There is a broad list of castor oil applications for your skin, nails, and hair, yet it might not help with hair growth.
Despite the numerous ways castor oil can improve your hair, skin, and nails, it hasn't received as much attention from the wellness community as other well-known oils like grapeseed, coconut and sunflower.
Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Preston Dermatology + Skin Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina, explains that “castor oil is made from the castor bean, which is the seed of the Ricinus communis plant. Although the plant is actually indigenous to tropical Eastern Africa, it has made it across the globe and is now found in the southeast of the United States.”
Solomon claims that because castor oil is high in omega-6, omega-9, and vitamin E, it is a nourishing and hydrating substance. Because of the high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil, it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. This makes it a versatile beauty oil with a wide range of topical applications.
1. Improve Your Hair Quality (but Not Growth)
The idea that castor oil can make your hair grow is a myth that circulates online, but there is no solid scientific evidence to support it. According to a 2003 research, the main advantage of castor oil for hair is that it promotes shine, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Robinson of Westport, Connecticut. "While people cite anecdotal evidence for hair growth, there are no actual studies to back this up."
Solomon agrees and continues, "While I can't say that it would hurt your hair growth effort, it is not scientifically proven to be an effective way to stimulate your follicles."
However, you can immediately add castor oil to the ends of your hair to help seal the cuticle and prevent the development of dry, split ends. Additionally, you can use it all over your hair to reduce frizz and enhance gloss. You only need a very small amount, and you can use it on either wet or dry hair.
2. Nix Dandruff and Moisturize Your Scalp
Castor oil can also be utilized as a cheap scalp treatment due to how hydrating it is and how anti-inflammatory it is. "Massaging it into your scalp can help keep the area hydrated and also helps with dandruff, rashes, and irritation," advises Dr. Solomon. Castor oil is beneficial to your hair treatment in that sense. For a more opulent sensation, combine the oil with a scalp massager.
3. Moisturize Anywhere on Your Body
Castor oil can serve as a thick, quick-hydrating moisturizer for dry, flaky skin on your arms, legs, neck, lips, or abdomen, as well as for post-shave dryness, or cracked heels. Being a humectant, it draws moisture to the area where it is applied. The result is moisturized, balanced, and touchably soft skin.
4. Soften Your Cuticles
Dr. Solomon advises using castor oil as an alternative to avoid dryness, peeling, and ripping of the cuticles. She particularly advises using it right away following a manicure or pedicure. Alternatively, keep a tiny bottle of castor oil next to your desk or in your handbag for a little cuticle hydration throughout the day. You may also apply castor oil to your cuticles before bed. Castor oil can help prevent infection from spreading to damaged cuticles because it is both an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial.
5. Soothe Sunburned Skin
Castor oil is another potent ingredient you can try if Ms. Sunshine gets the best of you, even though aloe receives most of the attention when it comes to sunburn soothing remedies (which it deserves). Direct application of castor oil to burnt skin causes a little cooling feeling that immediately relieves the excruciating prickly discomfort. Ricinoleic acid, meantime, can aid in lessening ongoing inflammation.
6. Heal Wounds, Inflammation, and Rashes
Castor oil can be used to tiny wounds, rashes, and other inflamed regions of skin to reduce swelling, redness, irritation, and pain, much like how it helps calm your skin after getting a bit too much sun. Needless to say, visiting the doctor should be your top priority if you're experiencing a persistent problem, excruciating pain, or significant wounds.
7. Combat Acne
Castor oil is a little-known remedy for acne. You may spot-treat zits, blackheads, and whiteheads using this product's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, or you can apply a thin layer to your face as a moisturizer and acne treatment. Before using it on the rest of your face, our doctors advise performing a spot test in a discrete location—behind your ear or under your chin is ideal.
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