Want fuller eyelashes? Here are amazing things castor oil can do for your skin

For centuries, castor oil has been known for its healing and rejuvenating ability. This viscous liquid has potential anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also healing and cleansing and deeply moisturizing. There are several ways to use castor oil for the skin. Here are just a few that you can try at home:

Use it for oil cleansing

Often we find that our skin’s natural oil, or sebum, along with environmental impurities and dirt have clogged up our facial pores. This makes our skin appear dull and pores appear larger. By using the chemical principle “like dissolves like” castor oil can drastically improve the appearance of your face.

Castor oil is said to contain detoxifying properties such as undecylenic acid (anti-fungal properties) which can disinfect the skin. Massage castor oil into your face and allow it to sit for a moment. It is even better to steam your face with the oil. Then wipe off with a microfibre towel or face towel. Your skin will thank you for the results.

Use it as a healing night cream

Castor oil is a superlative moisturiser for the skin. It promotes the skin’s own ability to make collagen and elastin which are behind youthful and supple skin. It treats chronic skin dryness, and when applied around the entire face, by morning you will see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. It also works well when applied to your lips after brushing your teeth before going to sleep. In the morning the result is plump, soft and supple skin all around. It also reduces the appearance of certain scars.

Use it to remedy sunburn

Especially if you have been out hiking or have visited the park, the beach or even been outside for some time, your skin can sometimes start to complain from excessive sun exposure. On darker skin, this often shows as uneven and sore patches which sting and peel off.

To remedy this, apply a mixture of castor oil and coconut oil applied in a 50:50 ratio. The coconut oil on its own can be too light and the castor oil too heavy so when used together, they form the perfect combination to soothe and restore sunburnt skin.

There are many other uses for castor oil including thickening eyelashes and eyebrows, healing cracked heels and softening cuticles, and even for ringworm and fungal infections. When buying castor oil for skincare uses, look for the purest formulation you can find - preferably the same one that is given orally. You will wonder how you survived without castor oil as a regular part of your natural cosmetic arsenal.