### Sea Buckthorn: Benefits and Risks for Skin Conditions Sea buckthorn is a shrub native to China and parts of Europe. It has been used for centuries in Russia and China for its medicinal and nutritional properties. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and berries of sea buckthorn are used in teas, oils, or concentrates for various health issues, including skin conditions. #### Benefits Sea buckthorn is believed to contain many medicinal compounds and nutrients that can help with skin problems. It is thought to remove free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells. Although most scientific evidence comes from animal studies, some people use sea buckthorn for: - Sunscreen or cosmetic purposes - Treating skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis There is limited research showing that sea buckthorn might be helpful for these conditions, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. #### Risks and Side Effects While sea buckthorn is generally considered safe as a food, its use as a medicine for up to six months is also thought to be safe. However, there are some side effects and risks to be aware of: - **Side Effects:** Very few side effects have been reported, but some people with high blood pressure have experienced swelling, headache, dizziness, and palpitations. When used on the skin to treat burns, it sometimes caused a rash. - **Risks:** Sea buckthorn can act as a blood thinner, which may cause bleeding. It may also lower blood sugar levels, posing a risk for people with diabetes who take medication to lower blood sugar. - **Interactions:** Combining sea buckthorn with blood-thinning drugs or supplements could increase the risk of bleeding. It may also interfere with certain medicines that treat gastrointestinal conditions, heart rhythm problems, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. #### Precautions - Avoid using sea buckthorn if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is not enough information to prove its safety. - The FDA does not regulate supplements, so it's important to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking. This way, your doctor can check for potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. In summary, while sea buckthorn shows promise for treating skin conditions, more research is needed to confirm its benefits and understand its risks fully.