There are currently millions of people using kratom to manage different conditions. Indeed, kratom (or Mitragyna speciosa) has proved to be a great product to cope with the symptoms of many ailments. However, little is known about the relationship between kratom and your skin. What are the effects of kratom on your skin? Is kratom good or bad for your skin? Let’s explore it!
Properties of Kratom
Kratom powder is made of the dried leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa). These leaves’ active compounds include alkaloids that bind to some of the opioid receptors in your body. This mechanism triggers a series of effects that range from pain relief to sedation or euphoria. So, kratom’s alkaloids (especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) can be effective in:
- Relieving pain
- Alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Fighting fatigue
- Easing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal
- Fighting insomnia
Moreover, kratom can also help you boost your mood, improve focus, and even have a better social life and be more productive. And kratom also has anti-inflammatory properties.
But what happens with kratom and your skin? Is kratom a friend or a foe for your skin?
Kratom and Your Skin
Even though kratom is not a thoroughly researched substance, there are quite a few studies on kratom’s “popular” uses. Thus, you can find studies about kratom for pain or kratom for anxiety and depression. Also, there is research focused on kratom for opiate withdrawal.
However, there is little information out there about kratom and your skin. Actually, you cannot find any studies about the effects of kratom on your skin. Is kratom good for your skin? Is it bad? The truth is that the only source of information that we have is anecdotal. That is, we only have the stories that the kratom users share. Nevertheless, from these real stories, we can gather some insight about kratom and your skin. Also, the side effects (and the effects) of kratom can enlighten us on the effects of kratom on your skin.
Kratom and Dry Skin
One of the most common side effects of kratom is dehydration. Kratom causes dehydration to many users, that is a fact. And dehydration has many consequences. For example, kratom dehydration is one of the causes of constipation. But this side effect can also result in dry eyes, dry mouth, and, yes, dry skin. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to alleviate or prevent kratom dehydration:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- Take omega-7 supplements (sea buckthorn oil supplements)
With regards to your skin, use moisturizers that are specific for dry skin. And of course, follow the tips above to prevent kratom dehydration.
Kratom and Itchy Skin
Another issue between kratom and your skin is itchiness. Many kratom users claim that kratom makes them itchy. The reasons behind this reaction are not clear. Kratom itchiness may be caused by different causes, such as:
- Dehydration
- Allergies to kratom compounds
- Contaminants in your kratom powder
- Your body adjusting to kratom’s compounds and effects
Some users also say that it is only some specific strains that make them itchy. So, what can you do to stop kratom itching?
- Rotate your kratom strains
- Reduce your kratom dosage
- Fight kratom dehydration
You can also try and use an over-the-counter antihistamine to find out if this reaction between kratom and your skin is due to an allergy.
Kratom and Acne
Does kratom cause acne? This is a question that many kratom users have. But this topic about kratom and your skin is a bit controversial. While some users say that they see acne outbursts, others claim that kratom in fact helps them reduce their acne. We do not know why the reactions are so opposite, but kratom affects each individual in a different way.
What are the causes of kratom acne? The truth is that we do not know. We can speculate and think that it may be related to kratom messing with your hormones. But again, this is not something that we know for sure. The relation between kratom and hormones has not been studied yet. On the other hand, kratom’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be behind kratom’s potential against kratom.
There is a way to figure out whether kratom is causing you acne. Stop using kratom for a while, and then start taking it again. If when you stop using kratom, acne goes away but returns after you start consuming it again, then kratom is quite likely causing acne.
Kratom and Hair Loss
Hair loss seems to be another side effect for kratom users. Again, the reasons behind kratom hair loss are not clear. However, some people think that it may be related to hormone issues when taking kratom. Others think that it may be a consequence of kratom’s overstimulation of your immune system. In any case, if kratom is the cause of hair loss, the moment you quit kratom, this problem disappears.
Benefits of Kratom for Your Skin
Needless to say, not everybody suffers from kratom side effects on their skin. Moreover, when we talk about kratom and your skin, we also must talk about its benefits. Yes, kratom can also be good for your skin. So, let us explore the good effects of kratom on your skin.
- Reduce inflammation
- Alleviate psoriasis skin patches
- Prevent wrinkles and skin aging
- Improve your complexion and balance your skin tone
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find cosmetics that contain kratom. However, you can find recipes of kratom skincare products that you can do yourself. For example, in this blog, you can find kratom soap or kratom bath bombs recipes that will help your skin look better.
Also, we would love to hear about the effects of kratom on your skin and what is the relationship between kratom and your skin. Let us know in the comments box below!
