Does Ashwagandha Cause Acne?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Ashwagandha causes acne. In fact, its anti-inflammatory properties may actually help in managing acne.
But that's not the full story.
How does Ashwagandha affect skin health?
Ashwagandha is a plant extract that has been used in traditional medicine for many years because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [1]. The health benefits of Ashwagandha are diverse, and some studies even suggest that ashwagandha may have anticancer properties (but more reasearch is needed).
A perhaps less known use of Ashwagandha is for skin health. In one study, it was observed that root extract of Ashwagandha showed significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines expressions in human keratinocyte cells, which are the major type of cell found in the skin. This suggests that Ashwagandha may help reduce skin inflammation [2]. Additionally, Ashwagandha may also help protect the skin from damage. The same study found that Ashwagandha root extract inhibited the activation of certain pathways involved in inflammation and cell damage, further suggesting its potential to protect against skin inflammation [2].
However, more studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in different skin conditions. You should consult this with your healthcare provider, and choose treatments with a proven efficacy.
If you are interested in supplements that support skin health, you may want to read our blog about Bakuchiol Serum.
Can Ashwagandha Cause Acne?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that Ashwagandha causes acne. In fact, as we discussed in the previous section, the anti-inflammatory effects of Ashwagandha on skin cells could potentially help in managing acne [2].
However, it's important to note that everyone's body reacts differently to supplements and herbs. While Ashwagandha may not directly cause acne, it could potentially cause other side effects that might indirectly affect your skin. For instance, some people might experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from using certain herbs [3].
Additionally, Ashwagandha can affect hormonal levels of both men and women, which could theoretically cause skin problems.
In conclusion, while Ashwagandha doesn't appear to directly cause acne, and may even have properties that could help manage it, individual reactions can vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
