Saw Palmetto for acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects both men and women. It occurs when the skin pores become clogged with sebum from inside the skin. The initial cause of this clogging is due to the over production of sebum in the oil glands. The symptoms of this skin condition can vary from inflamed growth, blackheads, and white heads. Most of the treatments usually involve application of skin ointments directly to the skin. These ointments are usually manufactured chemically, and some of them react severely with our skins. Saw palmetto is a natural herb that is consumed orally to give the perfect remedy for this skin condition, which has now proved to being a menace.  

What is saw palmetto?

Saw Palmetto is an herb, which decreases the amount of testosterone in the body. It is also capable of reducing the chances of testosterone becoming dihydrotestosterone. This herb is derived from the berries of the saw palm tree. This tree looks like a fern and is native to Florida, which is the only place where it can grow. Saw palmetto is better known for its ability to treat the severity of acne in both men and women. According to research, the primary ingredient of this herb includes plant sterols, flavonoids, and fatty acids. It also contains a high concentration of polysaccharides, which are used to enhance the immune system of the body and prevent inflammations.

How it works

Several studies done in the past have proved that oral consumption of saw palmetto for acne treatmentmay help reduce the seriousness of hormone driven acne in women and men. Apart from treating acne, this herb is also capable of treating a number of other ailments like hormonal imbalance, which is one of the causes of acne. Research has shown that the moment testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone this shift in hormone is the one responsible for the occurrence of acne. The conversion can also have other effects like baldness and enlargement of the prostate in men. Therefore, when saw palmetto reduces the chances of testosterone becoming dihydrotestosterone it prevents the occurrence of all the above conditions including acne.

Dosage

The scientific community is yet to release the official dosage for saw palmetto. However, reports from the University of Maryland Medical Center states that taking 160 milligrams two times daily might be effective for the treatment of testosterone formation and BPH. You should also ensure that the saw palmetto you are buying contains between 85% to 95% fatty acids and plant sterols for the best results. Since the drugs affect the hormonal balance, it is best you go for consultation from you doctor so that he can advise you the best way to take the dosage.

Side effects

Saw palmetto, like other drugs has its own side effects. After sometime after taking the drugs, you may experience mild irritation in the stomach and have several headaches. Pregnant women are advised against the drug while people who are set to undergo elective surgery are advised to discontinue their treatments weeks before surgery.