What is Acne Rosacea?
Acne Rosacea is a chronic skin inflammatory condition mainly affecting the facial area and, sometimes, the eyes [1]. It occurs most commonly in the 30-50 age group, especially females, and mostly among people with fairer skin [2].
This condition usually presents with frequent redness of the face, small rosy lines underneath the skin, acne, a thickened nose, thickened skin particularly seen on the forehead, chin and cheeks. Other symptoms include scarring, with red, dry and itchy eyes, and eyesight problems [1].
It is separated into four different subtypes:
- papulopustular (areas of redness and swelling with acne-like papules and pustules),
- erythematotelangiectatic (redness and flushing with discolouration and visible blood vessels),
- ocular (irritated, red eyes that might be swollen) and
- Phymatous (thickened, bumpy areas of skin) [2].
What are the Causes of Acne Rosacea?
Precisely what triggers rosacea is poorly understood, but it is likely caused by an in-born systemic inflammatory immune disorder or dysfunction in the nervous and vascular systems [2].
Rosacea also involves innate immune alterations in the immune environments you are born with (e.g., skin microbiome), and for many, it involves genetics [2].
Other potential triggers include human skin mites, an immune system overreacting to pathogens, GI infection, and altered processing of the protein cathelicidin, which normally helps protect skin from infection [3].
It's important to note that rosacea is not dangerous, but there is no cure. However, treatments including medicines and sometimes surgery can help manage the symptoms [1].
Benefits of Castor Oil on Skin Health
Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and is 90% ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid [4, 5]. This major oil component is believed to hold the key to many precious skin health benefits.
As well as being an antiseptic, its antioxidant properties help reduce the signs of ageing caused by free radicals (which cause wrinkles and accelerate the ageing process) attacking the body [6].
Castor oil is naturally antibacterial, which can help to kill bacteria on the face that can contribute to pore-clogging and acne [6].
The anti-inflammatory actions of castor oil can decrease swelling and (temporarily) puffiness that can make pimples look bigger or eye bags develop below the eye [6].
Castor oil is a very powerful moisturizer; applying generations of growth can keep skin youthful, shiny and supple, and it may prevent the peeling that can slow the healing process and alleviate some of the pain [6].
Its oil nourishes the skin, with healthy fatty acids [6].
Along with these advantages, castor oil remedies infraorbital hyperpigmentation. It hampers the dark vertical skin line below the eyelashes, lightens the melanin level, fades out skin wrinkles, and tightens up skin laxity in the infraorbital area [7].
In addition, castor oil has also been used with good effects for treating blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids that responds well to castor oil packs, showing decreases in ocular surface signs and symptoms [8].
In conclusion, castor oil offers a range of benefits for skin health, from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to moisturize and improve skin conditions.
Can Castor Oil Help with Acne Rosacea?
There may not be sufficient evidence to determine whether castor oil can help with acne rosacea. However, castor oil has several properties that could potentially benefit those with acne rosacea.
Its antioxidants that fight free radicals – which prematurely age your skin and can cause troubles such as breakouts – are one of the main benefits of castor oil for the skin [6]. Castor oil’s antibacterial qualities can also help reduce bacteria on the skin, which can clog pores and cause acne [6].
Second, castor oil is anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and/or puffiness and potentially deflating inflamed pimples [6]. Third it has healthy fatty acids essential for good skin [6].
However, literature on the topical application of castor oil is virtually non-existent; one study, for example, found that castor oil possessed eminent antioxidant and antibacterial activity, but there’s nothing specific to topical use on the face [6].
Although castor oil can benefit skin health, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for you may not work for others. Always do a patch test before using any new product on your face (a great test spot is the inner part of your arm), and consult with a dermatologist if you continue to have issues [4].