Can Ashwagandha Cause Acne? What You Need to Know

Ashwagandha has become one of the most popular wellness supplements, praised for reducing stress and boosting energy. But if you're taking it and noticing new breakouts, you might wonder if this herbal remedy could be the culprit. The answer isn't straightforward: ashwagandha can affect acne in different ways depending on your body.

There's no clinical research directly proving ashwagandha causes acne. However, studies show it affects hormones that can influence breakouts. For some people, this means clearer skin. For others, it might trigger new pimples.

How Ashwagandha Affects Your Skin

Ashwagandha primarily works by lowering cortisol, your body's main stress hormone. Research shows it can reduce cortisol levels by up to 32% in people with chronic stress. Since high cortisol triggers inflammation and oil production in your skin, this reduction often helps prevent stress-related breakouts.

But there's a catch. Clinical trials show ashwagandha can increase testosterone by about 15% and boost DHEA-S by 18%. Higher levels of these hormones can trigger more oil production in your skin, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts, especially if you're already prone to hormonal acne.

Who Might Break Out From Ashwagandha

You're more likely to experience breakouts from ashwagandha if you already struggle with hormonal acne. Women with conditions that affect hormone balance may notice their acne worsens when taking this supplement. If you typically break out around your jawline, chin, or along your cheeks, you might be more sensitive to ashwagandha's hormonal effects.

On the flip side, if stress is your main acne trigger, ashwagandha might actually help clear your skin. Its ability to reduce stress and inflammation could mean fewer breakouts for people whose acne flares during busy or anxious periods.

Other Skin Reactions to Watch For

Beyond acne, some people experience allergic reactions to ashwagandha. It belongs to the nightshade family, the same group as tomatoes and peppers. If you're sensitive to nightshades, you might develop skin rashes, itching, or redness. These reactions are different from acne and usually appear shortly after starting the supplement.

What to Do If You Suspect Ashwagandha Is Causing Breakouts

If your acne started or got worse after beginning ashwagandha, try stopping the supplement for 3-4 weeks. Keep everything else in your routine the same so you can tell if the change makes a difference. Take photos weekly to track any improvements.

Pay attention to timing. If you notice breakouts appearing 1-2 weeks after starting ashwagandha, that's a strong signal the supplement might be affecting your skin. Some people also experience initial breakouts that clear up after their body adjusts.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consider consulting a dermatologist if you experience:

• Sudden worsening of acne after starting any new supplement

• Persistent hormonal acne along your jawline or chin

• Painful cystic breakouts that don't respond to over-the-counter treatments

• Signs of an allergic reaction like widespread rash or difficulty breathing

A dermatologist can help you determine if ashwagandha is truly affecting your skin or if other factors are at play. They can also provide prescription treatments if you need them while you work on identifying your triggers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ashwagandha to affect acne?

If ashwagandha affects your skin, you might notice changes within 1-2 weeks of starting it. Hormonal shifts from the supplement take time to influence oil production, so breakouts typically don't appear immediately. Give it at least 3-4 weeks to see the full effect.

Can ashwagandha help clear stress-related acne?

Yes, ashwagandha may help if stress triggers your breakouts. Studies show it reduces cortisol levels significantly, which can decrease stress-induced inflammation and oil production. However, results vary by person, and it's not a guaranteed fix for acne.

Should I stop taking ashwagandha if I get acne?

If you develop new or worsening acne after starting ashwagandha, try stopping it for 3-4 weeks to see if your skin improves. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any supplement, especially if you're taking it for a specific health condition.

The Bottom Line

Ashwagandha doesn't cause acne in everyone, but it can affect your skin in different ways. Its ability to lower stress hormones might help some people, while its effect on testosterone and DHEA could trigger breakouts in others, particularly those prone to hormonal acne.

The only way to know if ashwagandha affects your skin is to pay attention to your body's response. If you notice new breakouts after starting this supplement, try eliminating it and see if your skin clears. Remember that supplements affect everyone differently, and what helps one person might not work for another.