Can Ashwagandha Supplements Cause Acne Breakouts?

Can Ashwagandha Cause Acne Breakouts?

Ashwagandha is an popular Ayurvedic herb touted for its adaptogenic properties and wide range of health benefits from reduced stress and anxiety to improved concentration and memory. However, some people who start taking ashwagandha supplements report experiencing unexpected acne breakouts on their face, back, or chest. So what's behind this side effect? Can ashwagandha cause pimples?

How Ashwagandha Influences Hormones

Experts speculate components in ashwagandha like withanolides and alkaloids may cause hormone levels like testosterone and thyroid hormones T3 and T4 to rise. This hormonal increase helps improve energy, fertility, muscle strength, sexual function, and other areas.

However, the boost in androgens like testosterone may also overstimulate oil glands and hair follicles in skin, leading pores to get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This allows pimple-causing bacteria like C. acnes to take hold and trigger inflammation and breakouts.

Who's Most Susceptible to Breaking Out

Those already prone to acne problems due to factors like genetics, fluctuating hormones, or oily skin seem most likely to experience zits from ashwagandha. The herbs testosterone-boosting effects compound excess skin oil production issues such people already wrestle with.

However, even people not overly acne-prone may develop occasional pimples on ashwagandha too. Some seem sensitive to even small hormonal spikes influencing sebum activity. Lowering ashwagandha dosage often helps in such cases.

Typical Timeline for Breakouts

Most people notice increased acne anywhere from one to six weeks after starting ashwagandha. This matches the timeline for noticeable improvement in energy, libido, and other areas influenced by boosted androgen and thyroid hormones.

Breakouts may emerge sporadically at first then worsen and become more consistent around the one month mark if continuous supplementation remains at original 300-500mg capsule amounts without adjustment.

Strategies to Prevent Ashwagandha Acne

While some choose to simply stop ashwagandha altogether to halt new zits, adjusting intake strategies often minimizes breakouts for those hoping to retain the herbs benefits. Which solutions work best depends on the individual and may require some trial and error.

Lowering the Dosage

If ashwagandha acne emerges after beginning a standard 300-500mg daily supplement dose, try reducing intake to alternate days or just 3-4 times weekly. Spreading a lower 150-250mg amount may retain perks without overdriving sebum activity. Give this dosing tweak 6-8 weeks to gauge changes.

Switching Extract Types

KSM-66 and Sensoril ashwagandha extracts best suppress stress hormones cortisol and CRH most closely linked to breakouts. But Shoden extract may influence androgen hormones like testosterone less. Rotating different extracts every 2-3 months may also help minimize zits.

Using Clean Face Washes

Ensure you cleanse oil and bacteria from pores without irritating skin and worsening problems with a gentle face wash containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid to unclog pores and inhibit breakout bacteria activity.

Additional Acne Support for Those Taking Ashwagandha

While adjusting ashwagandha strategies often reduces onset pimples for those benefiting from the herbs unique advantages, certain additional steps further deter breakouts if needed.

Taking Dim Supplements

Dim is a natural compound that helps moderate testosterone levels so the hormone stays in a safe zone not too high or low. For some acne-prone people on ashwagandha, adding 200mg dim once or twice daily keeps skin clear while retaining ashwagandha perks.

Avoiding Trigger Foods

Cut back on sugar, refined carbs, and dairy which can all exacerbate acne problems. Stick to a clean diet centered on lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and omega-3 rich seafood. Stay hydrated drinking plenty of pure water rather than soda or juices too.

Managing Stress

Chronic stress significantly worsens inflammation problems like breakouts. Practice relaxing habits like meditation, yoga stretches, nature walks and sufficient sleep nightly. Unwinding counterbalances ashwagandha hormone effects contributing to clogged pores issues.

Exploring these tweaks equips those benefiting from ashwagandha to enjoy the herbs advantages without unwelcome acne. Be patient adjusting intake methods and mitigating solutions until finding the optimal balance helping skin remain clear while experiencing this Ayurvedic herbs incredible benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.