You may have heard of it, you may haven't, but castor oil is one of the most frequently mentioned names when talking about natural skin-care products. You will find that it's beneficial for many conditions, from skin problems, hair problems, and wrinkles to digestives issues like constipation. We can call it the superhero of natural remedies.
It shouldn't come as a surprise since people have been using it since the days of Ancient Egypt, around 6000 years ago. According to the earliest texts from this culture, castor oil was used to protect the eyes from irritation - people even believed Cleopatra used it to whiten her eyeballs.
Another interesting piece of information is that traveling doctors from the 1800s promoted and tried to sell castor oil as the cure to almost anything. They even used it as a medicine that supposedly induced labor - although we should say that there is no research that confirms this effect even now, in the 21st century. Most of us now, we know castor oil as a laxative.
But, stay tuned, because castor oil is more than just a laxative - it can really help you solve those annoying acne once and for all!
Let's find out more!
Some people say castor oil is an elixir for gorgeous hair and youthful skin. Castor oil is a yellowish liquid that comes from crushing the seeds of the castor plant. It originates from the Ethiopian region of East Africa, India, and South America. Today it can be found growing in many tropical regions around the world. In 2002, it was used in more than 900 cosmetic products.
Ricinus communis is the Latin name for the oil, and the ricinoleic acid is the primary source of healing benefits. It is believed that it prevents bacteria and virus growth by increasing white blood cells and antibodies, while the high amount of vitamins and antioxidants help the skin regenerate itself.
The name "castor oil" probably comes from castoreum. Castoreum was a perfume base derived from dried perineal glands of the beaver. Castor oil is believed to be the ethical replacement for the castoreum.
Over the years it got another common name - "palm of Christ", because of its reputation for healing wounds and curing ailments.
Taking advantage of its many benefits, the manufacturing industry has taken over castor oil. Today you can find it in soaps, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, shampoos, beauty, and health products.
First, the seeds are dried out and the tough shell is removed. After that, the seeds are pressed as to release the oil. Sometimes the gathered oil undergoes a purification process for better quality. Finally, it's packed and ready for sale.
Disclaimer: Please, have in mind that the ricin in the plant is highly toxic and you shouldn't try to make it at home. In fact, ricin is estimated to be 6,000 times more deadly than cyanide, and 12,000 times more deadly than rattlesnake venom.
When it comes to skin problems and acne, castor oil is used as a treatment because it reduces inflammation, it moisturizes the skin, and it helps the skin maintain a healthy pH balance.
The ricinoleic acid has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Meaning the oil can kill any bacteria and other organisms that are causing redness and swollenness. Additionally, the oil can act as preventative care against dead cells while also improving the blood flow in the face.
Castor oil is filled with fatty acids which are the main culprits for its healing properties when it comes to acne scarring. With regular use, you can reduce the scarring and prevent new scars from developing.
It could be argued that the oil is better for acne than meds or over the counter spot treatments because these often need to quickly dry out the skin so they can heal the blemish - but they do nothing to remove the bacteria that caused the acne in the first place.
It can also be better than antibiotics - antibiotics are known to kill the good bacteria on the skin, which can sometimes lead to serious infections.
Unlike these, castor oil is a natural, safe, and effective way to treat acne.
Research on Ricinus Communis is very limited. There is no scientific proof of benefits for using castor oil on the face, although there is considerable anecdotal “evidence”.
Typically, the oil is applied directly to the skin, using a cotton ball. If that’s too general for you, here are some specific methods of application and some recipes ideas:
Step 1: Clean and cleanse your face. Make sure you don't have any dirt or clogged pores before applying the oil.
Step 2: Take a cotton ball and gently massage the oil on the face.
Step 3: Wait for 10 minutes. Leave it until you feel that your skin has absorbed it...
Step 4: Wash your face gently.
Frequency: Every day.
Step 1: Clean your face.
Step 2: Mix an equal amount of both, castor and olive oil and then apply to face. Massage it gently for better absorption.
Step 3: Leave it overnight.
Step 4: Wipe and wash your face with cold water in the morning.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
Step 1: Boil a pot of water and place on a table under your head. Cover yourself with a towel in order to steam your face. The heat and humidity will help the pores open.
Step 2: Take a cotton ball and gently massage your face with castor oil.
Step 3: Leave it overnight.
Step 4: Wash it tomorrow with cold water.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
Step 1: Clean your face and make sure it’s dry before applying the paste.
Step 2: Make a paste by mixing the oil with the soda.
Step 3: Cover the critical areas where there are acne breakouts or scarring.
Step 4: Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it with cold water.
Frequency: Every day.
Step 1: Mix together 2 drops of almond oil, 2 drops of castor oil, and one drop of camphor oil.
Step 2: Apply it to the affected area, with your fingertips or a cotton ball, and massage it gently.
Step 3: Leave it overnight.
Step 4: Wash it with warm water in the morning.
Frequency: Every day until your skin clears, and then once a week for prevention.
Step 1: Mix together one tablespoon of castor oil and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 2: Apply it to your face using your hands and massage it gently for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Soak a washcloth in lukewarm water and tap it lightly on your face.
Step 4: Repeat step 2 and step 3 a few times and then scrub the face with the washcloth.
Step 5: Wash with cold water.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
Aside from being a major component against the battle with acne, castor oil has many additional benefits.
Castor Oil is gaining popularity by the minute. More and more people are convinced and speak about its healing properties, whether it's for acne, stomach problems, or beauty.. Part of what makes it so popular is because it’s easy to find and affordable - and everybody likes affordable skincare. You can buy it in any skin care or beauty shop that sells natural oils.
However, if you decide to test it out as a protection method against those annoying pimples, be careful not to overdo it!
