Castor oil is an oil of vegetable origin that is obtained from the seeds of the castor bean, a plant scientifically known as Ricinus communis, and which contains approximately 40 to 50 percent of its weight in oil. Its use in cosmetics is extremely interesting, thanks to its content of fatty acids, which are extremely nourishing for the skin. In fact, unlike the seeds themselves (which are toxic), vegetable oil is not.
Castor oil has long been used as a natural remedy to grow eyelashes, as well as to achieve much thicker and longer eyebrows. But the question is, is it really effective? It works?
What are the health benefits of castor oil?
Castor oil is commonly known for its qualities as a laxative when consumed internally. As we have already mentioned, unlike its seeds, the oil is not toxic. However, its consumption is not recommended unless it is under medical supervision.
In any case, this oil has long been used by many people for a wide variety of purposes, from treating acne to inflammation to reducing wrinkles and diminishing skin age spots (this is, due to aging).
It is also a common ingredient in many beauty products, mainly because it acts as a natural moisturizer without clogging pores or irritating the skin.
Are there any studies that have shown castor oil to be effective in growing eyelashes?
At the moment, no scientific studies have been carried out that have been able to show that castor oil helps naturally when it comes to growing eyelashes.
Instead, there is some evidence that ricinoleic acid, a chemical compound that makes up about 90 percent of castor oil, might be helpful in reversing hair loss.
Another study found that the protein prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is present at high levels in men with baldness, being one of the factors that prevented many of the subjects who participated in the previous research from growing their hair.
On the other hand, another study found that ricinoleic acid may further help inhibit the PGD2 protein, potentially helping scalp hair grow back. Therefore, more research is needed to understand whether ricinoleic acid, and castor oil in general, can naturally help treat hair loss.
In any case, many of the people who have used castor oil as a natural way to grow their eyelashes say that it can be extremely useful. So how can we use it?
How to use castor oil on eyelashes to help them grow:
Before buying any castor oil, it is best to read the label of the product in question and make sure that it is pure castor oil, with no other ingredients. This is due to the fact that castor oil can be mixed or combined with other oils -or ingredients-, causing the desired result not to be achieved, or even causing some type of irritation.
There are two types of castor oil that are commonly used in beauty. One is cold-pressed castor oil, which is light in color, and the second is Jamaican black castor oil, which is dark brown in color.
Although both varieties of castor oil contain the same properties, and both can be equally beneficial for eyelash growth, Jamaican black castor oil has achieved a higher and better reputation, thus becoming one of the preferred options in many Beauty treatments.
How to use it easily at home:
Before using castor oil as a treatment for longer and stronger eyelashes, preferably the day before, apply a small amount of oil to another part of the skin, such as the arm. In this way, we will check if we develop -or not- some type of irritation or allergic reaction. If no reaction develops, you can safely use it on your lashes.
As many experts say, the best time to treat eyelashes is before going to bed. And, to apply it to the skin, we must:
- Make sure that the eyelashes are perfectly clean, and that they do not contain any type of makeup.
- Gently dip a cotton swab into the castor oil, scooping up a small amount.
- Then, gently run the cotton swab along the top of your lash line, being extremely careful not to get any castor oil into your eye. If this happens, it is necessary to immediately wash the eye with plenty of water, since the oil can be extremely irritating.
- The next morning, remove the castor oil with a little warm water or some make-up remover.
There is no recommended minimum time of use. For example, you can apply it once or twice a week, and see if you notice any difference in the following weeks. For the oil to work, it is necessary to use it several times, for at least two or three weeks.
Castor oil is considered as a safe beauty product. However, it is true that some people may have an allergic reaction, so before using it (especially if it is the first time we do it), it is best to try a little of this oil by applying it to a small area of the skin., at least 24 hours before applying it to the face.
Only when no type of reaction has arisen can you be sure of using it with peace of mind and absolute safety on the lash line.
