Top 5 Benefits of Castor Oil for Scars
Bothered by stubborn scars on the skin? Castor oil is your best bet and here’s why!
Scars on your skin can take a toll on your confidence but not anymore. Castor oil for scars is a thing now.
Let us look at the benefits of using castor oil for acne spot treatment and scars.
Types of scars
A scar isn’t so awful if it’s small and in an easy-to-hide location. But the matter of concern is when you have to find ways to hide it under your clothes!
Let’s first understand the types of scars and their severity:
1. Acne scars
If you’ve ever experienced severe acne, you’ve probably earned scars as a result. Acne scars exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from deep pits to angular or wavelike scars.
The forms of acne scars you have will determine your potential treatments. Atrophic and hypertrophic scars are the two most common forms of acne scars [1].
- Atrophic scars: The scars appear more like tiny open pores on the face. Atrophic scars are formed by collagen degradation as a result of inflammatory conditions like acne or chickenpox.
Accidents, surgeries, and genetic abnormalities can all result in atrophic scars.
- Hypertrophic scars: A thick bulging scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. Extra connective tissue forms within the initial wound region, which is an unusual reaction to wound healing. As a result, there is a raised scar.
2. Keloid scars
An overly aggressive healing procedure results in these scars. They aren’t restricted to the original injury. A keloid scar might restrict movement over time [2].
Surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets, or castor oil for keloid scars to flatten the scar are all alternatives for treatment.
3. Contracture scars
You may develop a contracture scar if your skin has been scorched or burned. These scars tighten the skin, finding it challenging to walk. Scars from contractures can become deeper, affecting muscles and nerves [3].
How does Castor oil for scars work?
Castor oil is extracted from the beans of the Ricinus communis plant, which is common in tropical areas of Africa and Asia and has long been utilized in India for its medicinal benefits [4].
Scars develop when your body produces too many or too few tissues to seal a wound. Scars are split into categories according to the degree of the development of tissues.
The truth is, a scar will never totally fade away. There are, however, a range of procedures that may be employed to help reduce its size and change its appearance.
Castor oil for scar tissue works by mending damaged skin cells. It can also help to reduce scarring and promote skin health.
Castor oil penetrates deeply into the skin and closely matches your skin’s sebum, making it an efficient scar tissue moisturizer.
5 Benefits of castor oil for scars
Natural fatty acids and important vitamins found in castor oil aid in the regeneration of damaged skin layers by replacing them with new skin cells. It also aids in the removal of dirt from clogged pores and the reduction of acne scarring.
Read the benefits of castor oil for old scars and so on.
1. Castor oil for acne scars
Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in castor oil. These nourishing components aid in the regeneration of new skin cells and restore the damaged skin layer. It also aids in the reduction of acne scar size and pigmentation.
Acne forms scars that are difficult to eliminate. Acne scars do not fade readily. When used regularly, castor oil, which is 100 percent natural and organic, can quickly lighten acne scars.
Acne can be effectively treated with castor oil, which is a natural home remedy. The oil promotes skin healing and minimizes irritation.
Castor oil cleanses the skin deeply, removing all clogged impurities, excess sebum, infections, and dead skin layers.
Thereafter, the thorough cleanse helps to keep skin free of clogged pores, which are the significant cause of pimples and acne.
When the oil is used for skin that has been severely impacted by acne and acne scars, the skin appears healthier and clean. Hence, you can use castor oil for scars on the face.
2. Castor oil for keloid scars
Castor oil can seep deep into the skin and break down scar tissue over time. It aids in the circulation and elimination of toxins in healthy skin cells.
To cure keloids, soak a clean cloth in castor oil and apply it to the keloid every day for an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can just apply castor oil on the keloid daily.
By applying castor oil straight to cuts or scrapes, you can prevent keloid formation from occurring in the first place. This can help to heal better.
3. Castor oil for contracture scars
Castor oil is one of the safest oils to use on skin burns of any kind because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s widely used for burns caused by fire, sunburns, minor scrapes, and abrasions, with users reporting a quick recovery time of just days following the first use.
Scarring is another aspect of burns that many try to get rid of but can’t, so they have to deal with it for the rest of their lives.
Castor oil’s ability to distinguish between healthy and diseased cells is what gives it a chance over other oils at healing burns and clearing scars. Healthy cells are stimulated and detoxified, while malignant cells are vigorously attacked.
4. Castor oil for pregnancy scars
As you recover from your Cesarean or C-section surgery, you may experience scars and adhesions.
Castor oil can penetrate into the body, breaking down scar tissue, adhesions, and other irregularities of the abdomen and pelvic region. It relaxes the entire abdominal cavity, promotes new tissue growth, and relieves pain and swelling.
Castor oil packs also activate the lymphatic system, which aids in the detoxification of the liver and gallbladder.
5. Castor oil for skin whitening
Castor oil aids in the fading of scars as well as in the reduction of pigmentation. It hydrates and nourishes the skin, which aids in the regeneration and promotion of new skin cell growth, which helps to whiten the complexion and eliminate dark spots.
There are different types of castor oils in the market, but cold-pressed castor oil is best for skincare.
The cold pressing method preserves the majority of the nutrients in the oil. It can be used by incorporating it into a face mask.
Possible side effects of using castor oil
The topical application of castor oil might affect the skin of some people with dermatitis. Consult your doctor before trying any different products if you have an allergy or skin issues.
Castor oil scar tissue healing properties
Castor oil offers wound-healing characteristics that may help prevent the formation of scar tissue.
Listed below are the chemical compounds and properties of castor oil:
1. Oleic acid
A moisturizing, anti-aging, and calming fatty acid that keeps skin moisturized and smoothes while also healing damaged cells in eczema.
2. Ricinoleic acid
Castor oil for scar tissue is distinctive in that it is primarily made up of ricinoleic acid (more than 85 percent) [4].
Ricinoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial fatty acid that safeguards the skin from germs that cause acne, inflammation, and infections. It also absorbs quickly and aids in the healing of the skin from the inside out.
3. Linoleic acid
An omega-6 fatty acid that aids in the reduction of inflammation.
With regular application, castor oil can nurture and heal scar tissue while also repairing damaged skin cells.
Castor oil’s fatty acids delve deep into scar tissue and promote the growth of healthy tissues around it, allowing scars and blemishes to fade.
How to use castor oil for scars
“Castor oil and scars”, you have been reading this all along. Wondering how to use castor oil for scars? Scroll a bit more to know!
1. Castor oil as a mask
When you use a castor oil pack, the oil can enter deep into your body, breaking down scar tissue, adhesions, and other irregularities.
Castor oil packs also stimulate the lymphatic system, which aids in the cleansing of the liver and gallbladder.
2. Castor oil as a topical cream
Apply a pea-sized dab of the cream twice a day on the scar. To get the finest benefits, apply it every day for up to a year.
Castor oil promotes tissue growth, decreases the build-up of dead skin cells that can obstruct the scar-healing process, and keeps scars moist, allowing them to heal more quickly.
If you’re using castor oil to heal scar tissue on your face, keep in mind that it’s viscous, so you’ll need to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
Castor oil for scars before and after-effects
The visual contrast between the before and after castor oil results for acne and acne scars is startling.
Some people believe that clear and healthy skin can be achieved by using castor oil regularly for two weeks.
The skin is cleansed of any trapped excess oils and sebum, and its texture improves. In comparison to the rough and firm texture before the treatment, the skin becomes smooth and supple.
Is castor oil good for scars?
Many beauty products contain castor oil as a component. It’s high in important fatty acids, which moisturize the skin, and research is ongoing to see if their characteristics might help treat common skin problems.
Castor oil is considered safe for most people to use when applied topically. However, the effects on the skin are still being researched, so always follow your doctor’s advice when treating any skin disorders.
Word of caution:
Castor oil’s powerful fatty acids might cause health problems if consumed orally. |
FAQs
Q: Which oil is best for removing scars?
A: Scars may become less visible with the use of essential oils. They function by rebuilding damaged skin cells.
Q: Can castor oil dissolve scar tissue?
A: Castor oil accelerates scar healing. It helps to fade away scars and blemishes.
Q: Does castor oil lighten dark spots?
A: Yes, castor oil can lighten dark spots.
Q: Is castor oil good to apply on the face?
A: Yes, castor oil can be applied to the face. Anti-inflammatory qualities in castor oil can help reduce inflammation and puffiness. It may also help to minimize the size of swollen pimples or puffy eyes [5].
Q: Does castor oil brighten skin?
A: Yes, castor oil can bless your skin by brightening it!
Q: Is black castor oil good for scars?
A: Scar tissue can be healed with Jamaican black castor oil. Applying the oil to the scar will prevent new skin from forming, resulting in permanent scar eradication.
Q: Is vitamin E good for scars?
A: Yes, vitamin E can help with scars, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Wrapping up
Many people are exploring castor oil’s dermatological benefits.
Castor oil is currently permitted for usage as a cosmetic ingredient, however, there has been very little study into direct application. There hasn’t been any research done especially on the safety of castor oil on the face.
Make sure you consult your healthcare provider before you apply castor oil to your face.
What’s next?
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References
- Fabbrocini, Gabriella et al. “Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification, and treatment.” Dermatology Research and practice vol. 2010 (2010): 893080.
- McGinty S, Siddiqui WJ. Keloid. “Keloid” StatPearls Publishing; (2021).
- Brissett, A E, and D A Sherris. “Scar contractures, hypertrophic scars, and keloids.” Facial plastic surgery: FPS vol. 17,4 (2001): 263-72.
- Patel, Vinay R et al. “Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production.” Lipid insights vol. 9 (2016), 1-12.
- Vieira, C et al. “Pro- and anti-inflammatory actions of ricinoleic acid: similarities and differences with capsaicin.” Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s archives of pharmacology vol. 364,2 (2001): 87-95.