Skin is the outer layer of our body and is usually subjected to dust, sunlight, and pollutants, which may leave your skin damaged. It is the most vulnerable part of the body because of continuous exposure to the harmful UV rays from the sun.
Therefore, it is essential to take care of the skin. Using Castor oil for skin helps maintain skin quality and beautifies its appearance. Besides being beautiful, the skin must also be healthy enough to face the harsh environment without any severe damage. Dry skin, skin tanning, patches on the skin are all symptoms of skin damage(1).
Skin problems are mainly of two types Acquired and Congenital. Acquired skin diseases are due to fungi and bacteria. These are the skin diseases caused by external factors and the primary cause being exposure to the surroundings. A congenital disease, on the other hand, is genetic.
Causes of Skin Problems:
- Exposure to the external environment.
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Unhealthy routine – lack of sleep, improper diet etc.
- Age-related factors
- Stress and anxiety
- Use of chemical based products
Benefits of using Castor oil for skin care
1. Cleansing
Oil cleansing method is useful for cleansing, toning and moisturizing the skin. It aims at deep cleaning the pores in the skin and thus helps in getting rid of blackheads causing debris. Castor oils have fatty acids that displace the waxy debris that can cause blackheads and acne.
2. Antifungal
Castor oil contains a biochemical named undecylenic acid. This constituent acid of castor oil helps in retarding fungal growth. Besides stopping fungal growth, castor oil also rejuvenates the skin and prevents the formation of scars. These properties help in the treatment of ringworms and yeast infection.
3. Wrinkles and Facial Lines:
Castor oils are rich in fatty acids which can easily penetrate through the skin layers. The fatty acids stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which repairs the skin and removes the wrinkles and fine lines in the skin.
4. Antimicrobial
Castor oils possess antimicrobial properties that make it useful for treating fungal infection. The antimicrobial properties also help in curing minor cuts and scratches on the skin. In case of skin sores or inflammation of the skin, especially at joints, rubbing Castor oil in the area eases the discomfort and heals the symptoms.
5. Acne
Castor oil works effectively in curing acne. It contains Ricinoleic acid which helps fight the acne-causing bacteria. Studies have shown that castor oil starts its action within a night of application.
[ Read: 10 Turmeric (Haldi) DIYs for Acne That Actually Works ]
6. Massage oil:
Castor oil possesses extensive health benefits for the body like relieving joint and muscle pain, relaxing muscle tension, improving digestion and blood circulation and nourishing the skin. This makes it a much-recommended massage oil.
7. Fade Scars
The fatty acids in the Castor oil penetrate through the epidermal skin layers over the scar tissue and help erase the scar. The Castor oils also promote the growth of new cells thus making the curing process faster. Even though it takes time to fade the scar, Castor oil will erase the scar permanently.
8. Sunburn and Itches:
Castor oil possesses unique anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This makes it ideal for treatment of rashes, itches and bug bites. The castor oil cures the affected areas and soothes the skin to make the treatment a smooth process. It can also be used to soothe the skin in case of sunburn.
[ Read: How to Treat Sunburn With 5 Amazing Ways? ]
9. Moisturizer:
The fatty acids in Castor oil can be easily absorbed into the layers of the skin thus removing dry patches and dark eye circles. It also helps restore hydration to the skin.
Castor Oil for Skincare
Castor oil works faster than most chemicals in curing skin problems. As a beauty care substance for skin and hair, it is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, soaps, massage oils, etc. For common problems, Castor oils mostly work overnight. But, for major issues, regular application of Castor oil is necessary for quick recovery. Therefore, Castor oil is one of the best choices for the treatment of skin problems.
How to use Castor oil for skin?
In order to realize the full benefits of castor oil, you need to opt for topical application. But it should be noted that castor oil is an extremely potent natural oil. Therefore, its unsupervised usage might lead to certain side-effects. You shall consult an expert to determine the exact quantity and frequency in which castor oil should be used.
To avail the full benefits of castor oil, you should apply it to the affected area of the skin directly. There are various methods of applying Castor oil to the skin.
- For cleaning deep pores, mix Castor oil with a light oil like apricot or olive and massage it into your facial skin gently. After the massage, soak a clean washcloth in lukewarm water and apply it on your face till it cools. Repeat this process for a few times.
- Castor oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied over the affected area. This mixture can be applied at night and kept overnight. It increases its effectiveness.
These are some of the popular methods of applying Castor oil for skin. Castor oil for skin tags also proves very effective. There are many other methods to apply Castor oil. Consulting an expert will help you know the other procedures as per your requirement.
Do’s and Don’ts
Castor oil should be stored in a cool and dry place. It is advised that you perform a patch test before applying it to the affected area. Once castor oil is applied, it is strongly recommended that you don’t expose the site. Therefore, it is advisable to use it during the night.
The Castor oil for skin is solely prepared for applying on the surface; therefore, it must never be consumed. It should be kept out of the reach of children.
It is suggested that you consult with your physician before you start with this regimen. Improper methods of application of castor oil can be fatal. Even though it is recommended for getting rid of those stubborn stretch marks, you must bear in mind that pregnant women must not use it as it is deemed harmful.
Castor oil is known to cause labour in pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women must consult a healthcare expert before using castor oil(2).
Precautions:
Castor oil for skin has many benefits, but that in no way means that you do not need to be cautious when you use castor oil. Here are some precautions to keep in mind to escape castor oil side effects.
- Castor oil must be used after dilution.
- Never rub Castor oil harshly on the skin as it can cause skin irritation
- Castor must never be used in excess amounts. It may or may not make healing faster, but it would be harmful.
- Castor oil must be used after consulting a healthcare expert.
Home Remedies:
1. Lemon
The citric acid present in Lemon helps clear skin by removing dead cells. Its vitamin C content helps reduce dark spots by increasing cell renewal process.
2. Turmeric
It is an excellent antiseptic and skin-lightening agent that helps minimize scars and other marks. Turmeric is also rich in antioxidants, which helps you detoxify your blood and helps you find a glowing skin. Turmeric can also alleviate allergic, inflammatory and infectious skin disorders making skin look bright and lively.
[ Read: 10 Turmeric (Haldi) DIYs for Acne That Actually Works ]
3. Honey
It is a great moisturizer. Honey possesses excellent antibacterial properties that help ward off infection.
The amazing benefits of using castor oil for skin making it an excellent alternative to allopathic medicines. As it targets the root cause of the problem, you get long-lasting relief from the various types of skin ailments affecting your body(3). Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is essential to you for enjoying a glowing and disease-free skin.
The above-mentioned home remedies also offer you significant relief from various types of skin ailments and ensure that you enjoy the results of a trouble-free skin.
