With so many new advances in technology and medicine becoming more and more common these days, many of us don’t usually take the time to think about the origins of medicine and where our knowledge of how to heal and what to use came from. But the truth is that long ago, well before you could go to the doctor and be prescribed a pill that would help treat most of your ailments, our ancestors relied on a knowledge of plants to help with common health issues.
Fast forward to today’s world, and we still rely heavily on plants to keep our bodies healthy. After all, you aren’t eating those salad greens just because they’re green. (Or maybe you are!) However, learning about different types of plant-based supplements can open your eyes to a world of ways to keep yourself healthy.
With that said, today we’re going to discuss the benefits of a common plant you probably never thought could be good for much besides picking the tops and blowing off the seeds: the mighty dandelion. Excited to learn more, friends? Let’s go ahead and explore the world of dandelion benefits for skin health together!
What is Dandelion Extract?
Before we can explain what dandelion extract is, we first need to give you a better idea of what exactly “extracting” means in this context. When we talk about extracting, we are referring to the separation of the useful components of a plant from the solids, such as taking the vitamins and nutrients (among other things) out of the flowers, stems, leaves, or roots of a plant.
The roots of the dandelion are most commonly used for extracts. However, the flowers and leaves have also been used for medicinal purposes throughout history, as well. After the nutrients are extracted from the plant, they are added to supplements and things like skin care products to carry the nutrients to you. (1)
What Does Dandelion Extract Do For You?
The numerous benefits of using dandelion extract are widespread and can affect many areas of the body. This common weed is actually a highly nutritious plant, and you may have even heard of dandelion leaves or dandelion flowers being added to salads or made into wine. This is because dandelion is a naturally occurring source of antioxidants, like beta carotene, that can prevent cell damage in your body. (2)
While many of these claims are not enforced by the FDA, many studies have been done on the possibilities of dandelion extract benefits, with promising results. Of course, before adding any supplement or extract to your diet, you should have a chat with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Skin Care Benefits of Dandelion Extract
Dandelion and skin care go hand-in-hand, mainly because of the anti-inflammatory skin care properties found in this plant. However, there are other properties of dandelion extract that can help your skin. A powerful antioxidant, dandelion extract contains vitamins like A, C, and E, which can promote anti-aging habits within your cells. Together, they can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (2 & 3)
These same vitamins can also help prevent excessive sun damage to the skin, and using dandelion for skin brightening is made possible with the help of these vitamins. Dandelion also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can help clear pores and prevent breakouts. With dandelion extract, your skin has an extra barrier of protection to help clear the pores and prevent future breakouts. (4)
Other Dandelion Extract Health Benefits
Dandelion root extract benefits, as well as the benefits from the other parts of the plant, extend far beyond just your skin. These dandelion extract skin benefits are just the tip of an iceberg consisting of a variety of different things that this marvelous plant can help you with. Possible dandelion healing properties include: (2)
- Fighting inflammation, especially in the skin
- Aiding in blood sugar regulation
- Reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Lowering blood pressure
- Promoting liver health
- Supporting healthy digestion
How Much Dandelion Should I Take?
The amount of dandelion you should use depends on the health benefits you are planning to use it for, as well as the type of supplement or extract carrier you are using. That said, studies have shown that you can take up to 4,000 mg per day (in four, 1,000 mg doses) without adverse effects. Topical products with dandelion extract will have usage instructions on the product itself, but it’s generally advised to use those twice a day (morning and night). (2)
CLEARSTEM’s hormonal acne supplement contains dandelion root along with other liver-loving herbs, digestive enzymes, and key nutrients that support breakouts related to hormonal imbalances.
How To Use Dandelion For Skin Care
If you believe dandelion extract for skin can benefit your skincare routine, then it’s not a bad idea to explore products that have dandelion extract as an ingredient. Topical products such as lotions, serums, and cleansers can benefit your skin on the outside. On the other hand, a supplement containing dandelion extract, like MINDBODYSKIN, can improve your skin health from within.
Also, you’ll want to think about what conditions you are hoping to improve with the use of dandelion. Once you have determined what particular skin issues you want to focus on (such as tone, texture, or acne) when trying to get those dandelion extract benefits, or if you are more concerned with overall skin health, then it will be easier to choose which dandelion healing properties may be useful to you.
Is Dandelion Good for Sensitive Skin?
With one of the main dandelion extract benefits being its anti-inflammatory properties, this makes it perfect for those of you with sensitive skin. Look for products that are good for sensitive skin in general, but with a boost of dandelion extract as an additive. Dandelion may even help the skin be better at restoring itself, bringing more clarity to skin that is prone to redness or inflammation.
Can Dandelion Be Applied Topically?
Dandelion is found in many topical applications that are good for your skin. Some of the topical applications of dandelion extract include lotions, creams, serums, and cleansers. However, to keep your skin safe, make sure you are buying your dandelion extract products from a reputable supplier. That way, you can make sure the ingredients have been vetted and found perfect before applying them to your delicate skin.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Dandelion?
As with any new skincare or supplement routine, it may take weeks or even months to fully discover the benefits. Topical dandelion extract applications may show results much faster. For instance, a topical dandelion lotion used for anti-inflammatory benefits may start working within just a few days. An oral supplement may take a bit longer, up to a week or so before you start to notice any difference in your skin health. (5)
The important thing here is to stick with your routine until you can be sure it is or isn’t working for you. Don’t give up on a new product after just a few days (unless it is doing obvious harm, of course!) because there may be benefits of dandelion extract you just aren’t seeing yet. When it comes to dandelion extract for skin benefits, patience is the key to getting the beautiful skin you desire.
Possible Side Effects of Dandelion Extract
Dandelion extract has not been studied to the extent to list common side effects, although most claims of side effects from dandelion taken internally include heartburn and stomach upset. In some cases, skin irritation has developed, which can actually happen often for people with eczema. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before starting any kind of new supplement, even on your skin, to be aware of what might work best for you or what might be best to avoid. (1 & 5)
Who Should Avoid Taking Dandelion?
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take dandelion, as no studies have been done about the effects of dandelion extract on a fetus or the mother during pregnancy. Those with certain skin conditions, like eczema, should also avoid dandelion extract. Some people with plant allergies, such as those allergic to ragweed, may also be affected negatively by dandelion extract. (1)
Because it’s a powerful diuretic, it can also have an effect on your kidneys, so be sure to exercise caution before taking it. Also, if you are on any medications, it is very important to understand if dandelion extract may interact negatively with the medications you take. These medicines can include treatments such as diuretics, blood thinners, sedatives (like valium, for instance), and other medications that are processed by the liver. (6, 7, & 8)
CLEARSTEM Skincare Products With Dandelion Root Extract
CLEARSTEM offers skincare products and supplements that include dandelion root extract to help with your skin woes. Supplements like our MINDBODYSKIN hormonal acne supplement not only aim at detoxification, but also at kicking unwanted bacteria to the curb and controlling acne breakouts. It also nourishes your skin and its anti-inflammatory properties give collagen the chance to regenerate faster, and combined with a collagen serum for skin care, you’ll be on the fast track to a smooth and radiant complexion!
Sources
Source 1: Dandelion https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dandelion
Source 2: The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
Source 3: Vitamin C in dermatology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
Source 4: Extraction and isolation of the active ingredients of dandelion and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6896398/
Source 5: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498421/
Source 6: The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum officinale Folium over a Single Day https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155102/
Source 7: Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063808/
Source 8: Pharmacokinetic Interactions between Drugs and Botanical Dietary Supplements https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4727115/
