Castor Oil For Skin: Properties and Benefits

Using castor oil for skin problems and for repair of dry skin is becoming increasingly popular because of the oil’s emollient properties. It is also know as the best oil for skin problems.

Castor oil has been used as a skin and hair cosmetic for thousands of years, starting from the Ancient Egyptians who believed that the product could improve the condition of their skin. Today, the oil is commonly used as an ingredient in many cosmetics such as skin creams and lip balms. It has also been given approval by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel as a safe ingredient to use. The best thing about it is that it is organic, making it healthy to use on the skin.

Properties of Castor Oil For Skin

The oil makes up about 50% of the castor seed in terms of weight. The oil consists of a mixture of unsaturated fatty acids such as ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and dihydroxystearic acid. The ricinoleic acid within the oil acts as an emollient and it also has remarkable antimicrobial properties which make it very effective against acne.

Different Benefits of Castor Oil For Skin

• Against Skin Diseases – The triglyceride fatty acids within the oil such as ricinoleic acid is well known for its antimicrobial action. Therefore, this makes it powerful against skin infections such as eczema, dermatitis, and skin rashes. Even people who are suffering from skin inflammation, irritation and itching are generally advised to apply some of the oil to the skin to ease the discomfort. It is even known to be effective against ringworms and fungal infections present in the fingers and toes. For skin diseases, a cloth soaked in castor oil is wrapped around the affected area and left overnight.
• Against Dry Skin – Aside from its antibacterial properties, the oil can also prevent against dryness of the skin because it helps lock in moisture in the epidermis. It is beneficial during the winter season in the prevention of dry and cracked heels. The oil should be massaged on the ankle and feet then soaked in warm water to regain the softness of the skin.
• Against Skin Moles – Surprisingly, castor oil has also been known to treat moles, which is an abnormality on the skin also termed as dark spots. Moles are usually removed surgically, however castor oil is one of the few natural remedies against it. A paste is made from a pinch of baking soda and a small amount of castor oil. The past is applied on the mole and allowed to stay overnight. This application should be repeated daily until the moles are removed.
• Against Acne – And finally, one of the most common skin problems among people is acne. Topical application of the oil on the affected area can help purify the skin. It can also be found as a common ingredient in many anti-acne soaps.

Utilizing castor oil for skin is a cost efficient way of treating skin problems, dry skin, and basically improving the overall condition of the body’s largest organ.