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As you have likely noticed by now, beauty oils have been an extremely hot topic lately. Castor oil has a slew of uses and benefits for the body (and hair), since its a rich fatty acid with antimicrobial properties, and it’s one that’s easy to buy as a stand-alone ingredient or in different types of soaps.
Castor oil has been an age-old remedy for hair and skin related issues. It is an elixir for beautiful hair and supple skin. Castor oil contains Vitamin E, proteins, and Omega 6 & 9 that are the key components responsible for good hair and skin (1). It helps in the reduction of hair fall, premature greying of hair, fights any scalp related problems along with accelerating hair growth. For your skin, be it pigmentation, acne or aging, castor oil is the solution of it all (2).
Pure castor oil comes from the plant Ricinus communis, also called the castor oil plant. The castor beans (technically seeds) get pressed into a versatile, pale-yellow vegetable oil with a very distinct flavor and smell (3). And while modern medicine has eclipsed its historic use as a cure-all, castor oil is now a trendy budget beauty buy.
The potency of Castor Oil as a remedy earned it the moniker “Palma Christi” or “Hand of Christ.” The main chemical constituents of Castor Carrier Oil are (4):
- Ricinoleic Acid – known to fight acne-causing bacteria and relieve acne-prone skin
- Oleic Acid – reduces the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid) – soothes acne and reduce chances of future outbreaks
- α-Linolenic Acid (Alpha-Linolenic Acid – Omega-3 Fatty Acid) – lessens inflammation
- Stearic Acid, and Palmitic Acid – cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat and excess sebum from hair and skin
Castor oil is generally a very safe and beneficial ingredient to use. However, some people may have an allergy to it so you should always do a skin test on your chin or arm first just to make sure.
Watch the video below to see castor oil’s benefits for your face and continue reading for overall skin benefits.
Castor Oil Benefits for Your Skin
1. Preventing wrinkles
Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are responsible for accelerating the aging process, making wrinkles appear sooner.
2. Fighting acne
Castor oil has antibacterial properties. Bacteria on your face can clog pores and lead to acne. The essential fatty acids that castor oil contains help in restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance and help create clear skin. Apply castor oil gently on your face and massage in circular motions. You can even leave it overnight and wash off in the morning. You can also use steam to open your pores and help your skin absorb the oil better.
3. Fights Wrinkles and Puffiness
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and puffiness. It could reduce the size of inflamed pimples or eye bags as well. It also penetrates into the skin and boosts the production of collagen which softens and hydrates the skin. It rejuvenates the skin by making it softer and smoother. Apply a small amount of castor oil over the wrinkled area and leave it overnight.
4. Moisturizing
When applied topically, the high fatty acid content in Castor Oil delays signs of aging by deeply moisturizing, softening, and soothing the skin, boosting elasticity, and stimulating collagen production. Moisture keeps your skin looking young, shiny, and healthy. Moisture also prevents wrinkles.
5. Soothing sunburn
Though aloe gets a lot of attention when it comes to sunburn soothing treatments (which it deserves), castor oil is another effective ingredient you can use. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil may ease the pain associated with sunburn. Its moisturizing qualities may also reduce peeling.
6. Fighting dry lips
Castor oil helps in relieving dry and patchy skin. It is a very common ingredient in both lipstick and lip gloss. If you have dry lips, skip the color and use castor oil. But you may want to mix it with a better-tasting oil, like coconut oil.
7. Promoting overall skin health
As an all-star emollient, castor oil may help relieve the symptoms of dryness and itching in conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for these skin conditions. Castor oil is full of healthy fatty acids. Fatty acids are essential to maintaining good skin health.
How to use castor oil in your skin-care routine
To include castor oil into your beauty habit, here are the different ways to use castor oil in your DIY regimen:
1. As a moisturizing soak: If your hands or feet feel extra-dry, immerse them in castor oil. Castor oil would be a magnificent natural oil to use on feet and hands under cotton gloves or socks at night. It could assist with hand dermatitis from repeated hand washing or hand sanitizer use.
2. As a diluted face oil: Although castor oil can be used in its pure form on the skin, it should be combined with something else before applying. Castor oil should be diluted in a one-to-one ratio with another oil, like peanut or tea tree, to use as a face oil
3. As a skin-care product booster: Blend castor oil into your current fave beauty products. A few drops into your go-to skin moisturizer to help further smooth and plump the skin.
3. Treat sunburn: Apply a few drops of castor oil with aloe vera and vitamin E to make a soothing balm that helps heal a painful sunburn
4. Use as a body moisturizer: Add about three tablespoons of castor oil plus one tablespoon of either jojoba or argan oil into a glass container with a lid or dropper bottle, then applying it daily to both your face and your body for moisture.