Can Castor Oil Reduce Dark Circles?

Can castor oil reduce dark circles? Read more to know about this natural, safe and non-toxic skin care remedy!

Castor oil has been used for centuries in many capacities, from growing more luscious hair to treating joint pain as a topical analgesic. It has long been lauded for its healing properties and has been used to soothe irritated eyes as far back as Ancient Egypt, 4000 B.C. Cleopatra herself was said to have used it to brighten the whites of her eyes! In this article I will answer the question: can castor oil reduce dark circles? 

Renowned by the ancients of yesteryear and the celebrities of today for providing effective results in the treatment of skin ailments and eye irritation. It is also a  natural choice to treat a common side effect of too little sleep: dark circles. Dark circles are most commonly related to sleep deprivation, however, poor diet and aging are also contributors to this unsightly malady.

One study suggests that up to 45% of the world’s population is sleep deprived. Parenthood, work anxiety, and good old insomnia can keep people from getting the shut-eye they need, but castor oil can help you look your best after those sleepless nights—even if you don’t feel like you’re batting a thousand.

What is Castor Oil?

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Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is cultivated through the pressing of the castor bean.

 

The castor plant is native to Africa but now grows in tropical regions around the world. Even in the southwestern U.S! It can be taken both orally and topically. In addition to its uses for dark circles, hair regrowth and joint pain, its documented use also includes the treatment of constipation, fungal infections, and the manufacturing of various products.

Why Is Castor Oil Good for My Skin?

Castor oil for dark circles and other skin irritations is one of the oil’s most prolific uses. Whether taken as a supplement or applied as an ointment, it helps to boost the immune system, which in turn speeds up the healing process. 

As we get older, the skin beneath our eyes becomes more fragile, and the blue veins start to show through as pesky dark circles. The antidote to this common problem is castor oil. Castor oil improves blood flow and circulation. It also helps flush out toxins, which reduces swelling and inflammation of the affected area. This is ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes.

Castor oil is a type of triglyceride fatty acid. Approximately 90 percent of its fatty acid content is comprised of ricinoleic acid, a rare compound not often found elsewhere. It is this rare ricinoleic acid, a combination of salts and esters also in the oil, that works together as skin conditioners.

 

Many of your everyday skincare products probably already contain castor oil. You’ll find most of the packaging written as either Ricinus communis or castor seed oil.

How to Use Castor oil for Dark Circles

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Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil that performs best when left to absorb into the skin. Its chemical make-up makes it quickly absorbent when applied to the skin. Using castor oil on dark circles is easy, simply:

Plan to apply it when you have a few hours to let your skin soak it up. You’ll reap the castor oil benefits for dark circles of the oil this way. Prevent dark circles by applying the oil to under-eye skin before bed.

As some are sensitive to the smell of castor oil, consider adding a small amount of another oil to produce a better-smelling serum. Popular choices include jojoba oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter.

Mix & Apply

To reap the benefits of castor oil for dark circles under eyes, follow these simple instructions.

You’ll need:

  • 1 tsp castor oil, preferably organic and cold-pressed (research a variety of choices before purchasing)
  • 1 tsp jojoba oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, or fresh cream (optional)

Mix the ingredients well. Lightly dab the oil mixture onto the skin beneath the eyes. Use your ring finger to apply the mixture, as it has a particularly light touch and is less likely to damage the skin by pulling. Never be rough with the skin around your eyes.

Leave the oil on for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. Overnight use is even better.

Bonus: Castor oil also promotes hair growth. While you’re at it, add some to your eyelashes and over-plucked eyebrows to promote fast, thick hair growth!

The Bottom Line: Castor Oil for Dark Circles

Castor oil is a great remedy to treat dark under-eye circles.

It boosts the immune system and reduces redness and inflammation in the body using its rare chemical composition. Castor oil also serves so many other purposes as a health and beauty product that it will become a staple in your home and routine.

Above all else, castor oil is natural, safe, and non-toxic. There is a reason it is still popular after centuries for such a wide range of purposes. Use castor oil for dark circles and never let your sleepless nights affect your self-confidence again!

Note: While applying castor oil on your skin kindly make sure you don’t ingest it or use it in eyes as it can lead to harmful consequences.

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