Why Use Castor Oil for Skin Cleansing
There are a lot of other essential oils that work great for the skin. But if you’re looking for a cleansing oil that leaves your skin clearer and brighter, castor oil’s the one for you. Here are some reasons why you should change your products to natural formulas!
Risks of Facial Cleansers
When you wash the face, you’re trying to remove the dirt and impurities on the surface. But sometimes, they also clog the pores. Simply washing the face with water does not help. But sometimes, you’ll notice that after a good scrubbing with a chemical formula, you feel that the skin feels tight and squeaky.
You might think it’s a good thing, but this is where you’re wrong. The skin produces its own natural moisture called sebum. This comes in the form of an oil that protects the skin from getting too dry. Using harsh face cleansers strip them off the skin. It can be the root of various problems such as pimples or breakouts. Facial cleansers need to be effective enough to remove impurities but gentle enough to keep the skin moisturized.
Cleansing Properties of Castor Oil
Castor oil resembles the sebum that the skin produces. This is why it is safe and healthy to use on skin. What makes it a great choice is that it dissolves the oil and dirt clogging the pores to help the skin with their removal. It even leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized after.
Castor oil’s structure is 40% to 60% oil. This is why it is highly moisturizing and good for the skin. It also contains vitamins and minerals that the skin readily absorbs. A unique characteristic of castor oil is that it contains high levels of ricinoleic acid and is considered to be one of the largest sources of this substance. Ricinoleic acid is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of castor oil. There’s also vitamin E to help fight free radicals from damaging the skin.
3 Known Benefits of Cleansing with Castor Oil
Experience the beautiful effects of cleansing with castor oil. It keeps the skin soft, moisturized, and free from acne and pimples. These are the three benefits of using castor oil for skin cleansing.
Dissolves Impurities
Some people think that using castor oil on the face can damage the skin because of its composition. The idea of using an oil as a cleanser is still a new concept. But it is not only safe but also effective in getting rid of the impurities.
Castor oil can dissolve the oils and other dirt clogging the pores. Some formulas can only reach the outermost layer of the skin. It can cause damages when these impurities are left lodged in the pores. They block the sebum that the skin produces which makes them accumulate only to cause inflammation of the skin. This is often how a pimple and acne starts.
Moisturizes and Nourishes Skin
Castor oil is packed with vitamins and omega fatty acids that are all good for skin health. When used on the ski, castor oil delivers these nourishing compounds that boost its functions. It does not only speed up the repairing and healing process of the skin. You can also use it to stimulate cell renewal.
This oil is not just for simple cleansing since it doesn’t have any drying effects. As it cleanses, it replenishes the lacking nutrients and moisture. You get a smooth and fresh skin after cleansing with castor oil without the tight feeling.
Kills Bacteria
Your acne or flaking skin might not just be because of the lack of moisture or nourishment. It can also be due to bacteria that damage the skin. These bacteria can cause acne to spread out all over the face or trigger an infection. Castor oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is effective in preventing and treating symptoms of skin conditions such as breakouts or fungal infections.
The anti-bacterial property of castor oil is potent enough to stop and kill bacteria that cause damage and infections. This bactericidal activity works while the oil seeps into the pores to dissolve the dirt and oil that clogs them.
Soothes Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most common symptoms of skin conditions. It can range from simple puffiness to issues such as acne, and chronic conditions. There are a lot of causes of skin inflammation and most of them are considered diseases. To cleanse the skin means to remove the damaging stuff that can trigger these conditions. As castor oil dissolves the impurities, it also soothes the skin and prevents inflammation from acting up.
Discover more skin issues that you might be suffering from. Go over the cause of each condition and the best solutions to take care of it.
Gentle on Skin
There are different types of skin and even those that are not of the sensitive type should make sure to use gentle cleansers. When you use formulas that are harsh on skin, you put it at risk by introducing possible toxic ingredients. Even normal ingredients can trigger irritation and other allergic reactions for being too harsh. Castor oil is completely safe to use. With proper application, it brings great results.
How to Cleanse Skin with Castor Oil
Cleansing seems like the most basic step of skin care. But it is the foundation that supports the whole routine. With castor oil as your face cleanser, you can enjoy a fresh and moisturized feeling after. Here’s how to properly cleanse the skin with castor oil.
Preparing for Skin Cleansing
- Gentle face towel
- A bowl of hot water
- Castor oil
- Carrier oil of your choice
Remember to use a clean face towel to dry the skin. Other kinds of towels may be too harsh that it can cause small tears on the surface of the skin.
Diluting Castor Oil
Castor oil is also quite potent and to prevent any damage, here are simple rules on diluting castor oil.
- For Dry Skin
- 25% castor oil
- 75% carrier oil
- For Normal and Combination Skin
- 30% castor oil
- 70% carrier oil
- For Oily and Sensitive Skin
- 50% castor oil
- 50% carrier oil
Procedure
Here are the steps in cleansing the face with Argan oil.
- Position the face on top of the bowl of water with enough distance to let the steam reach the skin without getting suffocated.
- Cover the head with the towel and do this for 5 to 15 minutes.
- Pat off any excess moisture on the face and use the dropper to apply a few drops of the mixture on the face. Use enough amount of oil to cover the entire face.
- Use the tips of fingers to massage on the skin in circular motions. You can also spread it to the jaw and upper part of the neck. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pat face dry with the face towel. It does not leave a greasy texture but if you want the full experience, follow up with a gentle foam cleanser.
Tips
Some people think that castor oil is pretty heavy that you can’t use it for oily skin. But it actually has strong antibacterial properties that can dry the skin if not used properly. To counter this effect, you can mix it with essential or carrier oils fit for your skin type.
Remember not to use excessively when pregnant or nursing. Make sure to take precautions when applying on skin. It is also important to prevent it from getting into contact with eyes or lips.
For better results, remember to choose high-quality products. Pure, unrefined castor oil is the best choice. But they are also potentially harsh for the skin. Unrefined castor oil has a light yellow color and a unique scent likened to nutty. Other products that are colorless or odorless may have gone through refinement.
Know the top skin care brands that offer high-quality products. Get a good grasp on choosing the best product for your skin with these top of the line brands.
