Is Castor Oil Effective on Sunburn?
Introduction
Sunburn is a widely popular skin condition found by a lot of people when our skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) lights by the sun. It causes redness, pain, and peeling of the skin. Prevention is always the best medicine, but when it comes to sunburnt skin, a lot of people look for natural remedies to help soothe it. One such treatment that has been popularized is castor oil. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at whether castor oil is effective for sunburn, as well as its potential benefits and risks.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). This viscous, pale-yellow oil which has been used for centuries in various applications, beginning with skin care. Castor oil has been used historically to treat skin problems including acne, extract wrinkles, and further manage dry skin.
Properties of Castor Oil
Ricinoleic Acid
Ricinoleic acid, which comprises approximately 90% of the fatty acid in castor oil, is the primary component of castor oil. This special fatty acid is why castor oil has so many beneficial properties.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Ricinoleic acid is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate the inflammation caused by sunburn.
Moisturizing Benefits
Castor oil is a very good emollient that can make the skin soft and moist. This feature can be especially beneficial for skin that has been burned by the sun, which often turns dry and scaly.
What to Know on How Sunburn Affects the Skin
Sunburn results from UV damage to the DNA of skin cells. Such damage triggers an inflammatory response that results in the classic redness and pain of sunburn. Repeated sun exposure and sunburns can contribute to premature aging, dark spots and a higher risk of skin cancer over time.
What is the Process for Using Castor Oil on Sunburn?
For those who are contemplating applying castor oil for sunburn, here is a breakdown of how to do it:
- Wash the burnt area with cool water and some mild soap gently.
- Gently dry the skin with a soft towel.
- Put a little castor oil on your fingertips.
- Rub the oil into the sunburned area gently.
- Apply 2-3 times a day as needed.
Note: Patch test on a small area of sunburned skin before using on a larger area, as noted reaction may occur with castor oil.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Sunburn
- Soothes burned skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties
* Gives intense moisture, which might help reduce peeling - Because of its fatty acid composition, possibly accelerates the healing process
Cons and Cautions
- A few individuals can have skin reactions or allergies to castor oil
- Not to be used on open blisters or broken skin14
- The heavy texture of castor oil can be uncomfortable applied to sensitive, sunburnt skin
Other Remedies for Sunburn
Although castor oil does have some purported benefits, it’s also a good idea to try other tried and true sunburn treatments:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is known to soothe and cool sunburnt skin. It is one of the most commonly recommended herbal tissue remedies for sunburn.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, like castor oil also has moisturizing properties, which helps heal sunburn. But it’s important to apply it after the heat has died down to prevent trapping heat in the skin.
Traditional Treatments
Remember the fundamentals: cool baths, hydration and — if symptoms are particularly severe — over-the-counter pain relievers can all help scale back sunburn symptoms.
Personal Real-World Scenarios and Feedbacks
Although scientific studies are limited, many users report positive results using castor oil for sunburn. Some believe it prevents pain and redness, while others love its hydration. However, the experience can be very different from one person to another.
Conclusion
Sunburn can be soothed temporarily with castor oil as it helps to seal moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated, while potentially offering some anti-inflammatory properties. But it isn’t a miracle cure, and its effectiveness can differ. If you choose to trial castor oil for your sunburn, start out with a small amount, and stop using it altogether if you have any irritation. If you developed a severe sunburn or have any concerns, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
FAQ
Is castor oil safe to apply to all types of sunburn?
As for mild to moderate sunburns, castor oil is generally safe. But it should not be applied to severe burns, open blisters or broken skin. Always do a patch test first.
What is the recovery time when using castor oil for sunburn?
It can take several hours for some users to feel results, but other users report feeling relief a few hours after application. Better results may come from using it consistently for a few days.
Can I use castor oil combined with other ingredients to alleviate sunburn?
Sure, castor oil can be combined with other calming ingredients, such as aloe vera gel or lavender essential oil. However, always check a new mixture on a small area of the skin first.
Is castor oil better than aloe vera for sunburns?
Both have some benefits, but aloe vera is better studied and more commonly recommended for sunburn relief. If aloe vera is not available near you or if your skin likes it, you can try using castor oil instead.
