The use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used as fuel and for medicinal purposes. Despite its historical use, many people are discovering castor oil for the first time. Some people include it in various folk and alternative medicine applications, while others use it to help encourage healthier hair and skin. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, which is native to India. Today, the majority of castor oil is produced in India, where it is still used as a laxative and in skin and hair care products. According to the FDA, castor oil is safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating other potential health benefits. As of now, researchers attribute many of castor oil’s purported health benefits to ricinoleic acid. Reportedly, Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes, but you shouldn’t put it in your eyes.

Does Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Occasionally, castor oil is used internally to induce labor, but available research doubts its efficacy. Taking castor oil internally can cause intense diarrhea, so the idea is that it can also stimulate uterine contractions. Some people choose to experiment with castor oil to induce labor, but it may come with some side effects. That is why a lot of people prefer the external use of castor oil, so they don’t have to deal with diarrhea.

What Are Castor Oil Packs

Basically, the idea is that you pour castor oil on a piece of cloth and apply it to the skin for at least one hour with a heat source. The idea behind this is that it stimulates lymph and nerve function. Unlike other detox methods, the use of castor oil heat packs is not said to have any negative side effects. Many anecdotal accounts report that castor oil packs help improve sleep, enhance energy levels, and clear skin symptoms. 

Even if you use castor oil for external use, you may want to consult a doctor or naturopath to ensure that it is a safe remedy for you. Do not use castor oil packs if you are pregnant or struggling with a medical condition. Additionally, perform a small patch test with castor oil on a small part of your arm before using it on a larger area of the body. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a skin reaction. When you determine that it is acceptable for you to use, you can place the castor oil pack in certain places for the following benefits:

• Place castor oil packs directly on sore muscles or joints to help reduce inflammation. As a quick note, these packs are not a substitute for medical care; rather, they may help accelerate the healing of minor injuries or soreness. 
• Try to place castor oil packs on the lower abdomen to help reduce menstrual pain and difficulties. 
• Apply a castor oil pack to the right side of the abdomen or the whole abdomen to help support digestive and liver function. Some gallbladder specialists recommend castor oil packs for holistic treatment. 

What Does A Castor Oil Pack Do?

Essentially, a castor oil pack works to harness the anti-inflammatory and lymph stimulating benefits of castor oil for safe external use. What that means is that they aid liver detoxification, support uterine and ovarian health, and improve lymphatic circulation. Unfortunately, there are no conclusive studies involving the use of castor oil packs externally. A long history of traditional use in many cultures, however, does speak to the efficacy of castor oil packs. Some evidence does indicate that castor oil packs may have a suppressive effect on tumors and a positive effect on arthritis. 

How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

You can do a castor oil pack simply at home. When you apply them, you must be still for at least one hour. That is typically a hard task to accomplish! They can also be a bit messy, but if you prepare them properly then it will be just fine. There are also castor oil kits for sale if you do not want to purchase the following items. 

What You’ll Need:

• High-quality castor oil
• Unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel (you can use up to 30 times)
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Glass container with lid
• Old clothes, towels, or sheets because castor oil stains
• Patience

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack

• Begin by cutting a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it into thirds to make three layers. If your original piece is 20 inches by 10 inches, it will be seven inches by 10 inches when you fold it. 
• Thoroughly soak (without completely saturating) the flannel in castor oil. The easiest way to do this is by folding the flannel and placing it into a quart-size mason jar. Add the castor oil to the jar one tablespoon at a time, every 20 minutes or so. You can screw on the lid and shake the jar between adding more oil. 
• Carefully remove and unfold the soaked cloth. Lie flat on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth on the desired body part. 
• Cover the area with the wrap or cotton flannel and place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of it. Lie flat and elevate your feet, relaxing for 30 to 60 minutes. 
• After the desired time, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass jar. Store in the fridge for later use. 
• Use a natural soap to remove any leftover castor oil on the skin. Relax and rest.

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Have you looked in the mirror lately, only to see that your skin does not look as young as it once did? That is the curse of time, folks, but you do not have to feel ashamed. Aging is a natural part of life, but it can hurt your soul to see wrinkles or fine lines. Fortunately, there are nourishing ingredients that can help give your skin a healthy, youthful glow. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on these items, either!

Most people spin a lot of plates at once, so they don’t have time (or can’t afford) monthly facials and other self-care luxuries. What if you didn’t have to leave your house to nourish your skin with magical elixirs? Could you get behind that wheel? If so, then you need to familiarize yourself with various oils that help give your skin a nice dewy glow. The thought of putting oil on the skin might seem strange, but certain oils can actually help clean out pores, moisturize, and prevent the skin from producing excess oil.

What Does The Skin Crave After Age 40?

Your skin craves different things as you go through life. During adolescence and into your 20s, you do your best to control oil production and breakouts. Once you reach your 30s, collagen and elastin levels start to decline. That causes skin to lose its plumpness without proper hydration. 

When you hit your 40s, you may see wrinkles, fine lines, and even dark spots. Dryness around the eyes, neck, and lips is quite common, and your complexion craves nourishment to fight off environmental damage. After age 50, the skin becomes thinner and more prone to irritation. Your goals during this time are to minimize loss of firmness and prolong cell turnover. You want to prevent moisture loss at all costs. 

Benefits Of Using Natural Oils

Oils help provide essential nutrients that protect the skin from dehydration. Some of the key benefits of using oils include:

• Sealing in moisture to prevent dryness
• Helping other products penetrate the skin more easily
• Absorbing into the skin without leaving a greasy appearance
• Increasing collagen production to increase firmness
• Soothing inflammation and irritation
• Delivering antioxidants to help reverse signs of aging

There is ongoing research focused on the ability of plant-based oils to benefit from the skin inside and out. They are not as harmful as many commercial skin care products, which can adversely affect the skin. When choosing plant-based oils for the skin, it is better to select cold-pressed varieties because they contain more vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Continue reading to learn about the top four anti-aging oils. 

Argan Oil

Many beauty experts refer to argan oil as “liquid gold.” Argan oil provides a large amount of vitamin E and fatty acids, and it absorbs quickly into the skin, which helps improve elasticity. A 2015 study found that argan oil improved skin firmness and elasticity after 60 consecutive days of application. Study authors noticed a visible difference in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

Naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and other antioxidants, rosehip seed oil can do wonders for the skin. Researchers note that it exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cell-regenerating properties, all of which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. One study found that rosehip seed oil was able to significantly fade surgical and burn scars in 180 patients. It also stopped premature aging and helped restore skin tone. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which helps to balance dryness or oiliness. It may help to improve skin texture and tone because of the vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties. In several dermatological tests, jojoba oil demonstrated an ability to increase the skin’s suppleness, the effects of which were effective as time passed. Continued use of jojoba oil helped to reduce superficial facial lines. 

Castor Oil

One of the great things about castor oil is that it is able to deeply penetrate the skin with fatty acids, helping to smooth out fine lines. Studies show that it may help fade scars and dark spots, which researchers attribute to the large presence of antioxidants. The antibacterial properties in castor oil can help clear up acne and moisturize dry, flaky skin.

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You might be thinking, “Isn’t castor oil known for its laxative properties?” You’re not wrong, but castor oil has had numerous uses for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, for example, castor oil was used to treat eye irritation and induce labor in pregnancy. Nowadays, you can commonly see castor oil in skin and hair care applications, particularly because it has incredibly moisturizing properties. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is a vegetable oil that must go through processing for safe usage. The reason for that is because the seeds, castor beans, contain high levels of ricin, which is a toxic enzyme. Ricin is removed during processing, making it safe for people to use. Nowadays, castor oil is a common ingredient in many lotions, makeup products, and cleansers as a humectant, hydrating agent, and moisturizer. Continue reading to learn how using castor oil benefits facial skin. 

May Reduce Fungal Infection

In a 2013 study, researchers aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of different natural extracts against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalic in root canals. The results indicated that castor oil was able to significantly reduce the number of CFU of the tested bacteria. Candida albicans is the fungus that can cause nail fungus, athlete’s foot, diaper rash, and jock itch. 

May Soothe Sunburn

According to anecdotal evidence, the moisturizing properties of castor oil may soothe the irritation and pain of a sunburn. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are responsible for this ability. 

Exhibits Moisturizing Qualities

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which work to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It acts as a humectant, creating a barrier on the surface of dry skin to help lock in moisture. In doing so, castor oil can help prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. Skin and hair care manufacturers add castor oil to beauty products for this reason. It’s also added to these products as an emollient to promote hydration. Because castor oil is thick, you may want to dilute it in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, prior to applying it to the face. 

Can Help Soothe Inflamed Skin

One study found that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil helped reduce inflammation in mice. Researchers observed similar effects in guinea pigs. Although gels containing ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation, more human studies are needed to fully understand the scope of castor oil’s ability to soothe inflammation.

May Exhibit Antibacterial Properties

According to scientific studies, castor oil contains analgesic, antihistamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. A study from 2016 aimed to determine if castor oil exhibited antibacterial activity. Study authors noted that the protein from castor seeds contained antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties, inhibiting the growth of S. aureus, which causes acne. 

How To Use Castor Oil

As mentioned earlier, you can incorporate castor oil in various creams, lotions, or oil combinations. Because it is thick, you may want to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it on your face. Alternatively, you can dip a cotton ball in castor oil and gently dab it on the face and neck. In circular motions, gently massage the areas of application for three to five minutes before washing your face with a mild cleanser. 

Risk Factors Of Castor Oil Use On The Face

When testing any new oil on the skin, you run the risk of irritation. One study found that undiluted castor oil caused severe irritation on rabbit skin, while only causing mild irritation on rat and guinea pig skin. In human trials, castor oil wasn’t found as a skin irritant. That said, people with sensitive skin or occupational dermatoses (a form or skin inflammation) may experience skin irritation. Castor oil may also cause eye irritation and discomfort if it gets in your eye, so be careful when using castor oil on the face. A few tips to follow include:

• Always do a patch test: This rule applies to any new oil or skin care product you have concerns about. Test a small amount of the oil on your hand or arm and allow it to sit for 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
• Check the label: The preservatives in castor oil may cause irritation. Always read the label to check the ingredients, as not all oils are created equal. Choose oils that are cold-pressed organic without any additives.

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For many years, people have been advised against using oils on the skin to keep it clear. For this reason, people purchase oil-free skin care products in hopes of achieving clearer skin. According to researchers, there are surprising benefits to applying oils on the skin. In fact, certain oils have soothing and calming properties that can benefit irritated or inflamed skin. Other oils can help cleanse the skin, remove makeup, and reduce the risk of breakouts. 

What Is Cleansing Oil?

A cleansing oil is an oil-based cleanser that has the ability to remove makeup, surface debris, and excess oil from the skin. They work differently from water-soluble cleansers, which have a gel, cream, or foaming texture. Those traditional cleansers use surfactants, which are ingredients that interact with makeup, surface debris, or oil on the skin in a way that allows you to rinse them away with water. If a cleanser contains hydrating ingredients, it will feel smooth and soft on the skin. Cleansing oils may also contain surfactants, but they are not the primary ingredients; rather, the oils do the work to cleanse the skin.

Benefits Of Cleansing Oils

First of all, the best cleansing oils for the skin contain non-fragrant plant oils. Those oils offer beneficial glycerides, which help remove grime, makeup, and more, while simultaneously hydrating your skin. Some of the primary benefits of using a cleansing oil include:

• They leave the skin feeling smooth and supple
• Compatible with most cleansers, should you want to double cleanse
• They aid with the quick and easy removal of most sunscreens and makeup types

How Do Cleansing Oils Work?

Oils do not simply moisturize or hydrate the skin, even though there is a difference between those two actions (click here for more info). Oils work as solvents, which are a group of ingredients that dissolve similar substances. If you remember chemistry class, like dissolves like, meaning polar compounds dissolve polar compounds. Polar and nonpolar compounds do not dissolve in each other, hence why oil and water don’t mix. 

Oils are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to other oils, including sebum, which is what the skin produces. They are also attracted to oil-like ingredients in makeup, which is what gives them their ability to quickly dissolve makeup and excess oil.

Who Should Use A Cleansing Oil?

If a cleansing oil is made to be rinsable with water, then it is generally safe for all skin types. The use of a cleansing oil depends on a couple things: personal preference and how much long-wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen you wear. A good cleansing oil will break these products down easily. Just make sure that your cleansing oil does not contain any problematic ingredients, such as fragrances. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with the following cleansing oil recipe. Please enjoy and let us know if it works for you in the comments below. 

Homemade Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
• 2.5 teaspoons castor oil
• 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cromollient SCE
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil 

Instructions: 

• Once you’ve measured out all of the ingredients for the cleansing oil, pour them into a glass bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use as needed to help remove makeup or sunscreens.

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If you are into the world of DIY beauty, then you are most likely familiar with rosemary oil for hair growth. Maybe this natural hair growth oil caught your attention and you want to give it a try but don’t know how to make it or what to do. It is true that rosemary oil benefits the hair, but how exactly does it contribute to regrowth and thicker hair? This article aims to highlight how to make and use rosemary oil.

Despite what the online videos say, rosemary oil for hair growth is not just another TikTok beauty trend. It is far from a new discovery, as rosemary oil is a popular hair growth remedy in many cultures around the world. That said, it is nice to see that the masses appreciate a natural way to encourage healthier hair and scalp. 

How Does Rosemary Oil Helps With Hair Growth?

Rosemary is an herb that is popular both in beauty and culinary applications. It may help to reduce headaches, insomnia, and even depression. According to research, rosemary oil contains carnosic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Due to the antioxidant activity, rosemary oil helps increase capillary perfusion (blood flow) to the scalp, which may encourage hair growth. In fact, the increase in capillary perfusion that results from rosemary oil application is similar to the action of minoxidil, a chemical treatment for hair growth.

What Do The Studies Say?

Although human studies are lacking, there are many existing animal studies about the effects of rosemary oil for hair growth. One study, for example, found that topical application of rosemary oil helped to improve hair growth on mice experiencing hair growth issues from testosterone treatment. An older study from 1989 found that a combination of essential oils improved hair growth when applied to the scalp on a daily basis. These oils included rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood, but the study didn’t isolate rosemary for its hair growth abilities. 

A more recent study revealed some promising effects of rosemary oil on hair growth. The study focused on using rosemary oil to counteract male pattern baldness. Researchers compared the effects of using rosemary oil with minoxidil, an effective hair growth treatment. Patients in the study either received rosemary oil or minoxidil 2%, using each treatment for six months. At the end of the study, both the rosemary oil and minoxidil treatments proved effective for regrowing hair. Participants who used rosemary oil were less likely to experience itchy scalp than those using the minoxidil treatment. 

Rosemary Hair Growth Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cold-pressed castor oil
• 1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil (or MCT oil)
• 3/4 cup dried rosemary
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Pour the castor oil and fractionated coconut oil into a small stainless steel saucepan and then add the dried rosemary. Add the vitamin E oil and stir the mixture, ensuring that the rosemary is submerged in the oils.
• Place the pot on the stove over medium-low heat and keep your thermometer handy. You want to infuse the benefits of rosemary into the oils without overheating them.
• To keep the oils from scorching the rosemary, keep the rosemary oil below 230º F. As the oil begins to heat up, turn off the stove, give the oil a stir, and place a lid over the saucepan to retain the heat. 
• Allow the oil to infuse away from the heat until it cools. Repeat this process once the oil cools and then continue repeating for about four to six hours. 
• During the infusion process. The rosemary may turn bright golden yellow and become very fragrant. 
• Once you let the oil mixture cool for the last time, transfer it to a mason jar and seal it tightly. Place it in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for two weeks. Give the jar a light shake every few days or so.
• At the end of the infusion process, strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth so that you are just left with oil. Make sure you get every last drop! Transfer the oil mixture to a dropper bottle for controlled application. You can use it directly on the scalp or incorporate this into other recipes. 

How To Use:

• Apply the rosemary oil to your scalp and massage it using your fingertips. Work your way around your entire head, making sure to apply the rosemary oil to your hairline, temples, and any other areas of thinning hair. 
• After the massage, turn your head upside down and continue massaging to divert blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. You should feel your head start to tingle after the massage. 
• Leave the rosemary oil on for as long as you can allow and then wash your hair as normal.

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Do you soak your hair in a vat of olive oil or coconut oil to encourage healthier hair? The world of natural beauty encourages the use of carrier oils on the hair and scalp to optimize hair health. Nowadays, there’s a new trending oil that may be a real game changer for hair growth. Long before castor oil use on hair was a modern social media trend, it was used in many Ayurvedic applications. Healers explained that it improved conditions of the body, from scalp to feet. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is made by pressing seeds from the Ricinus communis, which is primarily grown in India, South America, Africa, and China. The oil has a pale-yellow color, but sometimes it is almost colorless. Castor oil has a mild scent and is a common ingredient in natural, medicinal, household, and pharmaceutical applications. You can also see castor oil on the ingredient lists of many cosmetic and skin care products. 

According to historians, the use of castor oil on hair dates back to 4000 BC in Ancient Egypt. Since then, researchers have found that castor oil may strengthen hair strands, promote hair growth, and nourish a dry scalp. Although the oil itself is not a miracle hair growth solution, it can create a healthier scalp, which makes way for better hair growth. Continue reading to learn how castor oil can benefit your hair and scalp.

Increases Absorption Of Other Products

Castor oil positively affects the scalp and may also enhance the absorption of other products. If you incorporate castor oil into your regular hair care regimen, your other products may penetrate the hair and scalp more effectively. Not only does that benefit your hair’s overall health and growth, but it also encourages healthy hair in the long run. Plus, increasing the absorption of other products may help reduce residue build-up on the scalp. As you know, residue makes hair growth much more difficult. 

Exhibits Anti-fungal Properties

Poor scalp hygiene can often lead to itching and scalp infections that cause dandruff. Castor oil may be an effective treatment option for dandruff caused by eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. The reason for this is because castor oil helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. It also works to inhibit the growth of several bacterial and fungal infections that may ruin your scalp. 

Nourishes Your Strands

Castor oil is unlike other oils in that it has a powerful mix of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Most other carrier oils tend to be higher in fats, which can be too intense for certain hair types. Because of the nutritional profile, castor oil may help nourish the scalp and fragile hair follicles. At the same time, it may encourage healthier, faster hair growth. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is an essential amino acid and natural emollient. This protein works to both moisturize and strengthen your hair strands, and may help add extra shine as well.

May Boost Hair Growth

If you have poor scalp hygiene or excess build-up on your scalp, you will have a difficult time growing new, healthy strands. Poor hydration and hygiene lead to dead hair follicles and dry scalp. If your scalp is dry, then you have to give it oil daily, while oily scalps may only need oil once or twice per week. Massaging castor oil into the scalp works to increase blood circulation, which may boost hair growth. For best results, apply warm oil and gently massage into the scalp. 

Has Antimicrobial Properties

When it comes to scalp and hair care, you need ingredients that contain antimicrobial properties. Castor oil exhibits these properties, which may be useful in fighting off bacterial growth on the scalp. Fungal overgrowth can lead to hair-damaging scalp inflammation and castor oil may help with that.

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If you regularly experience frizzy hair, chances are that you’ve experimented with different strategies to tame your mane. Frizzy hair typically happens when the cuticle layer of hair raises, allowing moisture to pass through and swell the strands. That ultimately makes hair appear dry and frizzy. Individual hair fibers also run in different directions, which is why frizzy hair feels rough instead of soft and smooth. 

If you were to look at the cuticle layer underneath a microscope, you would see that it looks like shingles on a roof. This is because hair consists of several different layers of keratin protein. The cuticle is the external layer and the inner layers are the cortex and medulla. When your cuticle layer is sealed properly, it easily retains moisture in the hair shaft for longer, making your hair less frizzy. 

What Causes Frizz?

There are four contributing factors to frizzy hair, the first being the environment, e.g. humidity. Hair fibers are just like sponges when exposed to moisture and the hydrophobic bonds from styling products break as moisture weaves in and out of hair fibers. The diameter of the hair fiber also contributes to frizz. As mentioned earlier, frizzy hair is essentially misaligned hair fibers and the thicker the fiber, the more difficult it is to reshape and tame. The third cause is how curly a person’s hair is because curlier hair has a greater challenge of aligning hair fibers. Finally, the amount of damage to hair also contributes to frizz. Consider that breakage, split ends, and cuticle loss can all give hair a frizzy appearance because hair fibers are not uniform.

What Can You Do To Reduce Frizz?

There are many things that can help you control the frizz. Frizzy hair is not easy to deal with and your efforts to control it may differ depending on hair type. Many stylists encourage people to consider the following tips when trying to control and reduce frizz:

• Avoid washing your hair every day because washing too often can deplete the hair of moisture. The lack of moisture raises hair cuticles and causes frizz. Ideally, wash your hair two to three times per week to prevent frizz. 
• Don’t use a traditional bristle hairbrush because they may damage hair cuticles and contribute to frizz. Instead, switch to a wide-toothed comb to help prevent breakage and damage. 
• Try to avoid terry cloth towels for drying your hair because cloth towels can add damaging friction to your hair. Instead, use a microfiber towel or simply allow your hair to air dry to reduce frizz. 
• It may seem like a great idea, but stylists encourage you to avoid hair dryers if you want to control the frizz. Excess heat can damage the hair and lead to frizz. Ionic hair dryers, however, reduce damage while effectively and safely drying your hair. 
• Use the homemade anti-frizz serum below because it helps to restore shine and texture, making your hair appear soft and silky. The ingredients provide your hair with moisture and help protect the hair follicle, which calms the hair and reduces frizz. If you use it, let us know how you like it in the comments below. 

Homemade Anti-Frizz Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon castor oil
• 1/4 cup flaxseed oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Using a funnel, pour the avocado oil, castor oil, and flaxseed oil into a four-ounce spray bottle. 
• Add the essential oils, screw on the top, and shake well to combine.
• In order to use, fritz the serum lightly over wet hair after a shower. Don’t apply too much because you only need a couple sprays. Too much serum will make your hair appear oily. 
• Comb the serum through your hair and then apply other styling products as needed. 
• If you have curly hair, turn your head upside down and scrunch your curls up toward your scalp. That will help your curls form a uniform pattern. Finally, comb your using a wide-toothed comb.

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Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchiness, dry skin, blisters, scaly patches, rashes, and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of the condition, which affects more than 31 million Americans. Within that statistic, people experience different forms of eczema, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. 

Many people with eczema use the word “flare-up” to describe one or more acute symptoms from prolonged itchiness. If flare-ups reach a certain point, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or topical steroid creams are the usual treatment options that healthcare providers recommend. Some people don’t want to resort to these medications and prefer to experiment with natural solutions to manage the condition. While the ingredients in this body butter do not cure the condition, they may calm flare-ups and reduce itchiness on eczema-prone skin. You can learn more about some of the ingredients below. 

Coconut Oil

Working to soften dry, brittle skin (a common symptom of eczema), coconut oil helps prevent skin breakups that invite microbes into cracks. As most of you know, coconut oil is a great moisturizer because the skin can easily absorb it. One randomized, double-blind study from 2014 found that virgin coconut oil had a greater effect than mineral oil in 117 patients with mild eczema symptoms. Compared to extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil was able to better moisturize dry skin and remove the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in 126 eczema patients. 

Shea Butter

Another wonderful moisturizing ingredient, shea butter is rich in beneficial fatty acids that rejuvenate the skin. In fact, the fatty acids in shea butter work to accelerate the renewal of skin cells, in addition to supporting circulation. Shea butter contains a few derivatives of cinnamic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin E in shea butter benefits the skin by promoting softness and providing relief from dryness. One research study found that 74% of patients with eczema reported a significant relief from symptoms after using a cream containing shea butter. Researchers believe that shea butter’s ability to prevent trans-epidermal water loss was a primary reason for this relief. 

Calendula Oil

If you have eczema, including calendula oil in your skin care routine is a great idea. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce both itchiness and swelling in affected areas. Researchers note that calendula oil can help disinfect wounds, minor cuts, and mild skin irritations, primarily due to the inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Calendula oil also works to stimulate the production of collagen, which can assist with the healing process. In fact, one study monitored eczema patients who used topical applications containing calendula. Many participants reported that it soothed irritation, itching, and helped improve the healing process. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which works to draw dirt, dead skin cells, and microbes from the skin. It also helps stimulate lymphatic flow and encourage the growth of healthy tissues. By promoting optimal circulation, castor oil works to remove cellular toxins, which in turn reduces inflammation in the body. According to researchers, castor oil is very effective at hydrating and moisturizing the skin. In fact, it may relieve pain and treat infection, making it an ideal ingredient for eczema patients. Lastly, the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil have been thoroughly documented.

Anti-Itch Whipped Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons raw, unrefined shea butter
• 5 tablespoons virgin, unrefined coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon calendula oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree oil (therapeutic grade)

Instructions:

• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, add the shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil. Stir occasionally until everything is thoroughly melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for an hour. You can place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill it for 20 minutes, or until it starts to solidify.
• Using an electric hand mixer, whip the partially solidified mixture for a few minutes. Add the calendula oil, vitamin E oil, and lavender and tea tree essential oils and whip for another several minutes, or until the mixture is nice and fluffy. 
• Spoon the body butter into an airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep fresh for one to two months, or longer if you store it in the fridge. Just keep it away from direct sunlight.

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Have you noticed that healthier beauty products are more popular than ever before? The beauty industry, while it still contains a great many products with harmful ingredients, is starting to use a lot more natural ingredients. This is because people have adopted healthier lifestyles and are more selective with their skin and hair care choices. 

What Are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are plant-based oils derived from nuts, seeds, or kernels. They have little to no scent and they are generally used to dilute essential oils. The reason that you have to dilute essential oils in carrier oils is to make them safe for topical application. Applying essential oils directly to the skin can result in negative reactions like rash or inflammation. Carrier oils, as their name suggests, carry essential oils and other ingredients into the skin. That said, you can use them on their own, and some of them have beneficial properties for your skin and hair. 

Whether you’re looking to nourish dry hair or boost hair growth, the following carrier oils can help you achieve those goals. You may already have some of these oils in your kitchen! Just keep in mind that it’s always best to use the highest quality oils when applying them to your hair, scalp, or body.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a thin carrier oil that’s slippery and easily absorbed by your hair or skin. It contains lots of omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E that help hydrate your hair by penetrating the cortex, which is the central main bulk of the hair. Because it is slick, it can cover the scalp in a thin blanket of sustenance, feeding your scalp to encourage cell production in hair follicles. Grapeseed oil is excellent if you suffer from regular flare ups of eczema or psoriasis on the scalp. Combine this oil with tea tree oil to help enhance the anti-inflammatory properties. 

Argan Oil

It’s almost impossible to peruse the hair care aisle at a store without seeing argan oil on the ingredient lists for at least 40 different products. Argan oil exhibits powerful moisturizing properties because of the rich fatty acid content. The hair easily absorbs argan oil, which nourishes the cortex and fills in dry cracks with moisture. In fact, using a light layer of argan oil before heat styling can prevent cuticle damage that can result in dry or brittle hair. Argan oil can also strengthen the skin barrier and promote cell turnover, increasing the scalp’s ability to produce healthier hair cells. 

Jojoba Oil

If you have a dry scalp, you may not be producing enough sebum. The best oil that mimics sebum is jojoba oil, but don’t apply a crazy amount or else your hair will be greasy. On a chemical level, jojoba oil is closer to wax than oil. This unique composition makes it one of the best carrier oils for the hair and scalp. Rich in vitamins B & E, zinc, copper, and healthy fats, jojoba oil nourishes your hair and promotes hydration. Jojoba oil acts similarly to conditioner, feeding your hair with beneficial nutrients and hydration, which may promote hair growth. 

Safflower Oil

Working to deeply penetrate the scalp, safflower oil delivers beneficial nutrients into the hair follicle, encouraging thickness and growth. Cold-pressed for safflower seeds, safflower oil is a lightweight, odorless oil with a rich nutritional profile. Safflower oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores, and that’s why it is a common ingredient in beauty products. The linoleic content in safflower oil may help reduce dry or flaky skin, while the vitamin E works to prevent damage to delicate hair and scalps. 

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is a solid at room temperature, so you have to warm it up before you use it. Cultivated from the tamanu tree, native to East Africa, tamanu oil is a carrier oil that supports the body’s natural immune responses to skin conditions. It is naturally rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help encourage scar tissue formation. The skin can easily absorb tamanu oil, which is great news for your scalp. In fact, if you are trying to regrow hair and need an extra boost, try adding tamanu oil to your hair care routine. 

Sweet Almond Oil

An excellent carrier oil for the hair and scalp, sweet almond oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, all of which benefit hair growth. It also contains proteins and minerals like potassium, zinc, and magnesium. Magnesium actually promotes protein synthesis and regulates hair growth phases. Because it is lightweight and offers a soothing scent, sweet almond oil is an excellent choice for relaxing head massages. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil works to nourish and moisturize the skin, helping to encourage hair growth. If you warm up castor oil  and leave it on the scalp post application, it can penetrate different layers of the skin and hair. Warm castor oil can seep into the hair’s cortex and swell it with triglycerides to form a seal around the cuticle. That traps in nourishment and helps make your hair softer and shinier. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid, which feeds dormant hair follicles by enhancing blood flow and promoting hair cell production.

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Affecting the aesthetic appeal of your hands, brittle nails can diminish a person’s self-esteem and make it impossible to receive most beauty treatments involving the nails. Brittle nails can occur for a variety of reasons, including excessive polishing, dry weather, anemia, hypothyroidism, or as a natural result of aging. Instead of losing control and heading straight for the emergency room, it is possible to learn how to naturally strengthen your nails.

What Causes Brittle Nails?

The nails, which are comprised of a protein known as keratin, protect fingers and toes. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) has broken up, no pun intended, brittle nails into two categories: dry & brittle and soft & brittle.

Dry and Brittle Nails: stem from lack of moisture, commonly caused by excessive washing and drying of fingernails.

Soft and Brittle Nails: stem from too much moisture, caused by overexposure to household cleaners, nail polish remover, and detergents.

On the other hand, brittle nails can stem from an iron deficiency or Raynaud’s syndrome, which is characterized by poor circulation in the extremities, which ultimately affects nail health.

What Can You Do About Brittle Nails?

There is good news and it is that several DIY cosmetic treatments and regular practices can improve nail health. That being said, age-related nail issues may be harder to fix, although it is possible to reduce the risk of cracked, splitting, or brittle nails. To keep your nails strong, employ the following tips.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers have become a staple item in cars, purses, and homes, but the overuse of hand sanitizers dries out the nails and skin. The excessive use of hand sanitizers can contribute to brittle nails, so opt for natural soaps whenever you feel the need to wash your hands.

Protect Your Hands

In the same vein as avoiding hand sanitizers, it is recommended to keep hands dry when you are cleaning. You can do this by wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning the house. In addition to keeping your nails dry, you will also protect your nails from the harsh chemicals in detergents and other cleaning products. Additionally, protect your hands and nails when you head outside in cold weather to prevent the hands from becoming overly dry.

Castor Oil & Vitamin E

The essential fatty acids in castor oil work to moisturize the nails and create a protective layer. Mixing castor oil with vitamin E oil creates a strengthening solution that helps make the nails less brittle. To make this natural solution, mix one tablespoon of castor oil with five drops of vitamin E oil in a small bottle. Using a small brush, apply the oil mixture on your nails once a day.

Paraffin Wax Bath

This is something that may be considered an indulgent remedy, but paraffin wax can help to moisturize the nails and supply them with much needed nutrients. Melt the wax and soak your nails in the wax for about 10-20 minutes. Remove your hands from the wax, allow it to dry, and then peel it off. Do this treatment a couple times a week.

Baking Soda Treatment

The antiseptic properties of baking soda help to inhibit fungal growth in the nails, but they also work to prevent the nails from becoming brittle or breaking down. Baking soda also strengthens the nails. To make a quick solution, stir one tablespoon of baking soda into a warm cup of water. Soak your nails in that mixture for 15 minutes, rinse afterwards, and pat gently to dry. Do this three times a week.

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