Dermatologist Explains Castor Oil Benefits for Face that You Must Know

Castor oil is packed with nourishing fatty acids that can help moisturize and hydrate your skin. Not only does it moisturize, but it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent acne and reduce inflammation.

If you struggle with uneven skin tone or dark spots, castor oil can help even out your complexion and fade those pesky spots. Applying castor oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes can also help promote growth, making them appear fuller and longer.

But it’s not all black and white when it comes to incorporating castor oil into your skincare routine.

Let’s understand some more about castor oil and who is it most beneficial for.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Skin and Hair

• Emollient properties: Castor oil is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids and acts as a humectant, which means it retains and holds water and reduces water loss. Hence it acts as a great moisturizer.
• Antioxidant properties: Castor oil contains high levels of fatty acids & vitamin E. These antioxidants can protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and pollutants. 
• Reduces skin inflammation: Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties.
• Promotes wound healing: It is believed that applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out. There are a few case studies that showed the use of castor oils for pressure ulcers. I don’t recommend applying it over any raw surface, but you can massage it over intact tissue to prevent scar formation.

If you prefer listening and watching in real-time, you’ll enjoy this video explaining everything about castor oil in detail.

What are the Beneficial Compounds in Castor Oil?

85-95% of regular castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is known for its potential to improve skin texture and reduce hair loss. Castor oil also contains many good fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid, which work together and provide extra benefits to the hair and skin.

What are the Hair & Eyelash Benefits of Castor oil?

There are no scientific studies that prove that castor oil can regrow hair. It is known to strengthen hair, provide shine, and help with the penetration of any ingredient along with its use. Minoxidil and bimatoprost can be used for the growth of scalp & eyelash hair respectively. A relatively better option with fewer side effects includes the use of peptide-containing lash growth serums.

Can Castor Oil be Used to Treat Wrinkles?

Castor oil contains fatty acids that act as a moisturizer, thereby reducing water loss from the skin. This emollient effect can improve your skin’s texture, thereby reducing fine wrinkles (to be fair, any occlusive moisturizer can do the same). There are very limited studies to suggest castor oil can increase the production of collagen. Retinol & retinoids do a much better job! 

Can Castor Oil Treat Acne?

The most important thing when we think of oils and acne, or any product for that matter, is whether it is comedogenic. That means can it block the pores and cause acne.

Now, the comedogenic potential of castor oil is low, but you will still see that most dermatologists will not prescribe this for acne as there are far better treatments available.

If you wish to use castor oil as part of your skincare routine, you do not have to shy away from it. Castor oil has been shown to help with acne by-

1. Decreasing skin inflammation as this oil is high in ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid of castor oil.
2. The antimicrobial effect of castor oil can decrease the skin’s population of staphylococcus and Corynebacterium acnes, the most harmful bacteria that cause those pus forming boils over the face.

Can Castor Oil Treat Pigmentation?

In theory, castor oil can reduce the effects of UV radiation as it has anti-inflammatory properties, including antioxidant effects. However, there are no studies that have shown its ability to treat pigmentation.

In general, it is very difficult to get rid of any form of pigmentation.

There are much better skin care products to treat pigmentation & accelerate skin lightening such as vitamin C, azelaic acid, & kojic acid. 

What is the Difference Between Regular and Black Castor oil?

Both regular and black castor oil are derived from the castor plant -Ricinus communis.

But how they are derived is what sets them apart.

Regular castor oil is produced through a process called cold pressing. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant by pressing them without roasting or subjecting them to high temperatures. The seeds are mechanically pressed to extract the oil.

For Black Castor oil, the beans are subjected to an intense amount of heat, which introduces ash and gives that black color to castor oil. The claim is that the ash is beneficial to your skin and scalp. 

However, no scientific data supports it. We know for a fact that the cold-pressing method of extracting regular castor oil helps retain the natural properties and nutrients of the oil, and hence regular castor oil is considered a less processed form of castor oil compared to Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

How to Include Castor Oil in Your Skincare Regimen?

I avoid direct application of castor oil over the skin. It is too thick and is not the best replacement for a moisturizer. It is sensible to add 1-2 drops of castor oil to your moisturizer and apply it all over your face and neck.

Which Castor Oil do I recommend as a dermatologist?

Ideally, it is best to get castor oil that is available in a dark glass bottle, is cold-pressed, and is hexane-free. There are great options available today. These are the ones I use and am fond of:

1. USDA Certified Organic, 100% Pure, Cold Pressed, Hexane Free
2. 100% Pure & Expeller-Pressed Hexane-Free Castor Oil
3. Organic Castor Oil, Glass Bottle, Cold Pressed

The Verdict

• Regular castor oil works just as well as the black version.
• Castor oil is a good addition to your skincare routine if you want added moisturization.

Being mindful of what products you choose and what ingredients they contain can help you tremendously in your journey towards clear skin.

What you consume in terms of your diet and other lifestyle factors plays an equally important role in achieving glowing skin and overall radiant health. Here is a quick starter guide towards the Top 5 Supplements to Improve Longevity.

Being proactive in our choices today can ensure better overall health for years.

If you struggle with stubborn weight, fatigue, skin issues, or other health problems and feel like you’ve reached a plateau with your healing, check out our telehealth integrative health consultation.

In my telehealth integrative health clinic, we go the extra mile to uncover all areas of your health that can contribute to your skin and overall health problems.

Even though health problems can be overwhelming, we aim to walk with you on your journey to better health naturally.

Till then,

Continue to glow, thrive, and shine as always.

Sending lots of healthy and happy wishes your way. ?

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