The pursuit of healthy, radiant skin is a universal desire shared by many.
In our quest for youthful and vibrant complexions, we often turn to various skincare products and routines.
But today, we’ll take a slightly different route.
Today, we’ll talk about the Astralagus benefits for skin.
What is Astragalus and Why Do People Take it for Skin Health?
Astragalus is a type of herb predominantly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s known for a plethora of health benefits, and lately, it’s been making waves in the skincare industry.
Why, you ask?
Well, it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and is particularly loved for its potential to boost skin health and improve complexion.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. Plus, its anti-inflammatory compounds come to the rescue when your skin is irritated or inflamed.
But does it really work?
Astragalus Benefits for Skin Health and Appearance
Astragalus has been shown in various studies to contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Antioxidants, as you may know, combat free radicals – the unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress, a key driver of premature skin aging.
This, in theory, means Astragalus could help mitigate the damaging effects of these free radicals on the skin, protecting its health and youthfulness.
Additionally, Astragalus’s anti-inflammatory compounds could potentially soothe skin irritations and inflammations and even aid in wound healing and scar prevention.
Inflammatory skin conditions like acne, redness, and even eczema could potentially be alleviated, but these claims largely stem from the herb’s traditional uses and limited preliminary research.
As far as the scars go, some studies also hint at Astragalus’s potential role in wound healing and stimulating collagen production. [1]
Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. If Astragalus can indeed enhance collagen synthesis, it could potentially aid in maintaining skin elasticity, hence contributing to a more youthful appearance.
However, it’s essential to note that the bulk of these claims and evidence comes from cell culture (in vitro) studies and animal research. [2]
The research conducted on humans, particularly focusing on skin health and appearance, is unfortunately quite limited as of now.
Much of what we know about Astragalus’s skin benefits is, at this point, speculative and based on its traditional use and indirect scientific evidence.
While these initial findings are indeed promising, we need a lot more extensive, rigorous, and reliable human clinical trials to confirm Astragalus’s efficacy in skincare.
Does Astragalus Make You Look Younger?
It would appear that Astralagus does not make you look younger, but we can’t say for certain.
In other words, we can’t say Astragalus is or isn’t a fountain of youth, but at the same time, its proposed benefits may help your skin appear healthier, more vibrant, and potentially even younger.
While there’s not a ton of scientific evidence supporting this theory, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that it does.
And at the same time, if we were to assume that its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its potential to boost collagen production, are true, that could theoretically help slow down signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
How Long Does it Take for Astragalus to Work?
It takes 10 days to a few weeks for Astralagus to work, based on what we know so far.
So, like with most natural supplements, patience is key.
While you won’t experience any immediate or drastic changes, there’s a chance you may see the benefits of Astragalus on your skin health after a few weeks of consistent use, although we can’t say for certain.
What’s a Good Dosage of Astragalus for Skin Health?
There’s no official dose of Astragalus for skin health, but generally speaking, a dosage of 9-30 grams per day of Astragalus root is suggested for overall health benefits.
That dose can be broken down into two to three equal, smaller doses throughout the day.
However, when it comes to skin health specifically, you’re probably better off talking to a dermatologist before using any supplements or even topical creams.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Astragalus for Skin Health?
Astragalus is generally safe for most people. In fact, some data shows that taking doses as high as 60 g of Astragalus for four months appears to be safe.
But, as with any supplement, potential side effects may occur.
These can include digestive upset, rash, or allergic reactions.
At the same time, if you have an immune system disease or are on certain medications, it’s best to check with your doctor before taking Astragalus, as it is known that Astragalus can interact with certain medications, as well as your immune system.
Is Astragalus Hard on the Liver?
There’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Astragalus is harmful to the liver. [3]
In fact, some speculate it may even protect against fibrosis. However, most of this stems from research on rodents, and we don’t actually have any hard data on whether that would be the case with humans.
Nevertheless, if you have a liver condition, we’d urge you to first talk to your doctor rather than roll the dice on this.
Is it Worth Taking Astragalus for Skin Health and Appearance?
It’s hard to say whether or not taking astragalus for skin health and appearance is worth it. That’s entirely up to you.
However, there’s a case to be here.
First of all, most of the skincare products are either worthless or even potentially harmful. Astragalus does not appear to be either.
Secondly, if we assume that the theories are true – the antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and potential for boosting collagen production make Astragalus a pretty strong contender in the skincare game.
How We Rate Astragalus as a Supplement for Skin Health: 2.5/5
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, we’d give Astragalus a 2.5 for its skin benefits.
While the research is promising, there’s a lot to be said about the methodology of it, as well as publication bias, so we can’t really rely on it.
The good thing is, it genuinely seems like Astragalus wouldn’t hurt your skin or your overall health.
So, as long as you understand that diet, hydration, and hygiene are the pillars of great skin – adding Astragalus to your supplement stack or skincare routine may just be a good thing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Astragalus appears to be a promising option for those seeking natural methods to boost their skin health – but that’s about it.
As long as you’re okay with knowing that something could be beneficial and you’re not expecting it to be – giving Astragalus a try may be a good idea.
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