Acne cysts, or cystic acne, is a severe type of inflammatory acne, and although it's a lot less common than regular acne (it affects 1% of females and 3% of males), that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Cystic acne affects the quality of life of those who are inflicted with it drastically, to the degree that it causes depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues for a lot of those who suffer from it.
The good thing is that acne cysts can be controlled, improved, and treated. There are a lot of treatments that work for acne cysts, but today we want to explore a natural option, which is castor oil.
Don't be surprised! Yeah, castor oil does work for acne. I know that what's common is that if you have acne cysts, you need to stay away from any greasy products. Well, this doesn't apply to all oils; some oils can actually make your cystic acne better.
In this article, I will share with you everything about castor oil and its use for acne cysts.
Castor Oil and Skin
The use of castor oil for skincare extends to more than one area. Some people use castor oil for its moisturizing effect. The people who use it say that it gives their skin a very soft feeling; someone even said (and I quote) "it makes my skin as soft as a baby's skin.".
Castor oil is also used for hyperpigmentation under the eyes; its effectiveness in treating those dark spots has been confirmed by studies.
Here is a list of the skin conditions that castor oil is sometimes used to treat:
What Makes Castor Oil Potentially Effective in Treating Acne Cysts?
With its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with acne cysts. It may aid in shrinking inflamed pimples and promoting smoother, healthier skin.
Some of the people who used it testified that in two weeks they observed a reduction in the redness related to the inflammation, which pinpoints the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Acne Cysts
Castor oil offers several benefits that can aid in the treatment of acne cysts. Let's delve into how the properties of castor oil can help you manage your acne cysts.
1. Reduction in Inflammation
One of the key benefits of castor oil for acne cysts is its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. The main component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a compound known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. That's why the application of castor oil can help calm inflammation and redness commonly seen in acne cysts.
The soothing effect of castor oil on the skin can significantly reduce swelling, making it a valuable natural remedy for managing cystic acne flare-ups.
2. Antibacterial Properties
You probably already know that bacteria play a big role in acne cyst development and breakout. That's why, in many treatments designed for acne cysts, we find that there is an antibacterial agent like clindamycin.
This is what makes castor oil potentially effective for acne cysts, because, basically, castor oil possesses potent antibacterial properties that play a crucial role in combating the bacteria responsible for acne development [source].
By applying castor oil to your acne-prone skin (you can apply it to the areas that are most likely to have an acne outbreak), you can help prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of further breakouts.
The antibacterial action of castor oil creates an unfavorable environment for acne-causing bacteria.
How to Use Castor Oil for Acne Cysts
Proper application is important to make sure you get all the benefits with as few side effects as possible.
Topical Application of Castor Oil
To apply castor oil to acne cysts, follow these steps:
Do a Patch Test: Before applying castor oil all over the affected area, perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivity.
Dilution: It's advisable to dilute castor oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil to prevent skin irritation. You can mix it in a 1:1 proportion.
Application: Gently massage the diluted castor oil onto the acne cysts after cleaning your face and your hands. Allow it to be fully absorbed into the skin.
Consistency: Apply castor oil consistently, but not excessively. Because overuse may lead to clogged pores or further skin issues.
You might start noticing some effects as soon as two weeks into the treatments.
Potential Side Effects
While castor oil can be beneficial for acne cysts, it must be noted that it can also have side effects and that it doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Just the same, side effects are not something that you will necessarily experience. That's why it's important to monitor your skin's response to castor oil and adjust your use accordingly. Here are some of the potential side effects of using castor oil:
Skin Irritation: You may experience redness, itching, or irritation when using castor oil. If this happens, stop using it.
Allergic Reactions: Just like any other allergy, allergies to castor oil can cause severe reactions. If you notice swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and stop using castor oil.
Combining Castor Oil with Other Skincare Products
Use a holistic approach when you address your acne cysts; castor oil alone will not be as effective as when you use a whole skincare routine designed for acne-prone skin. Use face cleansers, moisturizers, and face masks to get a better result.
Castor Oil Effectiveness on Severe Acne Cysts
The effectiveness of castor oil in treating severe acne cysts might vary. Many individuals find it beneficial, while others don't observe any noticeable effects, at least not in the short term. That's probably due to the fact that severe acne cysts are complicated and need more than just one agent to be treated. Your dermatologist will design a plan that works best for your skin type and the severity of your acne cysts, and castor oil can be a good addition to the regimen that you will follow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, castor oil may offer potential benefits for treating acne cysts due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and although many individuals have reported positive results, it's important to be careful when you use it on your skin. Keep in mind that when it comes to treating acne cysts, you need to be patient regardless of the treatment you are using, and with consistency and care, you will definitely start noticing some positive effects.
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