Castor Oil for Skin: The Complete Guide

Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of castor seeds. Known for its moisturisation properties, castor oil is thick in texture and is beneficial for hair, skin and body.

Castor oil is now widely used as an active ingredient in the cosmetic industry as it is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. Here are a few benefits:

• Preventing Wrinkles
  Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. This in result helps slow down aging and delays visible signs of aging.
  
  
• Anti-Aging Solution
  It is the purest and easiest way to deal with anti-aging. Since it keeps the skin moisturised with regular use, this can help to keep the wrinkles and fines line away. It is also suitable to treat blemishes and premature aging.
  
  
• Remove Dark Spots
  Take a few drops of castor oil and an equal number of drops of coconut oil. Mix well and apply to the affected area on the face. Castor oil with coconut oil works best to remove dark spots. This can be applied to dark circles as well.
  
  
• Reduce Puffiness
  Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce swelling and puffiness. It also helps reduce inflamed pimples or eye bags. Take 2 to 3 drops of castor oils, apply it onto the acne gently and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wipe off the extra oil by dabbing the tissue.
  
  
• Moisturiser
  After cleaning the face, always apply a moisturiser, as moisturisation is the only key to healthy skin. Take 1 to 2 drops of castor oil, spread it on fingertips and apply all over the face and neck. Alternatively, it can be mixed with daily moisturiser and applied.
  
  
• Fade Away Stretch Marks
  Castor oil helps fade away stretch marks. For stretch marks, apply castor oil morning and night. Gently massage a liberal amount of this oil into your stretch marks. ... You can make the product more effective by massaging it into your skin, rather than just applying it on top of your scars. This will help the stretch marks heal even better.
  
  
• Lip Balm
  To prepare a perfect lip moisturiser with castor oil, take some amount of beeswax, 1 tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1/2 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply it every morning and night or whenever required. This will help to keep the lips moisturised, hydrated and naturally pink.
  
  
• Eye Care
  Puffiness of the eyes or swelling can be treated with castor oil. Take a few drops of castor oil on the palm or in a bowl and take one earbud. Apply it on the area around the eyes with an earbud or using a ring finger, massage gently in a circular motion. This will enhance blood circulation and relax the eyes. The same can be used on the eyebrows for healthy growth.
  
  
• Joint Pain or Arthritis
  Castor oil has ricinoleic acid that helps to reduce swelling and pain. It can also treat arthritis. To relieve joint pain and arthritis, take some castor oil and heat it. Apply it over the pain area and massage for a few minutes. Use a hot pack after massaging so that oil can be absorbed deeply into the skin layers and a heat pack can also relax the muscles.
  
  
• Body Massage
  Body Massage can keep the body relaxed, prevent stress and can also relieve the body from any pains or muscle stiffness. For the body massage, take some castor oil and add a carrier oil to it. Any essential oil like rose or lavender can also be added, to stop stress and anxiety. Use this mixture for body massage.