5 Benefits and uses of castor oil for beauty

Castor oil is an oil from the castor plant (riccnius communis) which is often used for medical purposes. Usually this oil is taken by mouth as a laxative and is used to induce labor. However, in 2002 this oil was used as one of the basic ingredients for cosmetic products. What are the benefits of castor oil for skin and facial beauty? Check out the following explanation.

Benefits of castor oil for beauty

Reporting from Healthline, a 2012 study found a large antioxidant and antibacterial effect in castor seed oil. The chemical composition of this oil has also been recognized by scientists. About 90 percent of this oil is made from ricinoleic acid, which is a potent fatty acid. Here are the benefits of castor seed oil for facial skin that you need to know.

1. Prevent acne

Reporting from Live Strong, North Carolina State University has proven that castor bean extract contains acids that can break down the oils in the face that clog glands and pores and contain antibacterials that can kill acne-causing bacteria.

2. Prevents wrinkles

Free radicals accelerate the aging process and make wrinkles appear on the face faster. Castor oil contains antioxidants that can fight free radicals and prevent wrinkles on the face.

3. Treating dry lips

If you have dry lips, using this oil as a lip balm can treat dry lips. This oil contains emollients that are great for dry skin. Therefore, this oil is widely used for making lipsticks and lip gloss.

4. Moisturizes the skin

The emollient and triglyceride content in castor beans keeps the skin moist and prevents dry skin or peeling skin. In addition, this oil has humectant properties, that is, it can draw moisture from the air into the skin and keep the skin hydrated. Moisturized skin will look clean, soft, and healthy.

5. Reduces inflammation and swelling

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain and flaking skin from sunburn. Then, it helps treat swelling in inflamed pimples and swollen eye bags.

How do you use castor oil for your face?

This oil is very thick and dense, you can mix it with coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or shea butter before applying it on the face. This makes it easier for the skin to fully absorb this oil. Here are the steps to use castor seed oil on the face:

Clean your face first.
Mix castor oil with a moisturizer or other oil.
Apply the oil mixture on your face and massage your facial skin.
Let stand for one to three minutes.
Then, clean with a cloth previously dipped in warm water.
Do it every night regularly.

Side effects of using castor oil for beauty

How sensitive and skin type everyone is. Therefore, the best way to avoid side effects is to do a sensitivity test on your skin. Apply a small amount of castor oil to the skin area. In some people, the allergic reaction that appears is a reddish rash and swelling. If after applying it, you don't experience any negative reactions, then you can start using it on your face or lips.

Although castor oil has been approved for use as an ingredient in cosmetic products. However, only a handful of medical studies have tested the benefits of this oil on the face or skin and no studies have evaluated the safety of this oil on the face specifically.