Castor oil comes from castor beans, small striped seeds of the castor plant. It is usually very pale yellow in color and has very little scent or taste. It has often been used in the past as a mild laxative, but is most popular today as a facial treatment. Not only is castor oil for the face supposed to help relieve acne, it also helps keep the skin hydrated and may help prevent signs of aging. A few more uses of castor oil for the face include encouraging thicker eyelashes and eyebrows and fading facial scars. This usually includes both scars from acne as well as injury or surgery.

Proper application is key to using castor oil for the face. When using it for acne or as a treatment to keep skin youthful, it must be carefully applied and rinsed with certain temperatures of water to ensure the pores are open to accept the oil and closed to keep them from clogging with irritants. Individuals should wash their faces gently with a mild soap and warm water, first. The warm water opens the pores and the soap cleans away dirt and oil that may keep castor oil from touching the skin.

After drying the face thoroughly, individuals may apply a light layer of castor oil to the face and let it soak in for about five minutes. The oil may then be rinsed away with cool water to close the pores. A second, very thin layer of castor oil may then be applied to the face and left on overnight. In the morning, a gentle facial soap may be used to remove the oil, and a lightweight moisturizer may be applied. Using castor oil for the face may relieve acne and reduce fine lines after about three weeks or so.

Fading scars is another way to use castor oil for the face. In these cases, the castor oil may be gently rubbed into the affected area at night and gently scrubbed away in the morning with a mild facial scrub, such as baking soda. The castor oil typically softens the area, while the scrub sloughs away dead skin and promotes new, smoother skin growth.

Those who want to promote thicker eyelashes and eyebrows may apply the oil directly to these areas. A cotton swab works well for eyelashes because it allows precise application and prevents the oil from dripping into one’s eyes. Thicker eyelash and eyebrow growth may be apparent after about six weeks of daily application.