Camphor is a natural compound that has been used in traditional medicine since centuries. Often sold in the form of solid cubes, it is recognised by its white, crystalline appearance, distinct, strong odour, and pungent taste. Derived from the wood of the camphor tree (scientifically, the cinnamomum camphora), this substance is customarily used in balms, ointments, and other topical treatments because of its soothing properties.
Recently, camphor has been gaining popularity as a skin care ingredient, used in a wide variety of skin care products and pharmaceuticals. Let’s explore how exactly camphor is used, and its various benefits for the skin.
How is it used?
One of the most popular forms of camphor is camphor oil, derived by steam distillation of the wood of its tree, so that it can be used topically. It is often mixed with other carrier oils, depending on the benefit that needs to be extracted.
Alternatively, a few drops of camphor oil can be added to creams, lotions, or serums, to really get the best out of skin care products. This method also works with camphor powder which is a finely ground form of camphor that can be easily mixed with other ingredients for various topical applications. Mixing one of these forms with products like the Hydra FX Moisturizing Cream is one such way this can be used, since camphor works to provide many of the same benefits that the cream does, and hence, it can help get the optimal use out of it.
Camphor blocks or tablets are also widely and easily accessible since they are solid forms of camphor that are widely used for a variety of purposes.
Other common forms of camphor are camphor ointments or balms since it is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter balms and ointments, often combined with other soothing ingredients like menthol.
But this raises the question, why are there so many forms of camphor that are so widely available? Well, because it really is a magic substance with a multitude of benefits for everyone.
Benefits for Skin Care
Camphor is truly one of the most versatile products out there and works especially well as part of your skin care routine. Here are just some of its benefits:
1. Skin Whitening
One of its most well-known benefits is camphor’s ability to whiten the skin. It works by addressing underlying skin problems such as uneven complexion, dark spots, and blemishes to enhance the skin’s natural glow. This ability to even skin tone and texture gives the skin a brighter and lighter complexion, giving the impression of whiter skin.
Camphor is most often used for skin whitening in the form of a mask, mixed with coconut oil, turmeric paste, yoghurt, or honey. Any ingredient it is combined with, camphor works to provide the skin with a multitude of benefits, hence why it has always been hailed so highly, especially for skin whitening.
2. Anti-Acne
Camphor also acts as a useful tool against acne. Its antiseptic properties help clean out pores and unclogs the inflammation follicles and glands that lead to acne and blackheads. Moreover, camphor can help fade blemishes and other aftermath that comes with acne, which gives the appearance of brighter, glowing skin.
3. Soothing
One of the most underrated, but incredible benefits of camphor is that it works to soothe. It has incredible anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial in the occurrence of rashes, skin irritations, itchiness, insect bites, burns and even eczema and psoriasis.
Camphor does this by providing immediate relief because it works as a cooling agent that also disinfects the skin and prevents conditions that exacerbate any such ailment. Furthermore, according to research, camphor also speeds up the process of wound healing by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen in the skin which helps in rebuilding damaged skin tissue.
4. Anti-Aging
Another benefit resulting from the use of camphor is that its antioxidant properties help fight free radicals that damage the skin and are responsible for premature ageing. Alongside, the collagen stimulation can help give the skin youthful glow by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Benefits for Health
Not just skin care, but it is a vital care product food your health too, and here’s why:
1. Pain Relief
Camphor is famously known for its ability to alleviate pain when applied topically, especially muscle aches, joint pain, and arthritis. It does this by stimulating nerve endings, increasing blood sensation and providing a warm sensation to the body. This makes it an especially popular choice in balms and ointments designed for pain relief.
2. Blood Circulation
Speaking of blood circulation, camphor stimulates blood flow to the area it is topically applied to. This improved circulation promotes better oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body which can help speed up the process of healing wounds, can reduce swelling, and just contribute to better overall well-being.
3. Respiratory Health
Camphor has been long recognised in traditional medicine to be a cure for chest congestion. Inhaling camphor vapours or using it as a chest rub has been known to make it easier to breathe because it helps clear up nasal passages, open airways, airways, expel mucus and phlegm, and reduce cough. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from colds, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions since it promotes easier breathing.
4. Stress
Since it already acts as a breathing aid and muscle relaxant, camphor clearly acts as a soother. However, its distinct aroma has also been known to have calming and soothing effects on the mind when inhaled. Camphor’s scent can help reduce anxiety, enhance mental clarity by improving concentration, and induce a sense of tranquillity. So go ahead and get a camphor oil massage, or aromatherapy through a camphor candle, or try steam inhalation using camphor essential oils to really get rid of that mental stress!
5. Foot Care
One of the most underrated benefits of camphor is that it can be used for taking care of the feet. Cracked heels or toenail fungus are two of the most common problems that people are faced with.
A camphor paste, that is crushed camphor mixed with an oil, because of its antifungal properties can show potential improvement in treating toenail fungus and relieving the discomfort that comes with it if applied consistently.
Similarly, once immersed in a mixture of water and camphor and then scrubbed, it can help soothe cracked heels and maintain the hydration of feet.
6. Burns
As mentioned before, camphor does help soothe burns. However, this is worth discussing further because this benefit is often overlooked. Camphor possesses soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties which works to alleviate any swelling, redness and burning sensations. Potentially, a mixture of camphor and coconut oil is really a useful remedy to soothe burns.
Safety Precautions
It is however important to remember that like with most products, camphor needs to be used safely, and in moderation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Always consult a dermatologist before incorporating it into your skincare routine, but some safety tips to keep in mind anyway are:
- Moderation: Since camphor is a potent substance, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way and overuse can actually lead to adverse effects such as redness and burning.
- Patch Test: Because it is a natural product, always perform a patch test to a small area oof the body to ensure that there is no irritation or an allergic reaction to it. This applies especially to those with pre-existing health conditions or pregnancy.
- Avoid Ingestion: Camphor is, under no circumstances, to be ingested as it can be toxic if swallowed.
Conclusion
Camphor is a powerful, natural ingredient offering a multitude of benefits for skin care, and health in general. Whether it be for a soothing effect, reducing acne, or achieving a brighter, whiter complexion, camphor is a versatile product.
Knowing how to harness its full potential is the key to glowing skin, especially paired with other products such as Solero Sunblock SPF 100 to protect the skin, especially since camphor can lead to skin sensitivities.
So go pick out whatever form of camphor works best for you because it really is an essential skin and healthcare tool, and visit our website Rederm Aesthetics to browse through our collection to find products that pair with camphor to achieve the radiant skin that you have always dreamed of!
