Is castor oil effective against acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in the inflammation of the hair -sebaceous follicles. It is accompanied by unsightly pimples and generally by a permanently oily skin. According to the S.F.D. (French Society of Dermatology), 15 million people in France are affected by acne problems, including 3.3 million aged over 15 years. This skin disorder affects about 80% of teenagers (of which 15% have severe acne) and nearly 25% of adults, particularly women. It can appear both on the face and certain parts of the body (chest, back, buttocks...). The primary reason for consultation with a dermatologist, this skin condition can lead to a lack of self-confidence and significant psychological distress.

Biologically speaking, when one has acne, the sebaceous glands secrete a sebum that is too thick (dysseborrhea) or in excess (hyperseborrhea), which clogs the pores and results in pimples and/or blackheads. This condition is often triggered by stress, pollution, and hormones. An unhealthy lifestyle (lack of sleep, smoking, unbalanced diet, poor hygiene…) can also trigger or worsen this sebum alteration leading to the appearance of skin imperfections. Moreover, in this fat-rich environment, a bacterium usually present in small amounts on the skin, Propionibacterium acnes, proliferates, which triggers an inflammatory response on the skin surface.