How Does Castor Oil Reduce Skin Pigmentation?
On its own or in conjunction with other ingredients, castor oil is sure to work wonders.
By
Castor oil is a pale yellow oil that has been used as an age-old remedy for skin and hair issues. It is extracted from castor seeds, and you can use castor oil for skin pigmentation. Though commonly found in India and Africa, it is used across the globe. But is using castor oil on skin safe? Can it cause acne? Read this article to know more about castor oil, how it helps and how to use it. Scroll down.
In This Article
How Does Castor Oil Reduce Pigmentation?
Is castor oil good for reducing pigmentation? Yes! There have been a number of studies conducted on how castor oil helps reduce pigmentation (1). Many dermatologists recommend castor oil because of this property. Here’s benefits of castor oil for skin pigmentation:
- Castor oil is crammed with fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are the magic ingredient that helps reduce pigmentation. They do this by piercing the scar tissue and pumping it out.
- The omega-3s, in addition to stimulating the growth of healthy tissue, also hydrate the skin, thus giving you clean and supple skin.
5 Ways Of Using Castor Oil For Skin Pigmentation
1. Castor Oil For Pigmentation
Image: iStock
You Will Need
- 1 tsp castor oil
Prep Time
1 minute
Treatment Time
5 minutes
Method
- Take about a teaspoon of castor oil and start applying it to your face.
- Massage your face in upward circular motions, concentrating on the problem areas.
- After massaging your face for about 5-10 minutes, wash it with a mild cleanser.
How Often?
Twice a day.
Why This Works
Castor oil is an anti-pigmentation agent that is incredibly efficient. Many people attest to the abilities of castor oil for pigmentation on face and skin. Using castor oil twice in a day will help reduce pigmentation. However, if you have extra oily skin or potent acne, avoid using it as oil worsens these issues.
2. Castor Oil Face Pack For Pigmentation
Image: iStock
You Will Need
- Gauze
- Cling wrap
- 1 tsp castor oil
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment Time
Overnight
Method
- To make a castor oil face pack, dab a bit of gauze in castor oil.
- Press the gauze onto the scarred area and add a few more drops of castor oil to it.
- Wrap the gauze tightly in cling film; make sure it’s not too tight, or it can cut off blood circulation.
- Leave it on overnight and remove the gauze in the morning.
- Do this regularly for 15 days, and you will be able to see visible reduction in pigmentation.
How Often?
Every day for 15 days.
Why This Works
The castor oil hydrates and nourishes your skin with its fatty acids, helping reduce pigmentation.
[Read: Safflower Oil For Skin]
3. Castor Oil And Turmeric For Pigmentation
Image: iStock
You Will Need
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp castor oil
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment Time
1 hour
Method
- Add about half a teaspoon of turmeric (haldi) to a teaspoon of castor oil.
- You can thicken the mixture by adding more turmeric or you can keep it thin.
- Work the paste evenly onto the skin and leave it on for an hour.
- Wash off the paste with lukewarm water.
How Often?
Once a day.
Why This Works
This is one of the most popular face masks that you can make using castor oil. Turmeric is another excellent ingredient for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It inhibits excessive melanin production and helps lighten dark spots and pigmentation.
4. Castor Oil And Vitamin E For Pigmentation
Image: iStock
You Will Need
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- 1 tsp castor oil
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment Time
5 minutes
Method
- Pierce the vitamin E capsule and add the oil to a teaspoon of castor oil. Mix well.
- Apply this oil mixture onto your face.
- Massage your face in upward circular motions, concentrating on the problem areas.
- After massaging your face for about 5-10 minutes, wash it with a mild cleanser.
How Often?
Twice a day.
Why This Works
Vitamin E has excellent antioxidant properties that help even out your skin tone and prevent skin damage. This oil mixture leaves your skin smooth and free of blemishes.
[ Read: Shahnaz Husain Beauty Tips For Skin Pigmentation ]
5. Castor Oil With Lemon And Honey For Pigmentation
Image: iStock
You Will Need
- 1 tsp castor oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment Time
30 minutes
Method
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
- Apply this mixture onto your skin and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Wash the mask off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
How Often?
Once a day.
Why This Works
Honey is an incredible emollient that binds moisture to your skin. It has excellent skin lightening properties that help control melanin production, effectively treating pigmentation. If you use this face pack regularly, your face will start glowing within a week.
Note:
If you are suffering from acne, it is not a good idea to apply oil on your face as this might worsen the problem. If you have any skin issues that you think might flare up with the use of these treatments, please consult a dermatologist.
These are some of the easiest ways you can use castor oil for skin pigmentation treatment and reduce scars. Castor oil is an excellent tonic for dry, discolored, and scarred skin. But, it is important that you remember most natural remedies need time to treat. The skin repairs itself in around 30 days. So, the efficacy of these face packs will not be apparent immediately. You will need to give them time!
Castor oil helps treat skin pigmentation. This is a proven fact, and several studies show the benefits of using castor oil for skin pigmentation. Castor oil is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that pierce the scar tissues and pump them out. Thus, it boosts the growth of healthy tissues and hydrates the skin, improving its texture. You may directly apply raw castor oil to your face, prepare castor oil face packs, or mix it with other ingredients like turmeric, vitamin E, lemon, or honey. However, since most natural ingredients take time to show results, you should be patient enough to wait for at least a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave castor oil on my face overnight?
Yes, it is safe to leave castor oil on the face overnight.
Can I use castor oil on my skin every day?
It is generally safe to use on the skin every day. However, if you have acne-prone skin or any allergies, it is best to avoid using it or consult your doctor before using it.
