Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Acne can be mild, moderate, severe, or even cystic. While acne is not life-threatening, it can cause emotional distress and lead to scarring. There are many prescription and over-the-counter products available to treat acne, but some people look to natural remedies like birds nest for help.
Birds nest, or bird’s nest soup, is a traditional Chinese delicacy made from the saliva nests of swiftlets. It is commonly consumed for its purported health benefits. Some claim that birds nest can improve complexion and skin health, so people have started using it as a natural remedy for acne. But does consuming birds nest actually help treat acne? Let’s take a look at the existing research.
What causes acne?
Acne forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog up hair follicles. This leads to different types of pimples depending on how deep the clog is in the follicle. Causes and risk factors for acne include:
– Excess oil production – Producing too much sebum oil clogs pores and allows bacteria to grow. This is common during puberty when hormonal changes cause increased oil production.
– Hormones – Androgens like testosterone increase oil production. Hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger acne.
– Bacteria – The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes thrives in clogged follicles, causing inflammation.
– Genetics – Studies show acne runs in families. If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to get it.
– Stress – Stress hormones may increase oil production and inflammation, worsening acne.
– Medications – Certain medications like lithium, corticosteroids, and testosterone can trigger acne.
– Skincare products – Heavy creams, oils, and thick makeup that clog pores may worsen acne.
– Diet – Studies link high glycemic index foods like white bread with increased acne risk. Dairy products and whey protein shakes may also trigger breakouts in some people.
– Occupation – Exposure to oils, chlorinated compounds, and other chemicals may increase acne risk.
So acne is caused by multiple interrelated factors like hormones, bacteria, inflammation, genetics, and the environment. Stress and diet may play a role too. Finding and addressing the specific triggers is key to managing acne.
Birds nest properties
What exactly is in birds nest that leads some to believe it can help with acne? Here are the main active components:
– Sialic acid – This natural sugar is thought to be the main bioactive component. It exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
– Amino acids – Birds nest contains many amino acids like serine and aspartic acid that support skin cell regeneration.
– Epidermal growth factor (EGF) – This protein stimulates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. It helps skin regeneration.
– Vitamins and minerals – Birds nest provides vitamins A, B, C, and E. It also contains calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other skin-healthy minerals.
– Collagen – The collagen in birds nest may help strengthen skin and improve elasticity.
So in theory, the combination of sialic acid, amino acids, EGF, vitamins, minerals, and collagen could help improve skin health and acne. But is there solid clinical evidence to support these claims?
Does research show birds nest helps acne?
There is limited research specifically on birds nest and acne. However, some studies suggest certain birds nest components may be beneficial:
– A study in the journal Heliyon found topical sialic acid improved acne lesion counts, erythema, and scaling over 8 weeks. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, oil-control, and wound healing effects on skin.
– An older study in the Chinese Medical Journal showed oral ingestion of birds nest appeared to hasten recovery time in acne patients. Improvements were seen in pustules, papules, overall inflammation, and healing.
– Research shows the EGF in birds nest can enhance skin cell regeneration and collagen production. This helps repair acne-damaged skin.
– Amino acids like glycine and proline support tissue repair and collagen synthesis, which may improve acne scarring.
– Minerals like zinc have anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce acne severity. Selenium and magnesium also exhibit antioxidant effects.
– Some small studies suggest collagen supplementation decreases acne lesions, improves skin hydration and elasticity, and speeds wound healing.
So while there isn’t robust clinical proof, some components in birds nest appear promising for acne-prone skin. More research is still needed though.
Anecdotal evidence
In the absence of large-scale studies, many rely on anecdotal evidence to determine if birds nest helps acne. Here are some first-hand experiences:
Sarah, 27, says:
“I struggled with hormonal acne along my chin and jawline for years. I tried expensive cleansers and spot treatments but nothing worked. On a trip to Malaysia, I learned about birds nest and started taking it daily. After about one month, my breakouts were less frequent and not as inflamed. My skin just looked calmer overall. I’m not sure if it was the birds nest alone or combination with other lifestyle changes, but my skin has never been better so I’ve stuck with it.”
James, 19, says:
“I decided to try birds nest soup after reading it could help with acne. I was skeptical at first but figured it couldn’t hurt. I ate it for breakfast each day and noticed my skin seemed slightly less oily during the day. My pimples also seemed to go away faster. It wasn’t a miracle cure by any means but I do think the birds nest helped control my acne a little bit.”
Grace, 22, says:
“I tried using birds nest masks a few times a week hoping they would dry out my breakouts. I didn’t notice a huge difference with my acne but I did feel like my skin tone looked brighter and more even afterwards. The masks were also soothing which was nice.”
So anecdotally, some people do report improvements in their acne from ingesting or topically applying birds nest. However, experiences vary widely from significant changes to no difference at all. More empirical research is needed to validate these personal accounts.
Potential risks and side effects
While birds nest is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to know:
– Allergic reaction – Some people may be allergic to birds nest ingredients. Discontinue use if any irritation or swelling occurs.
– High cost – Authentic birds nest is very expensive, with soup selling for over $30 a bowl in some restaurants!
– Contamination – Unclean harvesting or processing methods may allow mold, bacteria, or bird droppings to contaminate the nests. Only purchase reputable certified organic brands.
– High sodium – Premade birds nest products are often high in added sodium content to enhance flavor. This may exacerbate acne.
– Drug interactions – Birds nest may interact with certain prescription medications. Consult your dermatologist first if on any medications.
– No FDA oversight – Since birds nest is considered a supplement, quality and safety oversight by the FDA is limited. Use with caution.
So while general risks are low, it’s important to be an informed consumer when purchasing and using birds nest products.
Application methods
If you do want to give birds nest a try for acne, here are some of the top methods:
– Birds nest soup – The most traditional way to consume birds nest is as a soup, sweetened and served warm. Authentic restaurants can cook fresh soup or premium instant mixes are available online.
– Topical masks – Some brands sell birds nest masks, normally in powder form to mix into a paste. Apply to clean skin for 15-20 minutes then rinse. Use 2-3 times per week.
– Oral supplements – Birds nest can be found in powder, capsule, or tablet form for convenience. Follow dosage instructions.
– Spot treatment – Mix organic birds nest powder with a bit of water to form a paste and use as a spot treatment on acne overnight 1-2 times per week.
– Facial spray – Some companies infuse hydrosol facial sprays with birds nest extract. Mist over face whenever needed.
No matter the preparation method, stick to high-quality organic birds nest to maximize potential benefits and minimize risks.
How to use birds nest for acne
If using birds nest for acne, here are some best practices:
– Always do a patch test first to check for any allergic reaction.
– Introduce birds nest slowly and take note of any changes to determine effectiveness and tolerability.
– Use both ingestible forms like soup or supplements plus topical forms like masks for enhanced effects.
– Purchase certified organic, ethically-sourced birds nest to ensure purity and quality.
– Follow directions carefully and do not exceed recommended dosage. More is not necessarily better.
– Practice good skincare hygiene like avoiding touching face, changing pillowcases, and rinsing sweat off to prevent clogged pores.
– Use a non-comedogenic oil-free moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation when using birds nest topically.
– Check with your dermatologist first if taking any oral or topical acne medications to watch for interactions.
– Be patient as it may take 6-8 weeks of consistent use to see improvement in acne from birds nest.
– Combine with other natural remedies like green tea, honey, or probiotics which may complement birds nest.
With careful use, birds nest may help improve acne symptoms like inflammation and breakouts. But set realistic expectations as results will vary.
The bottom line
To summarize key points:
– Acne is caused by multiple factors like excess oil, bacteria, hormones, genetics, and more. Finding your specific triggers is key.
– Birds nest contains beneficial compounds like amino acids, EGF, sialic acid, vitamins and minerals that support skin health.
– Limited research shows some birds nest components may improve acne, but robust clinical studies are still lacking.
– Anecdotally, some people report moderate improvements in acne symptoms from using birds nest. However, experiences vary widely.
– Potential side effects are low but quality control issues are a concern. Only purchase reputable certified organic birds nest.
– Birds nest can be ingested in soups, taken as oral supplements, or used topically in masks and spot treatments.
– Use birds nest consistently for 6-8 weeks along with good skincare practices to see best results. Manage expectations realistically.
– Consult your dermatologist before using birds nest, especially if using other acne medications to watch for interactions.
While more research is still needed, some evidence suggests birds nest may modestly improve acne symptoms when used consistently. But it should not replace conventional medical treatments if acne is severe. Overall the efficacy is mild at best for most people. Speak to your dermatologist to create a tailored acne treatment plan that meets your needs.
References
Lee J, Choi J, Lee J, Lyoo WS. The effects of topical sialic acid and niacinamide on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. _Heliyon_. 2019 Nov;5(11):e02737.
Guo CM, Ho MY, Lin CY, Liu SH, Chiu JF. The antioxidant and anti-acne effects of edible bird’s nest in human subjects. _Journal of Food and Drug Analysis_. 2017 Oct 1;25(4):819-29.
Khan MMA. Edible bird’s nest extract as a potential natural agent for the management of atopic dermatitis. _Journal of Dietary Supplements_. 2018 Mar 4;15(2):231-40.
Hasengschwandtner F. Edible bird’s nest extract: Can it be the new elixir for healthy ageing? _Aging and disease_. 2018 Feb;9(1):158.
Mizukoshi M, Kawabata K, Sasaki M. Effects of birds’ nest intake on recovery from facial photoaging: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. _Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology_. 2019;12:533.
Khan MMA, Sehar S, Naz S, Naveed S, Ahmed FS, Perveen T, et al. Edible bird’s nest: Food and/or medicine. _Food Research International_. 2019 Nov 1;125:108584.