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How Do I Use Castor Oil for Skin?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Although castor oil is well-known for its diuretic affects, it can also act as a skin cleanser and treatment for acne and signs of aging. To use castor oil for cleansing, determine how much you should apply based on your skin type and prepare your own custom blend of this oil and one or more additional oils. Then, work the product into your skin and use warm water or steam to open your pores. After you feel that your face is sufficiently clean, you can gently rinse the oil off. You can also use plain castor oil for skin issues like acne and anti-aging purposes.

The most popular use of castor oil for skin is often referred to as the oil cleansing method, which utilizes a personalized blend of this oil and others to deep-clean the face. To start, choose a hydrating, non-comedogenic oil, such as sunflower, grapeseed, or olive oil to cut the castor oil, as it can be too harsh when used alone. Then, determine how much castor oil you think you should use. In most cases, it is best to start out with less, especially if you have dry skin. For those with oily skin, you can use up to 30% castor oil to 70% other oils.

Castor oil may be applied topically to reduce acne breakouts.
Castor oil may be applied topically to reduce acne breakouts.

Mix your blend in a bottle with a squeeze tube or a shallow bowl, and then apply a moderate amount to your entire face, using your fingertips to work it in thoroughly. At this point, you can lay a warm, wet cloth over your face to open your pores or use a facial steaming device for a few minutes — this helps the castor oil to dissolve the build-up in your skin completely. When using castor oil for skin cleansing, you do not have to wash it off with another cleanser, but, rather, wet a soft cloth with warm water and gently wipe the oil from your face. You may have to rinse and re-wet the cloth several times to remove the oil completely.

Castor oil can be used at night and washed off the next morning.
Castor oil can be used at night and washed off the next morning.

You can also use castor oil for skin issues such as acne or wrinkles. As this substance has a drying, purifying effect, it can potentially treat acne breakouts that are the result of clogged pores. Simply hold a warm, wet cloth to the affected area and then apply a small amount of straight castor oil. You can apply the oil in the same way to areas of your face where you are or expect to have wrinkles, although it is best to avoid areas close to the eyes. For both of these methods of using castor oil for skin problems, it is usually best to apply the oil at night and then wash it off the next morning.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@candyquilt-- You might want to give it a try. If it doesn't clog your pores or make your skin very oily, it should be fine.

I use castor oil directly on my skin when my skin is very dry and irritated. But I use it more like a mask. I allow my skin to absorb it for a little bit and then wipe it off. I don't think I could walk around with oil on my face. It would be very bothersome. But if you mix a little bit with an oil free moisturizer you already have, it might just work. I suppose it depends on how dry your skin is.

I know many people who use castor oil as a face or body moisturizer though. It's a great beauty oil.

candyquilt

Can I mix castor oil with other ingredients to make my own skin moisturizer?

burcinc

I use castor oil as a cleanser about once a week. It's a great way to get rid of black heads but it requires some patience. I basically take a little bit of castor oil apply it all over my face and massage it in circular motions as the article described. But I do this for about fifteen or twenty minutes because it takes a while for the blackheads and oils to come out of the pores. Opening the pores with a steam towel before using the oil actually makes things easier. When the blackheads start coming out, I can actually feel them with my fingertips.

Since I have to massage the oil for a while, I usually do this in front of the TV. I clean my face thoroughly afterward, use an astringent toner and then moisturize. Using the castor oil cleaning method once a week keeps my face clean and without blackheads. It's also much better for skin then blackhead strips or harsh scrubs.

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    • Castor oil may be applied topically to reduce acne breakouts.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Castor oil may be applied topically to reduce acne breakouts.
    • Castor oil can be used at night and washed off the next morning.
      By: ipag
      Castor oil can be used at night and washed off the next morning.
    • Castor oil can help treat wrinkling skin, but is not recommended for use close to the eyes.
      By: Vera Kuttelvaserova
      Castor oil can help treat wrinkling skin, but is not recommended for use close to the eyes.
    • Many believe that castor oil cream can reduce the appearance of spider veins.
      By: hriana
      Many believe that castor oil cream can reduce the appearance of spider veins.
    • Castor oil can be used to lessen the signs of aging.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Castor oil can be used to lessen the signs of aging.
    • When using castor oil, it's important to follow instructions for your skin type, whether it's oily, normal, or dry.
      By: gosphotodesign
      When using castor oil, it's important to follow instructions for your skin type, whether it's oily, normal, or dry.