‘You look like a million bucks.’
Is there anyone who doesn’t light up at such lovely compliments? Because, let’s face it, we all want to look good. Not supermodel-pretty, no, but there is no denying the charm in being presentable and well turned out. Being that way takes work, though. And money. After all, not everyone can afford a closet the size of H&M, right?
Image: Shutterstock
But what if I told you that you needn’t shell out a fortune and yet make heads turn? The quest for flawless skin doesn’t need to be an El Dorado because you can gift yourself healthy, perfect skin right from the comfort of your home!
How, you ask?
Castor Oil To The Rescue
Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). Native to India and Africa, castor oil has been hailed across centuries for its potent analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It derives these properties due to the presence of ricinoleic acid, a highly unusual monounsaturated fatty acid that makes up nearly 90% and above of castor oil. Headache? Joint pains? Rashes? Constipation? Acne? Ringworms? It is the presence of this ricinoleic acid, along with other fatty acids and esters, that helps castor oil be the panacea to all your troubles.
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20 Benefits of Using Castor Oil For Face
If you’re wondering why on earth would you want to dab a thick, viscous, unappealing OIL on your face, I don’t hold you wrong. But, before you write off the popularity of castor oil as just another flash in the pan, stop. Given below are a list of over 20 benefits of using castor oil on the face alone. Read through and see if it doesn’t make you want to try castor oil for yourself today (number one caught me by surprise too!).
20. Eczema – Itchy, scaly rash that heralds a goodbye to all your saucy summer clothes.
Eczema is a skin condition in which the skin becomes itchy and scaly in patches. Also known as dermatitis, it occurs due to a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental triggers.
19. Freckles – Should have listened to your mother when she asked you to not stay out in the sun too long.
Freckles are brown spots or marks that are usually seen on people with a fair complexion (though dark complexioned people may have them too). They occur due to an overproduction of the pigment melanin by skin cells.
18. Moles – Never welcome, whether in the garden or on the face.
Moles are black or brown spots that develop on the skin, usually within the first 25-30 years of a person’s life. Their color darkens with age and/or exposure to the sun. They are different from freckles in that, unlike freckles, they are caused due to the skin cells growing in a cluster instead of being spread over the skin.
17. Oily Skin – When your skin produces enough oil to attract the attention of a Japanese whaler.
Oily skin is caused due to excess production of oil (sebum) by the sebaceous glands present under the skin. The activity of these glands particularly spikes during the teenage years when the presence of androgen signals these glands to mature. Oily skin that persists into adulthood may be due to hereditary factors.
16. Warts – Why you ought to be careful before kissing that good looking guy from Chem class.
Warts are small, fleshy bumps that appear on the skin. They are contagious and are caused due to the human papillomavirus. There are different kinds of warts, all contagious, that are caused by different strains of the same virus.
15. Skin Inflammation – Your skin looking like it’s celebrating Christmas early.
As the first barrier of defence against any injury or infection, the skin undergoes a lot of stress from foreign elements. The symptoms of these may show up on the skin as a swelling, rash or redness that may or may not be accompanied by pain.
14. Sagging Skin – The time you start considering a botox treatment seriously.
The skin starts to sag due to the loss of collagen and elastin from the dermis. Underlying structures like soft tissue and bone lose volume too, causing the skin to lose elasticity and appear like it’s drooping.
13. Cysts – Your acne coming at you, guns blazing.
Cysts are an extreme case of Acne Vulgaris. They show up on the skin as deep, large, pus-filled bumps that are painful to the touch and stay for months.
12. Scars – ‘No scars to your beautiful, we’re stars and we’re beautiful’
The skin, as discussed earlier, undergoes a lot of stress on a daily basis. Occasionally, the skin gets damaged, in which case new collagen fibers are produced to cover the damage. This results in the formation of a scar.
11. Age Spots – Your skin starting to undergo a mid-life crisis!
Also known as liver spots, age spots occur in older adults due to exposure to the sun. These spots may be gray, brown or black in color and appear due to the production of excess melanin in the skin.
10. Blemishes – Red, blue umm thingumajigs?
Smooth, flawless skin is a life’s quest for many. A blemish is a loose term used to describe any bump or scar that mars the appearance of skin that is mostly clear and smooth.
9. Skin Whitening – #youarebetterthanthis #blackisbeautiful
Skin tone or skin color depends on the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes – cells of the skin that produce the melanin pigment. The amount of pigment produced by your body depends on hereditary factors.
8. Wrinkles – A. Takes one look in the mirror. B. Dies.
As people age, the skin starts to lose collagen, causing it to become drier and less elastic. This leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
7. Spider Veins – When itsy-bitsy spider decided to cast its web on you.
Spider veins are small, tiny blood vessels that may be red, blue or purple in color and are visible through the skin. Usually seen to occur on the face and limbs.
6. Facial Glow – HE PROPOSED!!!
It’s interesting to note how glowing faces are always associated with joyous occasions. This is because when we are happy, our hormone levels spike, and there’s a rush of blood to the face. But regular massage with oils can help you achieve this effect too by stimulating the blood vessels of the face.
5. Smooth Skin – The kind of frictionless surface Da Vinci would envy!
One that is healthy and free of blemishes, scars, acne, pimple marks – the holy grail of dermatology in short.
4. Cleansing – What our cavemen ancestors fell short on.
Cleansing is a must-do if you want good skin. The daily dirt and pollution causes dust and debris to collect deep under the skin, clogging the pores and hair follicles. If not removed, it can lead to outbreaks on the skin such as whiteheads, blackheads, acne, etc.
3. Moisturizing – For skin as soft as a baby’s bum.
For each time that you cleanse, you also need to moisturize in order to replenish the skin’s natural oils and prevent it from getting dry and parched.
2. Pimples – See #1
Acne and pimples aren’t necessarily the same thing. A pimple is a form of acne that is caused when the clogged pores get infected by bacteria or yeast.
1. Acne – GET. OUT. *rushes to the drug store to get some castor oil.
Occurs when hair follicles get clogged by excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells.
How To Use Castor Oil For The Face
Depending on whether you’re suffering from acne/pimples, have moles or warts, or are just looking for radiant skin, there are multiple ways in which castor oil can be used on the face. In fact, did you know that most cosmetics you use contain castor oil? Watch out for an ingredient named ‘ricinus communis’ the next time you check the back.
1. Castor Oil Cleanse Method
If you suffer from a bad case of acne or pimples, or are simply looking for a deep cleansing and moisturizing routine, this one’s for you. You can use castor oil for face wrinkles, facial scars and even to get rid of blemishes too. The Vitamin E and other fatty acids present in this oil encourage the production of collagen and elastin, thereby reducing wrinkles and scar marks to make you look as young as you feel. Try this method twice a day for best results.
Note – In case of cystic or nodular acne, consult a dermatologist before trying anything. Read our article on ‘Castor Oil For Acne’ for more information on the same.
A. You Will Need (for the most basic variant of this method)
- Castor Oil, 100 ml
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), 100ml
- Washcloth
- Hot Water
B. How To Do This
1. Prepare a 50/50 blend of castor oil with EVOO by mixing the two. Store it in a bottle for further use.
2. Take a small amount of the blend in your hand and gently massage it into your face. Avoid scrubbing hard (remember, your skin is not your enemy).
3. Soak a washcloth in hot water and cover your face with it till it comes down to room temperature. This process helps to open your pores so that the debris can be pulled out.
4. Massage the oil into your face again and repeat the process with the washcloth. This step can be repeated as many times as you wish (depending on how much time you have at hand).
5. Once you’re done steaming, use the washcloth to wipe the oil off your face. This step helps to remove the debris and dead skin cells from your face.
6. Wash your face with cold water to close your pores and pat dry.
While the method stated above is the most basic variant of the oil cleanse method, the ratios of the oils can be adjusted as per your skin type.
For Oily Skin – Since EVOO is a heavy oil, consider reducing the amount of EVOO to 25% and increasing castor oil to 75%. You could do away with EVOO completely too (and use just the castor oil) or substitute it for a lighter oil such as grapeseed oil.
For Dry Skin – A ratio of 75% EVOO to 25% castor oil can give good results.
2. Castor Oil Pack
If you’d rather not use castor oil overnight on your face, consider using a castor oil pack instead. The application of heat as seen in this method helps in quicker absorption of castor oil by the skin. Try this method twice a day for best results.
A. You Will Need
- A bottle of hexane-free castor oil
- A piece of cloth- flannel or cotton
- A bowl of hot water
B. How To Do This
- Wash your face with a mild face wash and hot water. This step helps in removing the superficial dirt and dead skin while also opening the pores.
- Warm the castor oil in a microwave or over a stove. Use a glass dish if microwaving.
- Soak the piece of cloth in the warm castor oil thoroughly. Wring to remove excess oil.
- Cover face with castor oil-soaked cloth. Keep it on for half an hour to 45 minutes.
- Wash the castor oil off with baking soda mixed in water. Mild face washes could be used too.
- Use cold water to close the pores. Pat skin dry.
3. Use Castor Oil Topically
When it comes to warts and other skin troubles caused by infections, there can be no better savior than castor oil. The presence of a biochemical agent, undecylenic acid, helps arrest the growth of fungus while other components such as ricinoleic acid help stave off bacteria and other infection-causing microorganisms. Try it to believe it. You may thank us later!
In case of moles, warts or other infection-caused boils
A. You Will Need
- A bottle of hexane-free castor oil
- Ear buds
B. How To Do This
- Wash your face with a mild face wash and hot water. This step helps in removing the superficial dirt and dead skin while also opening the pores.
- Warm a small amount of castor oil in a bowl.
- Dip an ear bud in the warm oil and use it to apply the oil to any warts/skin tags/moles or other boils.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash off the next morning with cold water and a mild face wash/baking soda mixed in water.
Castor oil can be used as a standalone or in combination with other natural products. Check out the list below to find a comprehensive guide to the different kinds of natural products you can use to make a home remedy that’s tailor-made for you!
Natural Products To Use In Combination With Castor Oil
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re serious about using chemical-free products on your face, chances are you’ve heard of the goodness of ACV. Just a splash of ACV is enough to leave you feeling younger and more rejuvenated than you’ve ever been. The alpha hydroxy acids present in ACV help remove dead skin while the malic acid present in it is a potent antimicrobial agent. To be used in diluted form only.
2. Aloe Vera
A common garden/potted plant, aloe vera is a multi-purpose plant. The goodness of two hormones – auxins and gibberellins – help promote wound healing and soothe skin inflammation, which makes it an excellent home remedy for sunburns, eczema, acne, etc.
3. Jojoba Oil
Due to its similarity to human sebum, jojoba helps regulate the natural production of oil by the skin. A great alternative for people with oily/acne prone skin. Wonderful product for use in winters – helps reduce chapping of skin and itchiness caused due to dryness.
4. Lemon Juice
A powerful bleaching agent, lemon juice can instantly brighten up your skin. The vitamin C and citric acid present in lemons work well in removing tan while its antimicrobial properties help in fighting acne and pimple-causing bacteria.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fantastic for rehydrating the skin and keeping it moisturized, this heavy oil helps to dispel the dryness caused by castor oil. Full of antioxidants that leave your skin looking younger and brighter. Avoid use or use in smaller quantities in case of oily skin.
6. Argan Oil
An exotic oil derived from the Argan trees of Morocco, argan oil is a fantastic skin hydrant. Thanks to its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, it makes a great natural moisturizer. Its non-greasy nature and propensity to be absorbed deeply by the skin give it high marks on the ease of application scale.
7. Olive Oil
Another DIY beauty product favorite, olive oil is packed with antioxidants and squalene that leave your skin feeling younger like never before. Can be used as a standalone product for not just skin but hair and nails too.
8. Coconut Oil
Much like castor oil, coconut oil too is packed with a bunch of benefits enough to wow any home remedy enthusiast. The lauric acid present in coconut oil helps heal dry and cracked skin. Coconut oil has also been reported to be a potent home remedy for skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Great oil to mix with castor oil, it is both cheap and easily available.
9. Zinc
Zinc, when used in combination with oils, has been found to boost immune function and thus control inflammatory reactions. This makes it a great product to use for dealing with rashes, sunburns, and acne.
10. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is loaded with antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage that makes your skin look aged and tired. Using an oil in combination with Vitamin E can lighten and brighten up your skin considerably.
Now, we know you’re excited, but hold on.
Check to see whether or not you’re allergic to castor oil by doing the PATCH TEST.
Apply a small amount of castor oil on your wrist or forearm. If the area gets inflamed (turns red and/or develops rashes/bumps), you’re allergic to castor oil, and further use is not recommended. Consulting a physician before trying anything is always advised.
So there you have it – your personal compendium on why to use castor oil for face, how to use it, and everything in between. We hope we answered all your queries. If not, watch out for the next article in this series!
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