The first thing people see when they look at you is your face, so feeling good about how you present yourself to others is essential for your well-being. While having clear skin may seem superficial to some, it’s been shown to increase confidence and improve quality of life.
Changing your diet, switching up your skin care products, and even trying prescription medication may help improve your complexion. If you’re looking for additional support, the traditional plant, kava, may be a good option. What exactly is kava, and how can it help improve your complexion and fight acne?
What Causes Acne?
Before considering what might improve acne, it’s important to understand what can cause it. Acne is one of the most commonly seen skin conditions and is due to hypersensitivity in the sebaceous glands. These are the glands that secrete oily matter into the hair follicles, lubricating the skin and hair. Many factors play a role in acne-prone skin—from genetics and hormones to stress and excess sweating. Essentially, clogged pores are what’s to blame for acne.
How Stress Can Intensify Acne
Though stress won’t necessarily cause acne, it can make it worse if it’s already present. The hormonal shifts that occur when a person is stressed or anxious can escalate the release of sebum, making it easier for pores to get clogged and acne to form.
Additionally, a lack of sleep can intensify acne. If you’re so overwhelmed with stress that you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, your existing acne could worsen.
What Is Kava?
Kava is a traditional plant found on islands all over the South Pacific. The root of the plant is ground up to make a kava drink or tea. Kava has been used ceremonially amongst island natives for thousands of years to promote feelings of happiness and peace.
So how can drinking kava help improve your skin health?
How Kava Can Help Improve Your Complexion and Fight Acne
While kava can’t necessarily cure acne, it does have some properties that can help improve it. It’s been shown that over time, regular use of kava has the tendency to dry out your skin, which may help clear up existing acne or prevent new acne from forming. If you have acne as a result of overly oily skin, drinking kava could help alleviate these symptoms. As your skin becomes less oily, clogged pores can begin to disappear.
There are many different strains of kava, each having its own unique properties and effects. While some types of kava have properties that promote creativity and happiness, others offer calming feelings of sedation or drowsiness. If you’re struggling with acne as a result of stress or a lack of sleep, you might try a strain of kava with properties promoting relaxation and sedation. With less stress and more high-quality sleep, your hormones can regulate and acne may dissolve.
Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes. If you’re considering using kava for the health of your skin, be sure to find a supplier that sources organically grown plants so that you have the best experience possible.
