Commonly known as a hair care remedy, castor oil can also be effective for skin care. If you are interested in using castor oil for face, this post is right for you.
The use of castor oil as a natural remedy has a long history, and it also benefits skin health. Some evidence shows it can help with acne, sunburn, wrinkles and lines, and more.
The advantages of castor oil for skin care are covered in more detail in this article, along with some tips on how to use it. Keep reading.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant Ricinus communis. Africa, South America, and India are the main regions where the castor oil plant is grown. India is known for producing the most castor oil in the world. The main importers are China and the United States.
Castor seeds are cold-pressed and then heated to create castor oil. It is not regarded as an edible oil and only contributes a small portion to global vegetable oil production.
Castor oil has long been used as a successful laxative. Additionally, it has been used to start labor. Nevertheless, castor oil is a common component of cosmetics today. Castor oil was used in over 900 cosmetic products in 2002, according to a castor oil safety review.
Related Post: Does Castor Oil Expire?
Can You Use Castor Oil on Face?
Yup, you can totally use castor oil on your face—however, it’s recommended that you dilute it 1:1 with another oil (olive oil is a great option).
Castor oil can take some time to absorb, so combining it with another oil can hasten this process a little.
Read More: How to Use Vitamin E Oil on Face?
Benefits of Castor Oil for Face
Castor oil has many potential benefits. These include:
Preventing Wrinkles
Antioxidants in castor oil help your body fight free radicals. Free radicals speed up aging and contribute to the earlier onset of wrinkles.
Fights Acne
Acne happens when hair follicles get blocked with sebum — an oily substance produced by the body to keep skin moisturized. Inflammation and pimples are produced when sebum interacts with dead skin cells and bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes.
Castor oil has bacterial-killing qualities. A 2012 laboratory study noted castor oil extract has significant potential in preventing disease-causing bacteria and fungi from growing. Applying some to your face could therefore eliminate the bacteria that causes breakouts.
Pauses Puffiness
Swollen, puffy eyes can also result from inflammation that draws fluid to the area. And as you know, castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which could send those eye bags packing.
Moisturizes Skin
Your skin needs to maintain a healthy balance of natural oils to stay hydrated, look plump, and prevent dryness, itchiness, and flakes.
Ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, is found in great abundance in castor oil. This natural moisturizer is a fatty emollient that boosts skin barrier function and helps keep your skin feeling soft and looking healthy.
Soothes Sunburn
UV radiation from the sun causes skin damage, redness, and inflammation. It also speeds up aging and raises your risk of developing skin cancer. Unless you’ve been uber-vigilant, you’re probably familiar with the stinging, burning, and pain of bad sunburn that can happen as you chase a tan.
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties may help soothe your irritated skin and lessen discomfort if you’re dealing with a painful sunburn.
Heals Wounds
Castor oil prevents wounds from drying out due to its moisture-locking qualities, which may hasten the healing process. Additionally, it eliminates bacteria and germs that might infect people.
In one small study, a cream containing castor oil helped heal skin graft donor sites in 36 participants. Additionally, the negative effects were barely noticeable. Another study found that castor oil accelerated the healing of pressure sores in nursing home residents. Castor oil treatment resulted in a faster and more complete healing of wounds than other treatments.
How to Apply Castor Oil on Face?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use castor oil for your skin concerns:
- Invest in a superior castor oil product that is organic, pure, and free of any harmful additives.
- Some oils are pre-diluted with carrier oils for enhanced absorption; if using an oil, dilute it. If not, you must mix it in a 1:1 ratio with olive, grapeseed, or avocado oil.
- Cleanse and dry your skin before applying the oil.
- Onto your fingertips, apply a few drops of castor oil.
- Dot around your face or on the areas of concern only, and gently massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion. Keep the oil away from your eyes as much as possible.
- For optimum absorption, apply at least 30 minutes in advance or leave on overnight.
- To lock in moisture, rinse off with warm water and apply your preferred moisturizer afterward.
- Repeat this procedure once or twice a week.
PSA: Do a patch test first if you’re unsure of how castor oil will affect your skin. Just dab a little castor oil on the inside of your arm. After 24 hours, you ought to be fine if you don’t experience any irritation or redness.
Castor Oil Side Effects
Castor oil is used in hundreds of cosmetic products. Furthermore, despite being generally regarded as safe, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of.
Castor oil in its undiluted form severely irritated rabbit skin in a study. On the skin of rats and guinea pigs, however, it slightly irritated.
Castor oil was not found to irritate skin in human trials. Occupational dermatoses, a form of skin inflammation, however, can cause skin irritation.
If castor oil gets into the eye, it can also irritate and slightly discomfort the eye. As a result, you should use castor oil on your skin with caution.
Takeaway: Castor Oil for Face
Castor oil isn’t just for relieving constipation anymore. The advantages of castor oil for skin are being investigated by many people. But the medical community has yet to follow their example.
If you’re considering trying castor oil, keep in mind to buy quality goods from reliable manufacturers. To make sure your skin can handle it, do a patch test before using any new beauty products in your routine.
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FAQs
Does Applying Castor Oil on Face Increase Facial Hair in Females?
Applying oil does not cause hair growth either on the face or on the body. Face hair cannot be removed by home remedies.
Is Castor Oil Good for Dry Skin?
Castor oil is hydrating, so it’s a good option for people with dry skin.
Is Castor Oil Good for Sensitive Skin?
Castor oil can benefit people with inflamed skin. But if it’s too potent, you can dilute it with water.
Can I Apply Castor Oil on My Face Daily?
Yes, castor oil is good for your skin. However, we advise testing it on a small patch of skin before using it on your entire face.