Contains several components that can cause a negative reaction on skin in the presence of sunlight so any product that contains St. John's wort should be followed by application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater (Sources: British Journal of Dermatology, February 2008, pages 360-369; Planta Medica, February 2002, pages 171–173; and International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, March 2002, pages 221–241). St. John’s wort’s association with improving depression when taken as an oral supplement is unrelated to its topical impact on skin. However, it also has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, November 2001, pages 5165–5170).
In terms of skin healing, research has shown that St. John's wort enhances the process while minimizing pain, making it a suitable option for helping to minimize the formation and ultimate appearance of scars. St. John's wort also has antifungal and antibacterial activity (Sources: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
, October 2010, pages 511-521; and Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
, January 2010, pages 113-117).