The Ashwagandha benefits for skin are scientifically proven as ashwagandha can maintain your skin health and treat many skin problems effectively.
After including the benefits of ashwagandha for hair and the best ashwagandha oils to try to promote hair and skin health in the previous articles, I will include in this article the 6 best ashwagandha benefits for skin, what ashwagandha is, how to use it to keep your skin healthy, possible side effects, and more FAQs.
Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Ashwagandha is a small shrub that grows in subtropical areas in Africa and Asia. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy due to its medical benefits.
- Ashwagandha benefits for skin include revitalizing stress skin, boosting skin hydration, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, reducing oil production and acne, promoting skin health, and treating hyperpigmentation.
- You can take ashwagandha orally by taking ashwagandha capsules or adding ashwagandha powder to your drinks, or you can apply it topically to your skin.
- stomach upsets, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, blood pressure and blood sugar problems, headaches, and allergic reactions are the most common side effects of taking ashwagandha excessively.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows naturally in Africa and Asia. The name comes from the Sanskrit language, it means “smell of the horse” this refers to its powerful properties that can improve overall health.
Ashwagandha is also commonly known as “Indian Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. It has been used in India for centuries due to its remarkable benefits.
Ashwagandha powder comes from its roots, it can rejuvenate skin, boost hair health, and manage stress and anxiety.
Studies found that ashwagandha has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties that can reduce anxiety by 41%, decrease complications caused by stress, and improve skin health.
Ashwagandha Benefits For Skin:
1- Reduce Aging Signs
Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.
A study found that ashwagandha root extract can increase telomerase activity by up to 45%. It’s an enzyme that has powerful anti-aging properties, so it can increase the lifespan of healthy skin cells.
Another study showed that ashwagandha can relieve stress by lowering cortisol levels which is the stress hormone. It can also improve sleep duration and quality. This will definitely reflect on your skin’s appearance and boost its health.
Plus, it increases collagen levels in the skin, making your skin look brighter, smoother, and healthier.
2- Help Treat Hyperpigmentation
One of the best ashwagandha benefits for skin health is its ability to treat hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem caused by frequent exposure to the sun, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions.
These factors lead to an increase in melanin production which will darken your skin in certain areas.
A study found that applying ashwagandha topically to the affected skin for 14 days can reduce melanin production and keep the skin protected against pigmentation.
Another study showed that ashwagandha can reduce the prevalence and reoccurrence of skin cancer.
3- Improve The Appearance Of Stressed Skin
When you’re always stressed or anxious, your skin will look dull, tired, and lifeless.
Also, other factors like using skincare or makeup products that contain harsh chemicals, or frequent exposure to UV harmful rays without protection could trigger keratosis.
It’s a skin disorder that leads to dark circles, dark spots, dry skin, and wrinkles.
A study found that ashwagandha can help regulate keratosis and reduce its symptoms. It can also help with other conditions like skin cancer, melanosis, and lesions.
Ashwagandha can relax your skin and promote hyaluronan levels in the skin, leaving it firm and radiant.
4- Reduce Acne
Ashwagandha contains withanolides which is a type of steroid that helps remove dirt, dust, oil, and other impurities from the skin.
It can control oil production in the skin and leave pores clean and refined and reduce acne.
Also, ashwagandha has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can soothe irritation, treat acne scars, and reduce the appearance of breakouts.
It’s an excellent choice for people with oily skin as it will leave their skin clear, healthy, and acne-free without stripping it of its natural moisture.
5- Hydrate The Skin
Hyaluronan in ashwagandha can moisturize the skin and restore dry, rough skin.
Plus, the high antioxidant levels in ashwagandha work on keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. And they protect the skin from free radical damage.
6- Relieve Inflammation
A study found that ashwagandha root extract can help protect the skin against inflammation and soothe irritation caused by skin disorders like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
It can also heal redness and rashes, promote new skin cell growth, and speed up wound healing.
How To Use Ashwagandha For Skin?
You can add ashwagandha to your routine by taking it orally or applying it to your face topically:
Oral Usage: You can take ashwagandha capsules twice a day. Or mix a half teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with warm milk and drink it daily.
You can also mix a half tablespoon of ashwagandha powder with a tablespoon of honey and a half tablespoon of ghee and take the mixture 2 times a day.
Topical Usage: Mix one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with water to create a paste then apply it to your face as a face mask. Leave it for 5-10 minutes then rinse your face. You can try this mask 1-2 a week.
You can also use ashwagandha oil to improve your skin health. Dilute ashwagandha oil with a carrier oil like almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil then apply it to your face and massage for a few minutes then wash your face. Try this 1-2 times a week.
It’s highly recommended to consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha Side Effects:
Usually, taking ashwagandha in small doses is safe but excessive consumption of ashwagandha can cause some problems.
It could cause headaches, digestive problems, allergic reactions, and hyperthyroidism.
It may also lower blood pressure, decrease sugar levels in the blood, increase heartbeat, and make you always sleepy.
If you experience any of those symptoms after taking ashwagandha, consult a doctor right away.
Who should avoid ashwagandha?
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding women.
- People with type 1 diabetes.
- People with lupus.
- Those with rheumatoid arthritis.
FAQs:
Does Ashwagandha Clear Skin?
Yes. Ashwagandha can clear skin as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties. It can reduce acne, control shine, treat pigmentation, reduce aging signs, and moisturize the skin.
Can Ashwagandha Be Applied On Face?
Yes. You can apply ashwagandha to your face by making an ashwagandha face mask 1-2 twice a week.
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ashwagandha powder with water until it creates a paste-like consistency. Apply the mixture to your face for a few minutes then rinse and pat dry.
Does Ashwagandha Help With Collagen?
Yes. Ashwagandha helps boost collagen production in the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can fight free radical damage, reduce aging signs, heal dark spots and blemishes, and reduce acne.
Is Ashwagandha Good For Hair And Skin?
Ashwagandha can improve hair and skin health significantly. It’s rich in antioxidants that can boost blood circulation, reduce scalp problems, fight free radicals, reduce acne and aging signs, increase hydration, and relieve inflammation.
Wrapping Up
Ashwagandha benefits for skin are remarkable as it can increase skin moisture, reduce the appearance of aging signs, clear acne, refine pores, control shine, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate dull stressed skin.
Keep in mind to check with a doctor before using ashwagandha orally or topically.
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