Wild Yam Knowledge Guide
Wild Yam Roots Extract
Wild Yam Extract in Skincare
Wild yam extract, also known as Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, is a plant-based ingredient used in skincare for its various benefits. It is known for its hydrating, plumping, and hyperpigmentation tackling properties. The extract contains diosgenin, a compound that helps delay skin aging and reverse photoaging skin damage. It is also an effective inhibitor of hyperpigmentation, making it beneficial for those with dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Learn about snail mucin which is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its hydrating and anti-aging properties. It can help improve skin texture and promote a glowing complexion. If you’re interested in learning more, check this read.
Benefits for Skin
- Anti-Aging: Wild yam extract can delay signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate collagen production, which helps in preventing sagging skin.
- Hydration: It is known for its hydrating properties, which can help in making the skin better moisturized.
- Hyperpigmentation: The diosgenin content in wild yam extract acts as a depigmenting agent, which can reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Soothing Properties: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritation and sensitive skin.
- Skin Healing: Wild yam extract has antibacterial, antioxidant, and skin healing effects, which can be beneficial for overall skin health.
Usage in Skincare Products
Wild yam extract is used in various skincare formulations such as creams, lotions, powders, sprays, and moisturizers. It is particularly included in products aimed at reducing flaking and restoring suppleness to dry or damaged skin.
Safety and Precautions
While wild yam extract is generally considered safe for topical use, it is important to note that there isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid using wild yam due to its potential estrogen-like effects.
Conclusion
Wild yam extract is a versatile ingredient in skincare that offers multiple benefits, especially for anti-aging and hyperpigmentation concerns. It is suitable for all skin types and can be found in a variety of skincare products. However, as with any ingredient, it is important to use it as directed and be aware of any potential contraindications or side effects.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Using Wild Yam Extract In Skincare
Here is a summary of the potential side effects and contraindications of using wild yam extract in skincare:
Potential Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, headaches (when taken orally in large amounts)
- Allergic reactions like skin irritation (when applied topically)
- Scar tissue formation in kidney or liver with prolonged, excessive use (seen in animal studies)
Contraindications:
- Hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, uterine, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids due to potential estrogen-like effects
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – insufficient safety data
- Protein S deficiency – increased risk of blood clots
The side effects seem mostly related to oral consumption of large doses. Topical application appears relatively safe, though allergic reactions are possible. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid using it due to uncertainties around its estrogenic activity. Pregnant/nursing women should also avoid it until more research establishes its safety.
In summary, wild yam extract is likely safe for topical use in healthy individuals without contraindications, but oral large doses may cause GI and other side effects. Certain groups should avoid using it altogether. More research is still needed on its long-term safety.
Available Wild Yam Skincare Products
Wild yam extract, known scientifically as Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, is increasingly popular in skincare products due to its numerous benefits for skin health. Here is a summary of available wild yam skincare products:
1. MakingCosmetics Wild Yam Extract
- Product Type: Raw ingredient for DIY skincare formulations.
- Key Features: Contains 20% wild yam extract dissolved in water and glycerin, offering soothing, calming, and purifying properties. Recommended use level is 5-10% in skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, astringents, and toners.
2. Pressed Serum Velvet Yam by Blithe
- Product Type: Serum and moisturizer hybrid.
- Key Features: Contains 68.79% mucilage from wild yam root extract and shea butter for intense hydration and skin repair. Suitable for normal to dry skin, this product is free from harmful chemicals and animal testing.
3. Creation Pharm Wild Yam Cream
- Product Type: Cream.
- Key Features: Offers a gentle detox for the skin with amino acids for hydration and moisture. Ingredients include organic aloe leaf juice, extra virgin coconut oil, evening primrose oil, and wild yam extract.
4. Wild Yam Balancing Cream by Four Elements Herbals
- Product Type: Cream.
- Key Features: Designed to support healthy hormonal transitions, this cream combines wild yam root with black cohosh, red clover, and vitex infusion. It is applied to thin-skinned areas and is quickly becoming a top seller.
5. Indian Meadow Herbals Wild Yam Root Cream
- Product Type: Cream.
- Key Features: A hormonal balancing cream that relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms. Made with certified organic herbs, oils, and aloe, it is estrogen and progesterone-free.
6. Wild Yam Body Cream Set by Aniise
- Product Type: Skincare set.
- Key Features: A complete set for detox, defense, and recovery, including anti-wrinkle eye cream, antioxidant body cream, and anti-aging face cream. Designed to support women during menopause and menstruation, it features a non-greasy formula enriched with wild yam and avocado oil.
These products showcase the versatility of wild yam extract in skincare, offering benefits ranging from hydration and anti-aging to hormonal balance and skin repair. Whether you’re looking for a raw ingredient to add to your DIY skincare formulations or a ready-to-use product, there’s a wild yam skincare solution to meet your needs.
What Are The Differences Between Wild Yam Cream And Wild Yam Serum
The differences between wild yam cream and wild yam serum primarily lie in their formulation, texture, application, and specific uses, although both are designed to deliver the benefits of wild yam extract to the skin.
Formulation and Texture
- Wild Yam Cream: Creams are typically thicker and more moisturizing. They are designed to create a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and the active ingredients. The Wild Yam Balancing Cream, for example, combines wild yam root with other ingredients like black cohosh, red clover, and vitex infusion to support hormonal transitions. It is applied to thin-skinned areas and is quickly absorbed by the skin.
- Wild Yam Serum: Serums are lighter and more fluid than creams. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients. The Pressed Serum Velvet Yam by Blithe, for instance, is a hybrid between a serum and a moisturizer, containing 68.79% mucilage from wild yam root extract and shea butter for intense hydration and skin repair. It is suitable for normal to dry skin and is quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy residue.
Application and Use
- Wild Yam Cream: Creams are generally used for their moisturizing benefits and are often applied to the entire face or body. They can be particularly beneficial for dry or damaged skin, providing a layer of protection and hydration. The Wild Yam Balancing Cream’s combination with other herbal extracts suggests it is also aimed at supporting hormonal balance through topical application.
- Wild Yam Serum: Serums are used for targeted treatment and are usually applied to specific areas of concern before moisturizers. Due to their high concentration of active ingredients, they are effective for addressing specific skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, aging, or dehydration. The Pressed Serum Velvet Yam’s formulation is designed to deliver intense hydration and repair damaged skin, making it a targeted treatment for dryness and damage.
Specific Uses
- Wild Yam Cream: Often used for broader applications, such as moisturizing and hormonal support. The inclusion of ingredients like black cohosh and red clover in the Wild Yam Balancing Cream suggests a focus on easing hormonal transitions, in addition to providing skin benefits.
- Wild Yam Serum: Aimed at delivering concentrated benefits of wild yam extract, such as hydration and skin repair. The Pressed Serum Velvet Yam, with its high concentration of wild yam extract and shea butter, is specifically formulated to hydrate and repair, making it suitable for targeted skin concerns.
In summary, while both wild yam cream and serum aim to leverage the benefits of wild yam extract for the skin, creams are generally more moisturizing and may include additional ingredients for hormonal support. In contrast, serums are designed for deep penetration and targeted treatment of specific skin issues.
