Castile oil in Skincare

This oil is made from traditional olive oil and it has a lot of benefits that make it suitable for all skin types.

• It is anti-bacterial: castile oil can be used to fight bacteria’s that can cause diseases.

• Oleic acid: this fatty acid is essential for the body and is useful for people with dry skin.

• Linoleic acid: this fatty acid is involed in sebaceous lipid synthesis and contributes to the formation of ceramides. It has anti-microbial (prevent bacteria) and anti-proliferative properties that can inhibt the growth of inflammation caused by free radicals.

• It contains palmtitic acid: the rapid oxidation of linoleic acid leads to palmitic acid that has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

• Antioxidants like vitamin A and E: it has powerful antioxidants like vitamin A and E that can benefits the skin and the body.

• It contains oleocanthal: it is an anti-inflammatory compound that can acne, psoriasis , and acne.

• Glycerin: castile oil also contains glycerin that can moisturize the skin.

Castile oil is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin, sensitive skin (psoriasis, eczema), and skin of colour.

You can apply castile oil after a moisturizer. It is also available in the form of soap.

Castile soap is made from olive oil and is sometimes crafted with hemp, avocado, or coconut oil. It is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Castile soap has all the same benefits that we mentioned above. It can also be used for all skin types.

You will need:

• 600g of light olive oil.
• 109g of water.
• 79g sodium hydroxide
• 18g essential oil (you can choose an essential oil of your choice).

• We should first make the lye solution by pouring the 79g of sodium hydroxide into the cup containing 109g of water.

• Stir it gently till it dissolves (protect the work surface from heat by placing the cup under a heat protectant cloth or mat because the lye solution will be hot).

• Pour the lye solution into the cup containg 600g of olive oil

• Start to blend the mixture, stopping to stir as you go.

• Look for a colour change (the mixture should lighten up as it emulsifies, till then keep blending).

• Once you get a light mixture, add the essential oil.

• You can then pour the soap into silicone muffin moulds. Let the soap sit for a few minutes and then place another board on top of the soap and gently wrap in a warm blanket to let the soap gel. Leave it for 48 hours.

• Leave the soap to cure in a dry, airy place for atleast six weeks (a few months is also good).

Your castile soap is now ready to use.

How to use castile soap?

If you using homemade castile soap, you can apply it directly to your body. If your planning to buy castile soap from outside, remember that these products are alkaline (7 is neutral, whereas other products can be 8.9 on the pH scale), and it can be very harsh on the skin.

How you can use castile soap is to dilute it with water (instructions will be there on the packaging of the product). This reduces the strength of the product, instead of using the product fully on your face. This can reduce irritation and dryness on your skin.

You can also use castile soap to clean makeup brushes, a laundry detergent, a clarifying shampoo, a floor cleaner, and many more.

Frequently asked questions:

Does Castile soap cause dandruff?

You can try using homemade castile soap for treating dandruff, instead of going for soaps that are made outside as they contain more harsh ingredients and are really powerful.

When using castile soaps from the stores, make sure to dilute it with water, and then use it on your hair. This can help to treat dandruff, reduce the strength of the product and also clean your hair.

Make sure to use a conditioner after.

Can Castile soap cause eczema?

A homemade castile soap won’t cause eczema, but if your planning to buy a castile soap, make sure to dilute it with water, or else it can irritate your scalp and skin.

It also depends on the ingredients present in the product.

Can Castile soap cause UTI?

If you’re using castile soaps with harsh ingredients on your vagina, it can cause irritation or a burning sensation. It can also cause an allergic reaction of the vulva, even if the reaction is mild, it can cause bacterial growth and that bacteria can travel into the urinary tract, causing a UTI.

It’s better to go for Castile soaps that are natural, dye-free, and fragrance-free and use them on any part of your body.

Can Castile soap cause rash?

The harsh ingredients in castile soap could cause rashes, and even inflammation or irritation if you don’t dilute the soap with water.

Can Castile soap cause yeast infection?

If your castile soap contains harsh ingredients (especially fragranced soaps), then it causes irritation to your vagina leading to a yeast infection.