7 Science-Backed Benefits of Ashwagandha for Skin

Having healthy skin with a natural glow and radiance without having to put much effort is a blessing. Ashwagandha has been giving this for a long time. Let’s unwrap the benefits of ashwagandha for skin health and problems here.

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is identified as one of the popular Ayurveda herbs for general health and wellness. It has a unique smell and taste. The herb has been used in many traditional medicine combinations but now ashwagandha is turned out to be a modern health supplement, especially for immunity and stress relief.

When taken as a powder or supplement, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root can do a lot of good things to your body and mind. 

Related: Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

However, some people are still unaware of the benefits of ashwagandha for skin health. You too? Read on to learn why ashwagandha is considered a miracle remedy for skin woes.

How does ashwagandha benefit skin?

Ashwagandha as a natural healer produces natural skin oils, moisturizes the skin, and acts as astringent.

As a long-term Ayurveda medicine for healing and elevating health, ashwagandha has been used as a tonic, narcotic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and stimulant which also provide benefits for skin, hair, and health.

A lot of skin problems like acne, breakouts, blackheads, pigmentation, or allergies are mainly caused by the pollutants in the environment. The pollutants get trapped in the skin pores, lock the skin oils, prevent the skin from breathing and damage the skin cells by creating oxidative stress.

Research shows that high exposure to pollution can increase sebum secretion and lactic acid which will imbalance the natural pH levels of the skin.

Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha have exfoliating properties which make them an ideal food for skin and health. They resist stressors including physical, biological, psychological, and chemical. The bio-active compounds including withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins in ashwagandha penetrate to the body and tissues to deeply cleanses the skin.

The rejuvenating properties of ashwagandha aid skin health when ingested orally or used topically. Ayurveda Rasayana (rejuvenator) herbs like ashwagandha are great for repairing the skin, hair, and entire body from environmental pollution damages.

Ashwagandha has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that revitalize and revive skin cells. The adaptogens help control collagen secretion in the skin and remove fine lines thereby it supports maintaining plumpness and radiance in the skin.

Possible Benefits of Ashwagandha for Skin

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha works wonders in relieving stress. If you don’t know, research shows that stress is also a most common factor that affects natural skin glow and creates wrinkles, and causes various skin ailments indirectly. 

From ancient times, Asian people have been using ashwagandha for body wash, hair wash, and a tonic for immunity and stress relief.

Related: Best Ashwagandha Supplements for Stress and Immunity

Now, ashwagandha is added as a key ingredient in hair conditioners, shampoos, skin lotions, soaps, and essential oils for natural healing.

Let’s see the possible benefits of ashwagandha for skin health.

Anti-inflammatories

Ashwagandha has powerful anti-inflammatories that reduce inflammation on the skin like pimples, itching, redness, and boils.

The inflammation caused by skin infections including eczema, psoriasis, scabies, atopic dermatitis, leucoderma, and others can be treated with anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of ashwagandha. It reduces CRP levels in the blood.

Based on studies, ashwagandha can soothe inflammation and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues and skin cells.

It also treats breakouts, bruises, cuts in the skin by improving healing.

Oxidative Stress

Ashwagandha has antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress which otherwise causes skin stress.

Keratosis is a severe skin condition that affects the skin and makes it rough, dry, and causes dark spots, wrinkles, and under-eye blackness.

Ashwagandha with its effects of antioxidants eliminates problems linked with skin stress. The herb reduces skin stress and heals skin from the effects of keratosis. It repairs the damages and makes the skin firm and soft.

Oxidative stress not only creates skin problems but also leads to severe health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and even studies show that oxidative stress could also be a reason behind infertility in men.

Related: Benefits of Ashwagandha for Men

Now, you understand why ashwagandha is often referred to as a versatile herb. Our body needs antioxidants to fight and stop pathogens from affecting regular biological and psychological functions of the body.

Excess Oil

Our skin needs oil but when it is secreted too much it will cause pimples and affect the skin complexion.

Avoid chemical cosmetics and use natural remedies like ashwagandha powder or extract to prevent the excess secretion of oil.

Ashwagandha moisturizes and cleanses the skin and makes it oil-free and hydrated.

Anti-aging

Ashwagandha is called Rasayana which means rejuvenator that helps to maintain youthfulness.

The antioxidants in ashwagandha prevent free radical damages and delay aging. If you are worried about premature graying of hair, you can ingest ashwagandha to reverse it. 

Oxidative stress and free radical damage are important reasons for premature aging which happens when your immunity is low.

Ashwagandha as a great immune booster stops cell damage and helps with healthy skin and hair.

Related: Benefits of Ashwagandha for Hair

The topical application of ashwagandha root powder corrects skin complexion, skin tone, soothes the skin, and makes it bright without any impurities.

The presence of collagen in ashwagandha is an anti-aging chemical that our body needs to be young in and out.

Ashwagandha helps to maintain collagen levels, moisture, and oil in the skin thus delaying aging and its signs like gray hair, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles.

Skin Pigmentation

When there is color difference or correction in the skin, it is called hyperpigmentation which is a skin disease where a person has dark patches (black patches) in some places of the skin indifferent to the normal color of the skin, mostly in the face. It is caused by excessive secretion of melanin in a specific place.

Hyperpigmentation is higher in women than in men. Aging is the main reason for changes in melanin levels. It affects any skin type.

Ashwagandha helps to manage melanin levels and treat pigmentation. Ashwagandha mixed with fuller earth powder is often used by Asian women to heal hyperpigmentation and aging-related skin ailments.

Acne

Excessive sebum production in the skin causes excess oil and impurities that lead to acne. Ashwagandha manages sebum production and oil deposit to skin pores. The herb has withanolides which are great for cleaning the dirt and impurities from the skin. It further prevents different types of acne.

The antimicrobial properties in ashwagandha help to control acne blemishes, inflammation, pain, and redness caused by acne breakouts. It also enhances healing acne scars and soothes skin.

Dehydration

Ashwagandha has hydrating agents and moisturizes the skin deeply. If you are worried about dry skin, use ashwagandha to nourish the skin. The moisture in the herb soothes and calms the skin. It helps to stimulate hyaluronan production that alleviates dry and rough skin by hydrating it.

How to use ashwagandha for skin?

Ashwagandha root can be ingested orally or applied topically for better results. The herb is relatively safe and beneficial for everyone.

Ashwagandha Face Mask

You can add a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder to your face mask.

Otherwise, you can make your face pack using ashwagandha. 

For an instant face wash, mix ashwagandha powder with water and apply the paste. Massage in the skin and leave on for a few minutes and then wash with clean water.

If you need to deeply cleanse your skin using ashwagandha, try this one.

Take 2 teaspoons of ashwagandha powder, one teaspoon of ginger powder, one teaspoon dried lemon peel powder and a cup of water.

Mix all the ingredients to a liquid consistency and bring them to a boil. Let it cool and apply it to the skin. You can add a few drops of rose water to the mixture for a fragrance. Give a gentle massage to the applied areas and wash off with cold water.

Tip: Whenever you massaged the skin or used an exfoliator, you should use ice cubes or cold water in the massaged area. As rubbing or scrubbing the skin will open the pores, it should be closed to not let dirt into the skin. 

Ashwagandha Extract and Oil

Another way to use ashwagandha for skin may be as oil. Ashwagandha oil can alleviate stress and improve brain functions.

You can use ashwagandha essential oil with any carrier oil like coconut oil and massage gently into the skin and scalp for stress relief.

Above are the ways to use the ashwagandha powder topically for the skin. But you can also ingest the herb orally.

Ashwagandha Supplements

Mix half a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with honey and ghee and consume it twice a day for reducing aging.

Ashwagandha with milk is called Moon milk in Ayurveda. Mix a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with a glass of warm milk and drink it before bed. It soothes the nervous system, calms the brain, relieves stress in the mind and body, and provides better sleep.

Otherwise, you can intake ashwagandha extract with warm water. Mix a few drops of extract in the warm water and drink in the morning. It improves digestion. Better digestion, better skin!

The easiest way to incorporate the herb into your daily routine is as ashwagandha tea. It is high in antioxidants, minerals, and plant compounds.

The herbal treats the skin in and out. You can not massage a mind but herbal tea can. It goes through the skin, muscles, mind, and touches everything in the body.

Ashwagandha tea is best consumed plain, but if you feel it is too pungent, add lemon or honey, or milk. 

Related: Benefits of Ashwagandha Tea

Possible Side Effects

As of now, no adverse effects noted for the consumption of ashwagandha. However you should take it in small doses, excessive dosage of ashwagandha can lead to side effects.

  • Headache
  • Allergies
  • Sleepiness
  • Stomach upset
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Thyroid problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low sugar levels

Who should not take ashwagandha

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding mothers
  • Thyroid patients
  • Diabetic patients
  • Auto-immune diseases patients

Apart from this, if you are new to herbal supplements or are allergic to plants of the Nightshade family, you should avoid ashwagandha.

It is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming any herbal supplements or adding new ingredients to your daily diet. 

The bottom line

Ashwagandha’s benefits for stress and immunity are effective and proven by many studies. Thereby the skin problems caused by stress and low immunity can be effectively treated with ashwagandha.

The benefits of ashwagandha for skin, hair, and health are promising. Ashwagandha can be an antidote for the majority of skin problems and prevents them from coming again by improving the antioxidants and immunity of your body.

It is important to have a stress-free mind and body to have healthy skin and hair. Ashwagandha as a rejuvenator helps with that for sure.

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