Even before castor oil caught the attention of skincare and medical professionals, it was being used to treat a variety of conditions. Though a lot more research needs to be done, there is sufficient evidence that using this oil on your skin can yield some great benefits.
10 Benefits Of Using Castor Oil On Your Skin
1. It Can Reduce Acne
Acne is generally caused by the accumulation of bacteria and oil in the pores. Since castor oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, it can help to reduce the formation of acne.
2. It Can Give You Smooth Skin
Castor oil is a good source of fatty acids, which encourage soft skin and smooth skin.
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3. It Can Even Out Your Skin Tone
It’s been shown that castor oil promotes the growth of healthy skin cells so this can help to even out your skin tone.
4. It Can Prevent Wrinkles
You usually get wrinkles because of decreased production of natural oils and the action of free radicals that make your skin less elastic. Castor oil can encourage the production of your skin’s natural oils and also has antioxidant properties that can fight skin damage from free radicals.
5. It Can Soothe Sunburn
Sunburn can cause inflammation and stripping. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe skin that has been affected by sunburn and reduce the likelihood of stripping.
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6. It Can Reduce Inflammation
Certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema as well as contact dermatitis can result in inflammation. That usually means that the area will be itchy for as long as it lasts. Using castor oil may reduce inflammation and cut down on itchiness.
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7. It Can Help Wounds Heal
Castor oil has well-known antimicrobial properties so it can help to reduce how long small cuts and bruises heal. With this application, it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor about the safest way to use castor oil on a wound.
8. It Can Keep Your Skin Hydrated
The triglycerides in castor oil can help your skin to maintain its moisture. It does this by reducing how easily the skin’s upper layer loses water.
9. It Can Help To Cleanse Your Skin
According to dermatologists, some of the compounds in castor oil can help with removing dirt and debris from the skin. That leads to a more effective skin-cleaning routine. All you would do is apply the oil before washing or wiping everything off.
10. It Can Maintain Overall Skin Health
The combination of its benefits suggests that using castor oil regularly can lead to healthier skin overall. Including the oil in your routine also means you’ll practice preventive care instead of only using it when something is wrong.
How To Use It
In most cases, you can use castor oil directly on the skin. Some people place the oil on a cotton ball to apply it to specific areas. If you don’t want to use undiluted castor oil, dermatologists suggest combining it with other ingredients such as olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. It’s common to let the oil stay on the skin so it can be absorbed, but you also have the option of removing it after an hour or two. Doing this can be helpful for those who are having a flare-up from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
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Potential Side Effects
While castor oil is generally considered to be safe when used on the skin, it has been known to cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you’ve never used castor oil or products that contain it on your skin, it’s a good idea to apply a small amount to an area of your body that you can assess for an allergic reaction over a 24-hour period. Given how thick castor oil is, it can also make acne worse for those who already have oily skin. In this case, it’s best to use only small amounts of the oil and wash it off thoroughly.
There’s still a lot that researchers don’t know about how castor oil helps the skin. However, many dermatologists recommend it for maintaining healthy skin and soothing the inflammation caused by skin conditions. If you’d like to see the benefits of using this oil, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any specific concerns you might have.
