Castor Oil
Castor oil is a product derived from castor beans, a colorless or yellow liquid with a distinctive taste and odor. It is a multipurpose vegetable oil that people use for various purposes. While castor oil has ricin, a toxic substance, the processing deactivates the substance, rendering the resultant oil safe to use.
The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can also be used as a moisturizer. In addition, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which acts as a humectant. Humectants help the skin retain moisture by preventing water loss through its outer layer. Several cosmetic manufacturers combine castor oil in products such as cleansers, makeup, and lotions for its vaunted skin-lightening effect.
While castor oil can be directly applied on the darkened patch of skin, some people mix it with other skin-friendly oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil to make a terrific moisturizing agent. It increases the production of collagen and elastin, which helps delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes supple skin.
However, not everyone can use castor oil against hyperpigmentation. If marked improvement is not seen in their skin condition, other treatment options must be sought.
