The Science of Wild Yam in Skin Care

Wild yam is touted as a beneficial anti-aging skin care ingredient by many influencers who focus on natural and plant-derived ingredients. While scientific studies on the effectiveness of wild yam in skin care as an anti-aging product are limited, there is some evidence that its anti-inflammatory and purported estrogenic effects may help to make the skin look and feel younger, particularly in perimenopausal or menopausal women. However, because of those estrogenic properties, wild yam cream may not be suitable for everyone.

Before diving into the ins and outs of what wild yam is and how it might be able to help your skin, make sure you know your skin type to better determine if this ingredient could be worth a try.

Wild yam in skin care may improve wrinkles and dryness caused by decreased estrogen.

There is limited scientific evidence on the cosmetic effects of wild yam in skin care.

Women with a history of breast or ovarian cancers should check with their doctors before using wild yam cream.

Eating wild yam may increase estradiol and estrogen levels, but topical wild yam probably does not.

What Is Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)?

Wild yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea villosa, is a perennial vine native to North America. Traditionally, it has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, particularly among Native American tribes. The plant is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and tuberous roots, which contain various bioactive compounds.

The root of the plant is commonly harvested and processed into extracts, creams, and capsules and used not only in skin care but as a natural remedy for symptoms of menopause. Again, studies are limited on its potential to effectively improve menopausal symptoms, although at least one study has found that short-term use of wild yam for this purpose may be free of adverse side effects (3).

Estrogenic Effects

Wild yam is often associated with an ability to influence hormone levels in the body, especially estrogen. Natural estrogen levels begin to steeply decline as women go through menopause, which can cause the skin to become dry and wrinkles more noticeable. This is because estrogen plays a key role in the production of collagen, a crucial protein needed for firm, youthful-looking skin.

Wild yam contains compounds called phytoestrogens that can mimic the function of estrogen in the body. This is why it is often included in skin care products designed for women in menopause. However, there is not a lot of data to support this.

Wild yam does not contain actual estrogen. It has phytoestrogens that can bind to estrogen receptors. This may allow topical wild yam in skin care products to improve symptoms like dry skin and wrinkles that are associated with decreased estrogen levels.

However, studies (3) have shown that topical creams containing wild yam did not improve menopausal symptoms. Eating wild yam, conversely, did affect hormone levels such as estrone (5).

Active Compounds in Wild Yam

Wild yam contains a number of active compounds that may also be beneficial to the skin when used topically:

Diosgenin. Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin that serves as a precursor to various hormones, including progesterone. In the context of skin care, diosgenin is believed to support skin health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Saponins. Saponins in wild yam are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties by regulating inflammatory pathways and therefore soothing irritated or inflamed skin. Additionally, saponins are known for their ability to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.

Flavonoids. Wild yam contains a variety of flavonoids, a class of polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Flavonoids help to protect the skin from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and therefore reducing or preventing damage to skin cells that they can otherwise cause.

Starches and dietary fiber. While not directly active in the same way as saponins or flavonoids, the starch and fiber content in wild yam may help to improve skin hydration by forming a protective barrier that retains moisture. This can enhance skin smoothness and elasticity when included in topical formulations.

Benefits of Wild Yam in Skin Care

The many active compounds found in wild yam may impart several benefits on the skin, including:

Anti-aging effects. The estrogenic effects of wild yam may help to improve signs of aging such as dryness, wrinkles, or thinning skin caused by declining estrogen levels in women. Additionally, antioxidant properties of wild yam help to reduce signs of skin aging caused by free radical damage.

Enhanced hydration. The starch and fiber content in wild yam can form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to lock in moisture. Additionally, saponins found in wild yam may enhance the absorption of other hydrating ingredients, improving the skin’s overall moisture levels and elasticity.

Soothing properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, wild yam can soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Side Effects of Wild Yam in Skin Care

Wild yam cream may come with a few notable side effects to be aware of, including:

Hormonal imbalances. Wild yam contains diosgenin, a compound that can mimic estrogen in the body. Overuse may disrupt natural hormone levels, so check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a history of hormonal imbalances.

Allergic reactions. Some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions when using wild yam cream.

Digestive issues. Though rare with topical application, if ingested, wild yam can cause nausea, vomiting, or digestive discomfort.

Wild Yam and Cancer Risk: What Does the Research Say?

There is ongoing debate about whether wild yam influences cancer risk, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and ovarian cancer. The concern comes from wild yam’s potential estrogenic effects, as elevated estrogen levels have been linked to an increased risk of these cancers.

However, scientific research on wild yam and its direct impact on cancer risk is limited and inconclusive. Most studies focus on diosgenin, the compound in wild yam that resembles estrogen, though it doesn’t necessarily function the same way in the body. Current evidence does not definitively support the idea that wild yam cream significantly raises cancer risk, but it also doesn’t fully dismiss the possibility, particularly in women with a history of breast or ovarian cancers.

Given the lack of concrete evidence, those with a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hormone-related conditions should consult with their doctor before using wild yam products.

Who Should Avid Using Wild Yam?

Although topical wild yam in skin care is probably not strong enough to have a systemic hormonal effect, it is best for people with the following characteristics and conditions to avoid wild yam in the diet and in skincare:

Women with a history of estrogen responsive cancers such as breast and uterine cancer

Boys and men

Pregnant woman

Melasma or hyperpigmentation

Products That Contain Wild Yam

There are many creams available that contain wild yam. One leading brand is Neocutis, which includes wild yam extract in a variety of its anti-aging moisturizing products.

Bottom Line: Does Wild Yam in Skin Care Actually Work?

The effectiveness of wild yam in skin care largely depends on your individual skin type specific concerns. While many people report positive results from using wild yam products, scientific evidence regarding its estrogenic effects and overall benefits is still emerging.

Wild yam’s active compounds may offer some benefits, particularly for those looking to address dryness, irritation, and signs of aging. However, people with specific health concerns or hormonal imbalances should consult with their doctor before starting a wild yam regimen. Men should avoid using products and ingesting foods with a high concentration of wild yam.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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