Castor oil is considered to be traditional cure for all kinds of skin and hair problems. The oil is extracted from crushing the seeds and has been used as a centuries old natural remedy use by traditional healers for inflammation and bacterial infections.
Contents:
- Castor Oil to Prevent Acne and Blackheads
- Castor Oil to Avoid Fungal Infections
- How to Remove Stretch Marks with Castor Oil
- Castor Oil to Reduce Scars
- Acne Treatment with Castor Oil
- Castor Oil in Massage Therapy
- Castor Oil to Get Rid of Wrinkles
- How to Heal Sunburn and Skin Itches with Castor Oil
- Castor Oil to Get Rid of Eye Circles
In the present time, its antioxidant properties has been vastly studied and thus it is more commonly used for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. As a beauty care agent for the skin and hair, it is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics, soaps, massage oils etc. Because of its high content of unsaturated fats, it is also used to treat major ailments such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, arthritis and rheumatism.
NOTE: However, because of its efficient activity castor oil is not recommended for pregnant or lactating mother and people who have a weak constitution or are suffering from anemia and diarrhea.
Castor Oil to Prevent Acne and Blackheads
Using castor oil can help deep clean the pores and get rid of blackhead causing debris. In order to use castor oil to deep clean pores, mix it with a light oil like apricot oil, olive oil or jojoba oil and massage it into your facial skin gently and thoroughly. The good fatty acids in castor oil displace the waxy debris that would otherwise cause blackheads and acne. After massage, soak a clean washcloth in lukewarm water, wring out the excess water and apply the hot cloth over your face until it cools. Be careful not to burn your face. You can repeat this steaming process a few more times. This way you remove make-up, dirt, moisturizers and excess oil from the pores and deep clean them while ensuring that the skill does not dry out.
Castor Oil to Avoid Fungal Infections
It has long been used as a treatment against fungal infections, especially ringworms and yeast infection, a common skin problem that may affect you at any age. Athletes foot is more common in people with unhygienic habits. Castor oil has a biochemical called undecylenic acid which helps retard fungal growth.
Castor oil is generally mixed with coconut oil and the mixture is applied over the affected area and kept overnight. The procedure is to be repeated until cured. Castor oil also helps to rejuvenate the skin in the affected area and prevents formation of scars.
How to Remove Stretch Marks with Castor Oil
Stretch marks not only occur due to distension of the skin. This is the result of healing of elastin and collagen fibers after microtrauma (scarring).
Their appearance happens because of increased secretion of cortisol, a hormone that is the adrenal cortex. Hypersecretion of it leads to stretching, thinning, and then to breakage of the skin fibers with the appearance of stretch marks as a consequence.
Another reason that can cause skin fiber breakage and subsequent scarring is poor regenerative capacity of the skin or its lack of elasticity. When the skin internal fibers gets microtrauma, in that area scar (connective) tissue appears.
Stretch marks on the buttocks, breasts, thighs or abdomen appear for the following reasons: pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations or puberty. Athletes, pregnant women and young people who quickly begin to put on more body weight are also exposed to stretch marks appearance. An important role is also played by genetics inclination, if in one’s family there is any woman who has stretch marks, so the possibility to have stretch marks for close relative to that woman goes significantly up. Another reason for stretch marks – endocrine diseases or hormone replacement therapy.
If you wish to get rid of those ugly stretch marks on your stomach or thighs just rub castor oil over them and then wrap them in a thick cloth or plastic wrap to allow the oil to soak in. Of course, as all natural remedies, this procedure takes time and must be applied regularly.
Castor oil is also known to induce labour. However, using castor oil, especially ingesting it, is not recommended for pregnant women, because of its effectiveness in causing uterine contractions. It is advisable that you consult your doctor regarding this.
Castor Oil to Reduce Scars
Castor oil help to soften and remove external and internal scars.
If you have a scar from an old injury that refuses to go after all these years, you can try using castor oil on it. The fatty acids in the oil penetrate through the epidermal skin layers over the scar tissue and erase it out while at the same time promoting growth of new cells. Slowly, but surely, it will get rid of the scar permanently.
Acne Treatment with Castor Oil
Ricinoleic acid in castor oil helps to fight cystic acne-causing bacteria naturally and safely. To treat acne with castor oil, you should first wash you face with warm water which will help you open skin pores and then either apply the oil topically over your problem areas or massage it into the skin in circular motions. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning. You will notice that the blemishes will have reduced significantly. However, you must take care to not use too much oil on your face as this might clog the pores and create more problems for your skin.
Castor Oil in Massage Therapy
Castor oil has a lot of health benefits for the body, and not just for the skin. It helps to relieve joint and muscle pain, relaxing muscle tension, digestion and improve blood circulation. These qualities make it ideal to be used in massage therapy. You may also self massage it into your scalp or body and leave it overnight for the healing properties of the oil to sink in. But be mindful that the oil leaves stains on fabric, so maybe use old bed sheets and clothes when preparing for the massage.
Castor Oil to Get Rid of Wrinkles
Obvious benefits of castor oil for skin beauty. This natural cosmetics is rich in antioxidants that prevent premature aging of the skin and has a rejuvenating effect. Regular use of castor oil makes it possible to make the skin more clean, fresh and glowing, to eliminate problems such as dryness and flaking and smooth fine lines.
The fatty acids in castor oil can easily penetrate through the skin layers and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This not only repairs and softens your skin, but also delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, giving you a younger, smoother and softer look.
Castor oil is the best inexpensive botox treatment you can get, and it works especially well for crow’s feet or dark circles around the eyes. Apply it on your face immediately after you have washed your face and before going to bed, this will help the oil to be soaked into the skin easily.
Castor oil is also useful to treat styes or oil gland infections on the eyelid. Apply a small drop with your finger tip on the area at least 2 or three times a day. The high vitamin E content found in castor oil is also excellent for brittle nails and rough cuticles. You should notice a startling difference if you continue massaging the oil into your fingers for two to three months.
How to Heal Sunburn and Skin Itches with Castor Oil
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of castor oil make it ideal for treatment of rashes, itches and bug bites. It also helps to soothe skin in case of sunburn. If the affected area is small, you can soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the area. For larger areas, dip a wad of cotton in castor oil and apply it directly to the affected skin area. Leave it for an hour (or overnight for itches and sunburns) and wash off after. Repeat this frequently during the day to get faster results.
Castor Oil to Get Rid of Eye Circles
Not only is castor oil rich in fatty acids, the fatty acids can easily be absorbed into the layers, thus removing dry patches and dark eye circles and restoring hydration to the skin. The unique combination of fatty acids in castor oil makes it an important ingredient in the skincare industry.
However, overuse of castor oil or castor oil containing lotions as a moisturizer might be detrimental to the health of your skin. The ideal quantity for single use is two to three drops. Be careful to use the castor oil available in health or medicine stores only, as the industrial variety is not very refined and may cause more damage to your skin.