There are a lot of really bizarre hypotheses on TikTok, covering a lot of ground. Always double-check the information you see on apps, especially if it concerns components or goods you aren’t entirely familiar with. This goes for information about new hacks, health-related information, and even information about your favourite celebrities. (Remember when people believed using haemorrhoid cream on undereye bags was safe? Warning: there are spoilers ahead.) Following the publication of the results of a new study in November 2023, castor oil has become the talk of the town on the platform when it comes to treating darkness beneath the eyes.
In 2021 and 2022, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology conducted a single-arm clinical experiment in which participants noticed “reduced melanin levels, wrinkles, and skin laxity in the infraorbital region” after using a topical castor oil cream twice daily for two months. The literature does point out that in order to validate results, randomised clinical studies are required. What then do professionals believe?
Identifying the underlying cause of dark circles is the first step towards treating them. According to oculoplastic surgeon Kami Parsa, black circles have five primary reasons. Anatomical problems include thin skin, undereye veins, allergies-related chronic inflammation, hollow undereyes, and hereditary colouring. “Getting enough sleep is the first line of defence,” Dr Parsa advises P.S. From there, you can search for skin-brightening products or treatments that promote cell turnover and exfoliate the dead skin cells that accentuate dark circles.
One of those magic products, is castor oil? Here, professionals address all of our urgent queries regarding the buzzy oil and its potential to heal dark circles beneath the eyes. To find out more, keep scrolling.
What Is Castor Oil?
According to dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, who is board-certified, “castor oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the castor bean plant.” “It is high in ricinoleic acid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant uses.”
Castor oil is very beneficial and has many uses. Purvisha Patel, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, states that “it is commonly taken orally as a laxative.” In addition, it can be applied topically to treat inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis and eczema. It is also present in soaps. It is applied to moisturise hair and promote hair development.”
Is Castor Oil Beneficial for Dark Circles?
Though there is now little scientific proof, the recently published study suggests that it can, and it all depends on what’s causing your dark circles. Before doing it, there are a few other things you should be aware of. According to board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, “castor oil is generally considered safe for topical use, but it can cause irritation, especially near the sensitive areas like the eyes.” “Always perform a patch test before applying it near the eyes.”
Start by washing your face and patting it dry after doing a patch test to make sure there are no problems. Next, apply a tiny quantity of the lotion to your fingertips and use a gentle circular motion to massage it into the skin beneath your eyes. Avoid the area around the eyes; according to Dr. Patel, if the product gets on the lashes or hair follicles, it may lead to an infection or styes.
But instead of applying raw castor oil straight to your skin, celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar advises using a product like a lotion that incorporates castor oil. “Each castor oil can have a different base or distillation method, making [them] unpredictable.”
Before attempting to utilise raw castor oil or a product containing it, be sure to speak with your dermatologist or other qualified medical professional. However, there are still solutions available to you if you’re searching for more conventional ways to treat dark circles. The best course of action, according to Dr. Houshmand, is to visit your dermatologist because treating it typically requires a multimodal approach. Using items that contain components like vitamin C and caffeine can also be beneficial. If you wish to take care of the issue at home, there are many different eye lotions for dark circles.
