You’re probably wondering if castor oil for scars is a good natural remedy. You may have heard about its benefits through friends or the web.
Today, we’ll dig deeper into this topic to find out whether castor oil can really do wonders.
The magic potion: castor oil
Before we start, let’s learn a bit more about castor oil itself. Made from Ricinus communis plant seeds, castor oil has been used for countless applications in traditional medicine over centuries.
From hair growth to skincare, it’s believed that oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help. But what everyone wants to know is, does castor oil for scars really help? Let’s find out.
Castor oil for scars
It is believed that using castor oil for scars works because of its rich composition. It contains ricinoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
In order to make them less visible, your body needs to heal your skin when it comes to scars from acne, surgery or accidents.
It’s thought that by applying this oil topically on your skin it hydrates it, fixes any issues with tissue healthiness and makes the scars less noticeable.
How does it work?
Castor oils help your skin in several different ways when it comes to fixing up those scars:
- The anti-inflammatory qualities of the product will calm down your skin and reduce any redness around the scar area.
- The hydration quality of the products ensure that your skin won’t dry out after application which would just highlight whatever texture is there.
- Collagen production can also be boosted by placing this product on top of healing tissue. As a protein indicating how fast your body should repair damaged cells; collagen plays an important role in helping new cells quickly blend in with other healthy ones making your scar not so noticeable.
Real people results?
Plenty of people have shared their success stories when it comes to castor oil for scars. Some have also taken pictures to back it up.
But remember that everyone’s skin is different, what works for you may not work for someone else.
Another factor that could influence your results is the type of scar you have. For example, those with a lighter, surface-level scar should expect faster results compared to someone with a full on keloid.
How to use it
Applying this oil onto your scars is as simple as applying any other skincare product to your face.
- Start by cleaning the area around the scar so that no bacteria enters the wound during application.
- Warm a few drops of castor oil between your fingers before gently massaging it into the scar for better absorption.
- Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning for a set amount of days/weeks/months (be sure to research).
Keep in mind that you need to be consistent if you want noticeable improvements.
Perform a patch test before using castor oil for scars. Smear a little bit of oil onto an area that’s hard to see and wait 24 hours.
This will let you know if the oil is safe for your skin or not. Although it is generally safe, better be safe than sorry.
Other benefits of castor oil
If you want to add even more healing power, try mixing this oil with other things that are good for your skin.
Essential oils like lavender or rose hip can give the concoction a new smell while bringing their own set of powers to the table.
But remember, when adding essential oils, be careful not to go overboard. A few drops do wonders.
The many faces of castor oil
We’ve been focusing on castor oil for scars, but there’s so much more it can do. This underdog in natural health and beauty offers plenty of other benefits besides treating scars.
Let’s look into what else it can help with and how else it can improve your life.
Good for skin
With its high fatty acid concentration, castor oil offers great moisture retention, which we all know is key for healthy skin.
If you struggle with dryness or irritation then this might be oil just might be your saving grace due to its deep hydration properties that also help restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Hair growth
Many people claim that applying castor oil directly onto lashes or browse nightly promotes hair growth naturally without needing any harsh chemicals.
The nourishment applied straight onto hair follicles encourages growth, leading them to become fuller over time.
Softness and soothing
Those who have sensitive skin should listen up too because castor oil might just be what you’re looking for in a moisturizer.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for conditions like eczema and dermatitis by providing some relief from inflamed areas.
It also creates a protecting layer over the skin to reduce the amount of sensitivity it feels from daily irritants.
Age defying
Collagen production in our skin begins to decrease as we get older, leading us to have more wrinkles and fine lines.
The ability of castor oil to stimulate collagen production also makes it an anti-aging tool. Using this oil regularly might result in less signs of aging, leaving your skin looking plump and firm instead.
Detoxifying powers
Traditional medicine has used castor oil for years for what they believed was its detoxifying powers.
One thing they found is that when applied to the body through a cloth soaked in oil then placed on the skin (castor oil packs), it can help with liver function, inflammation, and digestion which all play a role in healthier looking skin and just overall better health.
Nails too?
Even if you don’t use this oil for anything else, you should use it for your nails. They would benefit from its nourishing effects thanks to the vitamin E content and essential fatty acids that strengthen them.
Rubbing some into your cuticles will keep them healthy while helping you achieve stronger nails that don’t break easily.
So, should you try it?
Can castor oil for scars actually help? Maybe! Scientific evidence might be limited, but that doesn’t mean you should write it off.
The properties of the oil AND the fact that people swear by it could justify trying it. Its hydrating, anti-inflammatory and collagen boosting effects all point towards softer, less visible scars.
But don’t get too excited! Keep your expectations in check. Castor oil isn’t a miracle cure. Yes, it will help lessen the appearance of scars but no, not enough to completely rid them.
If you have more significant scars, consult with a dermatologist about their professional treatment options.
