Castor Oil for Skin Lightening – Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Castor oil is being used for beautification since time immemorial. The rich Omega-3 fatty acid that it contains can reduce pigmentation by helping with the growth of healthy and new skin cells. Castor oil can treat skin problems. It serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin and keeps it hydrated and soft for a long period of time. What’s more interesting is that it can also be used as a skin lightening agent.(1)

Is Castor Oil Good for Skin Lightening?

Castor Oil can prove to be really helpful when you have dark spots or patches on the skin due to excessive melanin production, improper diet, and environmental factors. It is rich in essential vitamins and nutrients which are required by the skin. By reducing pigmentation, it can lead to skin whitening. Omega-3 fatty acid reduces pigmentation and triggers the growth of new and healthy skin cells.(2)

1. Castor Oil Massage

You can massage castor oil on to your face every day to reduce skin pigmentation.(3)

Things Required

• Castor oil.

How to Do

• Take one tablespoon of castor oil and apply it on your face.
• Massage it in a circular motion and make sure that you concentrate on the areas that have problems.
• You have to massage for about 5 to 10 minutes. Wash off the oil using a mild cleanser.

Best Time to Apply: Any time of the day.

No of Repetitions: Doing it twice in a day will give you the best results.

2. Castor Oil and Turmeric

Turmeric has curcumin which is a powerful enzyme having significant beauty benefits. It can inhibit the production of melanin and lighten the dark spots.(4)

Things Required

• Castor oil and,
• Turmeric powder.

How to Do

• Take half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of castor oil.
• Make a paste by mixing the two. Work this paste evenly on to your skin. Allow it to sit for about an hour. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Best Time to Apply: Any time of the day.

No of Repetitions: Do it once in a daily to reduce skin pigmentation.

3. Castor Oil and Baking Soda

The combination of baking soda and castor oil might appear to be odd. However, it is pretty effective.(5)

Things Required

• Castor oil and
• Baking soda

How to Do

• Take one teaspoon of baking soda and two teaspoons of castor oil. Blend the two ingredients together.
• Apply the paste on your skin and massage it in a circular motion.
• Leave it for an hour and wash it off using a mild cleanser.

Best Time to Apply: Any time of the day.

No of Repetitions: Do it every alternate day.

4. Castor Oil and Lemon Juice

Plain lemon juice performs the role of a skin bleaching agent which can whiten your skin and cut down on the excessive production of melanin. Moreover, it also shrinks large pores.(6)

Things Required

• Castor oil,
• lemon juice,
• Honey.

How to Do

• Take one teaspoon of castor oil, half teaspoon of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of honey.
• Combine the three ingredients until you have a smooth mix. Apply it on your skin and leave it for thirty minutes.
• Wash off the mask with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.

Best Time to Apply: Any time of the day.

No of Repetitions: Do it once in a day to reduce skin pigmentation.

Precautions & Tips

• In case you have acne, it isn’t a good idea to apply on the face. This is because it can worsen the issue.
• Also, if you have skin problems that might be aggravated by using these treatments then you need to get in touch with a dermatologist.
• You should avoid using any of the above treatment if you are allergic to the ingredients. In order to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction, you need to do a patch test.

Castor oil serves as an excellent treatment for discolored, dry, and scarred skin. However, you have to keep in mind that these are natural treatments and would take time to show its effect. Thus, the efficacy is not going to be apparent instantly.

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