How To Reduce Acne By Using Castor Oil

A common skin ailment for many, acne can make your skin dry and itchy. Acne, the result of excess secretion of oil by the skin, appears in the form of swollen, angry red breakouts on the face, neck, back and chest. Acne could also be caused due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, poor diet, and due to impurities like dirt and unwashed makeup that clog the pores of the skin.

The most debilitating aspect of acne is not its physical marks, but the emotional and psychological disturbances it may cause.  Acne can, of course, be cured by chemical cleansers, but they come with several side effects. Castor oil, a natural skin cleanser, is a safe alternative to commercial treatments.

How Does Castor Oil Help?

• An astringent cleanser, castor oil can wipe out impurities that have accumulated on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores.
• The omega 9 fatty acid contained in castor oil can fight bacteria and other microbes that harm the skin, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
• Castor oil reduces the inflammation and redness, soothing the dry skin.
• The fatty acid content of castor oil heals blemishes and acne scars, by promoting the growth of healthy tissues in the infected area.¹

How To Use Castor Oil

Here are 7 ways in which you can use castor oil to treat acne.²

1. Castor Oil Steam Cleanse

What You Need

• 1 tbsp castor oil
• Pot of boiling water
• A clean towel

Method

1. Boil a pot of water.
2. Cover your head with a clean cloth, and lean your face into the steam, for five minutes. This opens the pores of your skin.
3. Wet a clean towel, and massage your face with it for five minutes.
4. Drop two tbsp of castor oil on the towel, and massage your face with it, in a  circular motion. Do this for a minute.
5. Wash your face with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a clean cloth. Repeat the same with cold water, to close the opened pores.
6.  Apply two drops of castor oil on your face.
7. Leave the oil on for the rest of the night. Wash it off in the morning with cool water.
8. Repeat the process every night, until the acne is healed.

2. Castor Oil And Olive Oil

What You Need

• 1 tbsp of castor oil
• 2 tbsp of olive oil

Method

1. Mix 1 tbsp of castor oil and 2 tbsp of olive oil.
2. Apply the mixture onto the skin.
3. Leave the oil mixture on the skin for thirty minutes, or preferably, overnight.
4. Clean the face with cool water, to close the opened pores.
5. Repeat every night.
6. Olive oil can also be replaced with jojoba oil, or camphor oil.

3. Castor Oil, Almond Oil, And Steam

What You Need

• 1 tbsp of castor oil
• 1 tbsp of almond oil
• Clean cloth
• A pot of water

Method

1. Mix 1 tbsp of castor oil, and 1 tbsp of almond oil.
2. Boil a pot of water, cover your head with a towel, and bring your face to the steam for 20 minutes.
3. Apply the oil mixture to your face.
4. Leave the oils on for the rest of the night.
5. Wash it off in the morning with cool water.

Repeat the process every night. The almond oil can also be replaced with organic coconut oil.

4. Castor Oil And Turmeric

What You Need

• 1/2 tbsp castor oil
• 1 tbsp turmeric

Method

1. Mix the two oils into a thick paste.
2. Clean your face with a wet towel.
3. Apply the paste onto the face, and leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Wash off the paste with cool water.
5. Apply the paste once every day.

What You Need To Remember

• Use minimally refined castor oil for high efficiency.
• Oil cleansing might not work for every skin type.
• Continue the process only if your skin has not been adversely affected by the treatment.
• If the oil cannot be easily washed off from the face, remove it using a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Avoid contact with your eyes.

To avoid acne breakouts in the future, always maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and regularly cleanse your face to remove dirt and other impurities.