Castor Oil Treatment
Castor oil is a popular ingredient in skin care and acne soap bars, noted for its moisturizing properties. However, when used by itself, it can often be more effective than the products that contain it, as these often include other synthetic ingredients that can cause more harm than good.
A natural vegetable oil, castor oil comes from the castor bean. Like many herbal oils, its medical use predates modern medicine. Traditionally, castor oil has been used to soothe and treat skin disorders, burns, sunburns, and minor cuts. Due to its molecular weight, this natural oil is able to penetrate deep into the skin, more so than most store-bought moisturizers.
For best results, it is recommended to apply 100% pure castor oil directly. The oil itself can feel a little thick (and even sticky). This is natural, but keep in mind that you don’t want clog your pores or seal in any unwanted bacteria, so be sure to begin by washing your face thoroughly beforehand and patting dry. Apply castor oil lightly over blemish spots (or dry skin areas), allow the oil to seep in for about 30 minutes, and if needed, gently rinse off any that remains. Unlike tea tree oil, castor oil has almost no scent, so you can use it at any time of the day without attracting attention.
By itself, castor oil is a powerful moisturizer, but not an all-in-1 acne cure. As with any moisturizer, applying it too thick can cause problems for your skin, so don’t overdo it. It also makes a great ingredient if you are into crafting homemade soaps. While castor oil will not prevent the root causes of acne formation, it can help existing blemishes heal faster with less risk of scarring, as well as keep your skin cells moisturized and supple, reducing the risk of acne that can be brought on by dry, irritated skin.
