Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is derived from the bean of the castor tree. Some people cannot stand the smell of the oil, but nobody can deny the benefits of castor oil. In the past several years, castor oil has gained a reputation as a great remedy for helping your eyelashes grow.
Forums are filled with people reporting that regular application will help you grow thicker and longer eyelashes and eyebrows. But the question is does it work? And will it work for you? Let’s see how this “magical” oil helps you grow thick eyelashes, and what are the general benefits of using castor oil for your beauty treatments.
Benefits of Castor Oil
Most of the benefits of castor oil derived from the fact the oil is rich in healthy fatty acids. Many people know castor oil as an oral laxative. That was among the first uses of castor oil. Lately, we are finding new and new uses of the magical oil. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil is great for skin care treatments.
You can easily find the oil as an ingredient in beauty products. But why buy some expensive cosmetics, when you can reap the benefits of the oil at your home? Just get some castor oil. With that in mind, here are some of the benefits for your skin, hair, and overall health.
- Helps heal inflamed skin
- Provides moisture and hydration for your dry skin
- Fights of signs of aging
- Reduces acne by providing a moisture for your skin
- Helps you prevent stretch marks
- Reduce pigmentation of the skin
- Treat scalp infections
- Help you condition your hair and provides a moisturizing effect
- Prevents premature graying of your hair
- Promotes hair growth, but also eyebrows and eyelashes growth
- Act as a laxative
- Boosts your overall immune system
- Reduces joint pain
- You can use it to disinfect wounds
- Treats back pain
How to use castor oil for eyelashes growth?
One thing you have to remember is to always purchase 100% pure castor oil. Anything else won’t work on your eyelashes. If you buy a product that is blended with other oils, you might experience irritation of your skin and hair. And most importantly, you won’t get the result you want.
There are two types of castor oil that you can buy. Those are cold-pressed castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil. The former is clear in color, while the latter is dark brown in color.
Both types contain the same properties and deliver the same benefits. However, in the latest years, beauty experts recommend Jamaican black castor oil. With that in mind, here is a step by step guide how to use castor oil for eyelashes growth.
Step 1 – Prepare yourself
Before you try castor oil on your eyelashes, put a small amount of the oil on your arm. Wait to see if you develop any irritation. If there is no irritation within 24 hours period, you can safely use castor oil on eyelashes.
Step 2 – Prepare your eyelashes
Make sure there is no makeup on your eyelashes. Before you apply castor oil, make sure they are clean and completely free
Step 3 – Applying
The best time to apply castor oil on eyelashes is before you go to bed. Dip a cotton swab gently into castor oil, and then delicately run it along the top of your lash line. Be careful not to allow any of the oil to get into your eye. If this happens, wash it out immediately, as the oil can cause irritation
Step 4 – Finishing touches
In the morning afterward, wash off the castor oil. You can use lukewarm water or makeup remover for this step.
What does the science say?
So far, there are no clear scientific studies proving that castor oil promotes eyelashes growth. However, there is evidence that one of the ingredients in castor oil is beneficial for the growth of your eyelashes. That ingredient is ricinoleic acid, which makes up to 90% of castor oil.
The compound can help reverse hair loss, as a study found out that a protein in the acid helps grow your hair. Another study showed that the acid can help you grow your hair back, even though you’ve gone bald.
And while more research is necessary, it doesn’t hurt to try. Castor oil is generally considered a safe product. However, when you use it to grow thick and long eyelashes, be careful not to get into your eye.
