Yes, you can use Wild Yam cream on your face. I asked Vanessa Megan herself.
I had been looking for a Wild Yam cream that ticked all the boxes for a long time: packaged in glass, Australian made, 100% natural. So when Vanessa Megan launched her Biode Wild Yam Cream, I was thrilled, because it was everything we'd been asking for. I even like using it on my face.
Finding a natural Wild Yam cream is tricky, because if it's TGA listed, they don't need to disclose the full ingredient list on the box, only the actives. So unless you're cross-checking the TGA number against the TGA website and looking up the full list (welcome to my life), you don't truly know what's inside. This is why I don't sell the same brands as other "so-called" natural and clean beauty stores.
But first, a little background on why Wild Yam has been such a beloved herb for women for centuries.
Wild Yam: traditional uses in herbal practice
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history in herbal practice. The root contains naturally occurring compounds such as diosgenin, which has been used in laboratory settings as a starting material in the development of steroidal compounds.
Traditionally, Wild Yam has been used to support women's wellbeing, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. It's often combined with herbs such as Chaste Tree Berry, Dong Quai and Maca, each with their own history of use in traditional herbal medicine, to support overall balance and vitality through the different stages of life.
Can you use Wild Yam cream on your face?
I asked Vanessa Megan this exact question when we caught up to talk about her Biode Wild Yam Cream, and the answer is yes, you can. The plant compounds in Wild Yam help improve the appearance of skin firmness and hydration, so on the face it can make a real difference to plumpness and texture. Vanessa's been using it on her own skin and noticed the difference firsthand. Her tip: double it up with a gua sha and some facial massage and you'll really see a change.
We also talked about where to use it on the body, and Vanessa suggests the inner thigh or the inner arm, anywhere the skin is thin and absorption is easy. She talked me through the ingredients that make this one stand out: Australian-extracted Wild Yam, Ylang Ylang as a phytoestrogen, and St John's Wort for its calming properties, all in a fast-absorbing formula.
You can watch the full video on the Biode Wild Yam Cream product page.
Natural skincare products with wild yam
We have some beautiful natural skincare products with wild yam extract, and I've also found a wholefood supplement for us too. Every one of them is plastic free.
Biode Wild Yam Cream
A great all-rounder for any woman. Potent Wild Yam extract in a plant-derived botanical base, fast-absorbing and non-greasy, for daily use. Massage it into the chest, neck, abdomen, or the inner arms and thighs where the skin is thin. Directions are on the How To Use tab.
Metamorphosis Wild Yam Concentrate Dermal Cream
From the Metamorphosis range, which is made for peri and menopause. A stronger concentrate rich in Diosgenin, the plant sterol Wild Yam is known for, made to absorb through the skin and ease menstrual and menopausal discomfort. Protocols are on the How To Use tab.
Metamorphosis Awaken Hyaluronic Acid Prep Spritz
Also Metamorphosis, a hydrating mist of Wild Yam and hyaluronic acid for the extra hydration skin needs as the oil glands slow down. Spritz it on waking and moisturise while skin is still damp. Handy in air-conditioning or on a plane, and lovely kept in the fridge over summer.
Metamorphosis Beyond Rejuvenating Night Cream
The Metamorphosis night cream, Wild Yam with plant-based Bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid for menopausal skin. The Bakuchiol works like retinol to soften wrinkles and texture without the irritation, and its Rambutan has been clinically shown to reduce pigmentation and wrinkles about as well as retinol, with better tolerance.
Eden Healthfoods Fem Balance
Back to all women, this time from the inside. A certified organic blend of Dong Quai, Chaste Tree Berry, Wild Yam and Maca, traditionally used to support female hormonal balance. The 150g tub is a 30-day supply. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
About the Author ~ Irene Falcone
Irene Falcone is a clean beauty writer and co-host of a wellness podcast. She has spent more than 15 years reading the back of beauty labels, and is a Telstra Business Women's Awards winner and a judge for the Clean + Conscious Awards.
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