Does your skin lack radiance? If you want to give a healthy and vibrant glow to your dull, grey, and lifeless skin, we’ve got you covered.
Many people use castor oil for scalp massages. Some also use it as a laxative. But have you ever tried applying castor oil on your face and skin? Castor oil is a popular ingredient in commercial skin care products. In this article, let’s delve deeper into castor oil’s benefits for your skin and how you can use it to maintain skin health.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the castor bean or Ricinus Communis. Generally, castor bean is found in the Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and parts of Asia. It also grows in tropical regions around the world.
Castor beans contain high amounts of ricin, a type of toxic enzyme. However, during the extraction process of castor oil, ricin is removed. Thus, processed castor oil is safe for use. It has a slightly yellowish colour.
Castor Oil Benefits for Skin
There are many benefits of applying castor oil topically. One of the best aspects of using castor oil in skin care is its suitability for every skin type and age.
- Moisturizes the skin
With high fatty acid content and the ability to be applied to facial skin, castor oil boosts smoothness and softness. It contains triglycerides, which help pull moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it moisturized. Through moisturization, hydration, and cleansing, it encourages an increase in healthy pores and skin tissues, leaving your skin rejuvenated.
- Smoothes and hydrates the skin
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. Applying this fatty acid to the skin helps in smoothening its appearance. Moreover, castor oil is a humectant, which means that it draws water from the air to hydrate your skin deeply.
- Protects the skin
Castor oil plant exhibits antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can prevent free radicals from accelerating skin ageing. Due to the oil’s low comedogenic score, it doesn’t clog pores. Thus, castor oil application protects the skin from environmental stressors and their associated damage.
- Promotes an even skin tone
The fatty acids in castor oil help promote the growth of skin tissue and maintain skin health. It balances your skin, making it easier to restore uneven skin tones. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne and give you clear and glowing skin.
- Soothes the skin
Castor oil has a gentle effect on the skin, leaving skin smoother and calmer. Its fatty acids replenish moisture, thereby combatting temporary discomfort and irritation. According to anecdotal evidence, the moisturizing properties of castor oil can help soothe irritation and pain resulting from sunburn.
Castor oil is amazing for dry skin on the body, face, and lips. However, its thick natural state makes its smooth application difficult for many people.
How to Use Castor Oil?
There are many castor oil uses in your regular skincare routine. You can apply the liquid directly to your skin or mix it with other ingredients to prepare DIY face masks.
For direct application:
- Dip a cotton ball in castor oil.
- Dab it on your face and neck.
- Using circular motions, massage the oil into your face and neck for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild face wash.
The most common castor oil uses are:
- As a skin cleanser
Cleansing is a vital step in any good skincare routine. Castor oil is a natural cleanser which eliminates dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin. Buy cleansers that contain castor oil. Alternatively, prepare a castor oil makeup remover.
You will need
- Castor oil – 2 tbsp
- Coconut oil – 3 tbsp
- Lavender essential oil – 8 drops (optional)
- Vitamin E oil – 1 tsp (optional)
Mix the ingredients and set aside for around 10 minutes. Gently massage the makeup remover all over your neck and face. Wipe off with a damp cotton pad. A castor oil makeup remover cleanses out the dirt, dust, and makeup from the face. It prevents clogged pores and reduces the likelihood of breakouts. You can store the mixture in an airtight bottle in a cool, dry place.
- As a face mask
After cleansing the face, applying a castor oil face mask helps exfoliate dead skin cells and tone the skin. Search for face masks that use castor oil as an ingredient, or prepare yours with materials from your kitchen.
You will need
- Egg yolk – 1
- Castor oil – 2 tsp
- Honey – 2 tbsp
Whisk the egg till it becomes frothy. Add the honey and castor oil to this mixture. Spread the face mask evenly on your skin and allow it to dry. Rinse with lukewarm water. Use a toner and moisturizer for enhanced results.
- As an eye treatment
Dark circles and wrinkles under the eyes can give your face a dull look. Castor oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that act as a natural moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Its active agents heal and protect delicate skin under your eyes, thereby decreasing the visibility of dark circles and wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of castor oil can enhance the appearance of the skin under your eyes.
Many over-the-counter eye serums contain castor oil. If you’re applying it topically, remember to wash your hands before application and gently massage 2 to 3 drops around the eyes.
- As a lip balm
Dry, chapped lips can make you look dehydrated. They need moisturization to look plump and healthy. Don’t worry. Use essential oils and vegetable oils to prepare a lip treatment.
You will need
- Castor oil – 1 tsp
- Canola oil – 1 tsp
- Jojoba oil – 1 tsp
- Lemon essential oil – 1 drop (for fragrance)
- Frankincense essential oil – 1 drop (for fragrance)
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into a roller bottle and screw it tightly. Apply the castor oil lip balm on your lips at night for hydration and smoothening.
Summing up
Castor oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics. For centuries, women have shared castor oil benefits for the skin, face, hair, and lips. It is an inexpensive and useful way to promote skin health, giving it a more hydrated and rejuvenated appearance.
