You probably know that many people turn to adaptogens due to their amazing health benefits. What about using adaptogens for hormonal acne? Are they effective? The answer is “Yes!”. If you want to get rid of acne for a long time and address the underlying cause of acne, you should try adaptogens.
Adaptogens are a group of fruits, herbs, barks, mushrooms, and roots that help the body adapt to all types of stress. They act on these three things:
- HPA axis
- SAS axis
- Mitochondria
Adaptogenic herbs such as holy basil protect the body against chemical and metabolic stress.
The HPA axis is a vital communication pathway between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The HPA axis affects how you respond to stress, as well as the function of the entire hormone system.
Any disruption in the HPA axis can result in a variety of hormone-related symptoms including acne. Adaptogens are able to modulate the HPA axis and regulate your hormone system.
The SAS axis is our fight-or-flight system which is activated by emotional, chemical, or physical stress. That stress creates overall inflammation and causes the adrenals to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The more stress and inflammation you experience, the more inflammatory skin conditions, like acne, you are more prone to.
The mitochondria are tiny structures within the cell that create energy. When you’re stressed, the mitochondria might not work well which means they create less energy.
Less energy means you might feel physically tired and your body also has less energy for metabolic work (such as combating inflammation or healing your skin). Adaptogens help keep the mitochondria working well even under stressful conditions.
Let’s look at five adaptogens that will help you get rid of acne for good:
1. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is known for its ability to help improve blood sugar levels, combat fatigue and overcome fight-or-flight state. Rhodiola also enhances the immune system (which means it reduces overall inflammation) and alleviates anxiety (which helps eliminate hormonal acne due to emotional stress).
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng, is an adaptogen that helps balance blood sugar levels, lower stress levels, and support the immune system. Ashwagandha is a non-stimulating herb, so it has no side effects. This makes ashwagandha one of the best adaptogens to use for acne.
Ashwagandha also has anticancer properties, lowers cortisol levels, and can reduce the symptoms of depression.
3. Holy Basil
Holy basil has a wide range of benefits including:
- Improvement in blood sugar levels
- Protection of organs and tissues against chemical stress
- Reduction of metabolic stress
- Protection against skin infections
Also Read: Varieties of Fungal and Yeast Infections
Holy basil is an adaptogen that helps fight physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress. Scientists have also found that holy basil might work against mouth ulcers, keloids, and raised scars.
4. Schisandra Berry
One of the main advantages of Schisandra is the fact that it improves liver function. A healthy liver makes your body able to filter out the toxins that provoke acne and hormonal disruption. Plus, research shows that Schisandra boosts circulation and supports the body’s ability to get rid of waste.
Schisandra berries also can lower cortisol, the main stress hormone as well as other stress-related markers.
5. Shatavari
Shatavari is a member of the asparagus family that has been shown to lower overall inflammation, prevent hormonal imbalances, and regulate blood sugar levels.
Plus, Shatavari contains ingredients that prevent the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is not only essential for gut health (which improves hormone health), but it’s also the main building block for our skin that’s responsible for elasticity and structure.
