oil is essential in treating inflammations, internally and externally, as it is loaded with Ricinoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. Studies have shown that ricinoleic acid can reduce pain and swelling. (2) Researchers say castor oil, when applied topically on the skin, showed significant results in treating psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Anti-ageing and Prevents Wrinkles:

Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight the free radicals on your skin. Free radicals are the main culprits for skin aging. These free radicals are also responsible for destroying the collagen level in the skin. With the decrease of the collagen from the face, wrinkles and lines appear. Applying castor oil regularly prevents aging and wrinkles on the face.

  • Treats Acne:

Excess sebum secreted from the sebaceous glands blocks your skin pores resulting in acne. Blackheads and pus-filled pimples are other issues many teenagers and youngsters face that negatively impact their self-esteem. Castor oil can do wonders in treating acne. The antimicrobial properties of castor oil help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the face, just by using a few drops of castor oil on your skin and keeping it that way for 15 minutes. This process unblocks your pores and absorbs all the unwanted impurities, thereby reducing the occurrence of acne. (3)

  • Natural Moisturizer:

Castor oil consists of monounsaturated fats such as ricinoleic acid that work as a natural humectant. Humectants help retain moisture and water content through the outer layer of the skin. Being an inexpensive oil, castor oil can be used as a natural moisturiser. Castor oil is thick, and hence mixing this with other skin-friendly oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil can give you desired results.

  • Soothes Sunburns:

The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil can ease the pain associated with sunburns.

  • Promotes Wound Healing:

Castor oil is believed to promote wound healing. Applying this oil to the wound creates a moist environment that promotes healing. It is also said that castor oil stimulates tissue growth, decreasing the risk of further infection in the wounds.

How to Use Castor Oil for Skin and Face:

Castor oil is a very thick oil. Hence it can or cannot be used directly on the skin or face. Doctors suggest using castor oil with other light oils for better consistency and easy absorption into the skin.

1. Castor Oil with Coconut Oil:

It is said that this is the best combination that can be used. Castor oil blends easily with coconut oil without losing its essential properties. When applied to the face, this mixture can potentially retain moisture on the skin and decrease dark spots.

How to Prepare and Apply:

  • Mix 60-40 of castor oil and coconut oil thoroughly in a bowl.
  • Gently massage this mixture on your face and leave it overnight.
  • Continue this process for 10-15 days to obtain desired results.

2. Castor Oil with Honey:

Honey and castor oil are considered natural humectants. Combining these two will give you an excellent face mask that helps moisturise your skin besides treating acne scars.

How to Prepare and Apply:

  • Mix equal quantities of honey and castor oil in a bowl thoroughly.
  • The resulting mixture will be so thick that it can be easily used as a face mask.
  • Slowly apply this mixture to your face and skin (where you need moisturising) and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
  • Peel the mask off, rinse your face with lukewarm water, and pat dry.
  • Continue this process for 15 days to view your skin and face changes.

Read More: Castor Oil For Dark Circles Under Eyes

3. Castor Oil and Olive Oil:

As we know, castor oil’s consistency is so thick, so applying this oil to the skin or face is harmful. This oil should be used along with carrier oils to reduce the thickness to reduce texture. One such oil is olive oil. Castor oil, in combination with olive oil, will show excellent benefits for the skin. This mixture will help treat the blackheads, pigmentation, and, most importantly, acne scars.

How to Prepare and Apply:

  • Mix 1 spoonful of castor oil and three spoons of olive oil thoroughly.
  • Gently massage this oil on your face or skin and leave it for 20-30 minutes, or you can leave it overnight.
  • If you intend to clean your face after 30 minutes, consider using steam so that the oil gets absorbed into the skin for nourishment.
  • You can observe the results within a week.

4. Castor Oil and Butter:

This is a great combination that was practised in the olden days. This combination is used as face packs. The application of castor oil for some skin types may cause skin burns and redness. Butter will help reduce skin burns and redness when mixed with castor oil. This mixture can be used by persons who have very sensitive skin.

How to Prepare and Apply:

  • Take equal proportions of butter and castor oil and mix thoroughly to obtain a consistent paste.
  • Apply this paste onto the skin or face and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
  • Gently peel the mask off to avoid any skin irritations. Now wash your face with cold water and pat dry.
  • If you do not experience side effects like redness or skin burns, continue using this mask for one week to view desired results.

5. Castor Oil and Almond Oil:

Carrier oils are mixed with castor oil to reduce the thickness and avoid skin irritations. One such carrier oil is almond oil. Almond oil was one of the main beauty products in the wardrobes of our ancestors. The combination of castor oil and almond oil has numerous benefits for the skin.

How to Prepare and Apply:

  • Mix equal castor oil and almond oil proportions in a bowl.
  • Gently massage this oil on your face or skin and leave it for 20-30 minutes, or you can leave it overnight.
  • If you intend to clean your face after 30 minutes, consider using steam so that the oil gets absorbed into the skin for nourishment.
  • You can observe the results within a week.

Also Read: How to Use Castor Oil for Eyes?

Precautions and Tips for Using Castor Oil:

  • As we know that castor oil is very thick, it is advised not to use it directly on your skin or face, as this may cause skin problems which may lead to dermatitis. Hence this should be used along with some carrier oils.
  • Perform a patch test on your skin before using it. Look out for any allergic reactions for 2-3 days, and then start using this oil on your skin.
  • Use steam for the face after applying this oil so that the oil gets absorbed into the face.

Side Effects Of Castor Oil On Skin:

  • It is always better to take up a patch test to confirm if you are allergic to castor oil for two to three days to confirm allergy; if not, you can use it.
  • Many products in the market have a balance of castor oil with a combination of other ingredients to have no side effects and are deemed safer than pure castor oil.
  • Skin rashes, itching, and swelling are the common side effects reported. If you experience any of these effects, it is better to take medical advice.

Overview:

With the benefits mentioned in this article, castor oil and some carrier oils can do wonders for your skin and face and give you all the things you need to make your skin glow. Although castor oil can have some side effects on your skin internally and externally, use it in the comfort of your home duly following the tips mentioned above and reap all the benefits it offers. Try the above masks, and let us know how this article has helped you!

Suvarna

About Suvarna

Suvarna is a freelance content writer with over 8 years of professional writing experience. She specialized in developing research-based content on Beauty, Skin, and Hair Care. Suvarna believes that beauty is one of the key factors for every personality. She always strives to bring more authenticity and credibility to her articles.
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