Castor Oil for Acne: Solution to Your Skin Problems

Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from seeds of the castor oil plant. The oil is used for different purposes, including skin and hair care. It is also recommended to use castor oil for acne treatment. Let’s find out how the oil works and how to apply it to get rid of acne.

What is acne?

As Wikipedia states acne is a result of the follicles blockage. They are blocked when the hormones stimulate the production of too much sebum. The sebum clogs the pores. When bacteria enter the pores it leads to inflammation and acne as a result.

QUESTION ANSWERED: Does Coconut Oil Help for Acne?

Benefits of castor oil for acne

Castor oil is rich in the ricinoleic acid. It is an omega-9 fatty acid with strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This ricinoleic acid performs several functions at once making castor oil effective for acne treatment.

 1. Cleaning the skin

First of all, castor oil cleans the face. It is used by many people as a face wash (see castor oil face wash recipe) and in a face cleansing method. The oil removes the dead cells from the skin and doesn’t dry out the skin like soap.

2. Reducing inflammation

Wikipedia states that the ricinoleic acid has the anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, castor oil calms down the inflamed skin and stops inflammation.

3. Fighting bacteria

Castor oil is also considered antibacterial. It fights bacteria causing outbreaks of acne.

The oil may be used to reduce acne scars. It won’t remove the scars completely but it can diminish them.

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How to use castor oil for acne treatment

Castor oil for acne is applied in a special way. It is called as the oil cleansing method. Before applying castor oil conduct a patch test to make sure that you have no reaction to castor oil.

You will need:

warm water, cloth and castor oil.

Step 1

The oil cleansing is conducted before going to bed. You should heat up the water in a pot. When the water is steaming it is ready for use. Put the pot in front of you, place the face above the steaming water and cover your head with a blanket or towel. The steaming water will help open your pores.

Step 2

Now you need a cloth. Soak it in the hot water and continue rubbing your face with this cloth for several minutes. After that add two tsps of castor oil on the cloth and massage your face with the oil. Make circular movements. You may add a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil beneficial for acne treatment as well.

Step 3

Rinse your face with warm water and dry with a clean towel or cloth. You need to remove the excess of oil from your face. After that splash the face with cold water to close the pores.
In case of the sensitive skin consult your doctor before application. You may mix castor oil with your usual oil to reduce the risk of reactions. You may use olive oil.  When you are treating the skin against acne avoid cosmetics, face creams and other skin care products. If the oil causes skin rashes, itching, burning feelings, stop using it.