Dark circles, puffy eyes, and eye bags are common concerns that can make us look tired, stressed, and older than we feel.
Dysregulation of the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like cortisol, can lead to increased inflammation and fluid accumulation around the eyes. One of the primary culprits is fluid retention. The delicate skin around our eyes is prone to accumulating excess fluid, which then pools and creates that unflattering 'bags under the eyes' look. Factors that can contribute to fluid buildup include hormonal changes, high salt intake, allergies, and even lack of sleep.
Ageing is also a common factor, as the skin and muscles around our eyes naturally get thinner as we get older. This means water and fat deposits appear to protrude more which exacerbates the puffiness.
Lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption, smoking, and excessive screen time can further exacerbate the issue by causing inflammation, disrupting sleep, and dehydrating the skin.
While a good night's sleep and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining the skin's health, sometimes they are not enough to combat these pesky under-eye issues.
One natural remedy that has gained popularity is IAMA's organic, cold pressed castor oil. Known for its multitude of health and beauty benefits, castor oil has been used for centuries to improve the appearance of the skin.
How IAMA Castor oil can naturally reduce dark circles, puffy eyes and eye bags?
Castor oil is rich in a unique combination of fatty acids and contains a rare molecule called ricinoleic acid, which accounts for about 90% of its fatty acid content. Other components include oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These compounds are what give castor oil its potent moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Rare Molecule Ricinoleic Acid
Ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling and puffiness in the skin by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins. This can be particularly beneficial for reducing puffy eyes and eye bags that often result from fluid retention or irritation.
Improved Blood Circulation
Ricinoleic acid also promotes better blood circulation. Poor blood flow can lead to the accumulation of blood under the eyes, contributing to the dark purplish hue of dark circles. By enhancing circulation, castor oil can help reduce the appearance of these dark circles.
Oleic Acid's Moisturising Effects
Oleic acid is another monounsaturated fatty acid found in castor oil. It has emollient properties that help to keep the skin soft and hydrated. The delicate skin around the eyes is prone to dryness, which can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. The moisturizing effect of oleic acid helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and smoothness, making the eye area appear more youthful and refreshed.
Linoleic Acid's Skin Barrier Support
Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function. A strong skin barrier is essential for preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. By supporting the skin barrier, linoleic acid in castor oil helps to reduce dryness and irritation, which can contribute to the formation of eye bags and puffiness.
Palmitic and Stearic Acids
These saturated fatty acids provide additional skin-conditioning benefits. They help to improve the texture and feel of the skin, making it smoother and softer. This is particularly important for the thin skin under the eyes, which can become crepey and wrinkled over time.
Vitamin E
While not a fatty acid, castor oil contains traces of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E helps to neutralise free radicals that cause oxidative stress and premature aging of the skin. By protecting the skin from these harmful effects, Vitamin E in castor oil aids in minimising the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.
How Castor Oil Helps Dark Circles, Puffy Eyes, and Eye Bags
The combination of these ingredients in castor oil makes it an effective remedy for various under-eye concerns.
Here’s how it works:
Reduces Dark Circles
Dark circles are often caused by the pooling of blood in the delicate capillaries under the eyes, leading to a bluish or purplish tint. Castor oil, with its ricinoleic acid, improves blood circulation, helping to disperse the pooled blood. The moisturising effects of oleic and linoleic acids also help to plump up the skin, reducing the visibility of underlying blood vessels.
Alleviates Puffy Eyes
Puffiness around the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including fluid retention, allergies, and lack of sleep. The anti-inflammatory properties of ricinoleic acid in castor oil help to reduce swelling by calming inflamed tissues. Additionally, castor oil’s moisturising properties prevent dryness, which can often exacerbate puffiness.
Reduces Eye Bags
Eye bags, often a result of weakened muscles and skin tissue around the eyes, can cause fat to move into the lower eyelids, leading to a puffy appearance. The skin-nourishing properties of castor oil, particularly the skin barrier support provided by linoleic acid and the conditioning effects of palmitic and stearic acids, help to strengthen and hydrate the skin. Over time, this can reduce the prominence of eye bags.
Why Consistency is Key to Using Castor Oil
Castor oil doesn't work overnight...
Although results don’t happen overnight, with a natural pure product from the earth takes times replenish and nourish us. If you don't see significant changes within a matter of weeks, keep in mind that natural products take time to reset and rebalance you.
After three months, the real magic happens!
Your skin, which is your largest organ, works in cycles of 45-90 days, and will have had the nutrients to heal and repair. Your skin will thrive off Castor Oil’s lipophilic qualities, as vital fats and oils can now be absorbed. Moisture will easily pass through your skin's sebum-rich outer layers, meaning you are absorbing it’s super powers fast.
How to Use iAMA Castor Oil for the Eye Area
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Use our High-Quality, Cold-Pressed, Hexane Free Castor Oil
♥ We are 100% pure with no added fragrances or chemicals.
♥ We are 100% hexane free.
♥ We are 100% cold pressed.
♥ We are 100% organic.
♥ We are 100% vegan.
♥ We are 100% ethically sourced.
♥ We are 100% recyclable.
♥ We are 100% handmade with love.
♥ We are 100% here for you on your castor oil journey. -
Patch Test
Before applying castor oil to your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. -
Application
- Before bed, ensure your face is clean.
- Apply 3 drops of iAMA Castor Oil onto your fingertips.
- Gently apply it onto the under-eye area and on top of your eyelids.
- Massage in circular motions for 2 minutes.
- Leave it on overnight for absorption.
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Ensure to wash off the residue in the morning to prevent smudges and spreading of eye makeup. Alternatively, we find applying a setting powder over the eyebrows before applying brow makeup helps to maintain without needing to wash off residue.
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Consistency
For best results, use castor oil at least a few times a week for at least 3 months. With consistent use, you should begin to notice the eye area to be firmer and brighter.
Try Our Organic, Cold Pressed Castor Oil Today!
iAMA Castor Oil is a powerful, natural remedy that offers multiple benefits for the delicate skin around the eyes. Its unique combination of fatty acids, particularly ricinoleic acid, makes it an effective solution for reducing dark circles, puffiness, and eye bags. While it is not a quick fix, when used consistently and correctly, it can significantly improve the appearance of your under-eye area, making you look more rested and rejuvenated.
Begin your iAMA Castor Oil journey and try it for yourself!
Every Bottle Comes with a Free Digital Guide to Unlock Castor Oil's Full Benefits.
PS Read our blog post on using Castor Oil in your belly button here and womb health here.
