You got to be Ginseng-ing me!!

You got to be Ginseng-ing me!!

Ginseng is becoming more widely-known for its health benefits. However, when it comes to skin care, it has been used in the East for centuries because it is an amazing, complexion booster. In the past, people (more specifically women in Korea) used it for many different beauty rituals. (1) Ginseng has been used for centuries and is currently being studied with respect to anti-aging, skin lightening as well as sensitive and oily skin.

Ginseng is a natural skin balancer, meaning it works with any skin type. It is used as an anti-aging cream. The reason being … when applied to the small blood vessels in the skin, it improved the circulation of those bloods vessels and helped with the synthesis of collagen. This process also helps your skin become firmer. (2) In a study where the anti-aging activity was examined using both skin cells and actual healthy human skin, Ginseng was applied to both skin cell types. They found that “the total roughness, maximum roughness, smoothness depth, average roughness, smoothness depth” (Hwang 2016) improved. (3) What this means is that the Ginseng helped with reducing moisture loss. The results suggest that Ginseng can “prevent aging by inhibiting wrinkle formation and increasing moisture in the human skin” (Hwang 2016) (4).

It has also been found to help with skin issues that cause changes in skin colour. Some people have problems with hyperpigmentation (excessive amount of pigmentation). Studies have shown the potential ginseng has for skin lightening. This still is controversial as more studies are needed, but one study has found it had an “effect on the production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide” (Kwangmi, 2015). (5) Used for centuries for similar purposes, we believe ginseng helps with skin whitening! (6) The people in the study noticed more visible brightening of the skin. (7)

Ginseng’s antioxidant properties help with oily skin, by balance oil production. Ginseng also has natural,  anti-inflammatory properties meaning it aids in reducing the redness and puffiness. There was a study where they applied ginseng to skin cells with eczema and it helped reduce the inflammation caused by the disorder. (8) Due to these anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with sensitive skin and skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Acne can be caused due to oily skin and clogged pores. (9) Applying a skin cream containing ginseng will help balance the skin’s oil production and clear up your skin. (10) Psoriasis appears when the skin cells reproduce too quickly and build up forming scales and patches of red, dry skin. This is itchy and can be painful. (11) Ginseng, because of its anti- inflammatory properties, can help bring down the redness and inflammation of the skin. (12)

Today, ginseng is becoming more prevalent in the skin care industry. Studies are emerging in support of the use of ginseng for various skin types, with certain skin disorders. This is why it is important to make   ginseng an important part of your skin care regiment.

 Footnote

  • Meunier, Zoe. “5 Reasons Your Skin Loves Ginseng.” Bodyandsoulau, 14 Sept. 2016, www.bodyandsoul.com.au/beauty/body/5-reasons-your-skin-loves-ginger-/news-story/675ec74b4b19495a492c8b52594e32f7.
  • Abelman, Devon. “Here's Why Ginseng Is Being Added Into So Many K-Beauty Moisturizers.” Allure, Allure, 21 Mar. 2019, allure.com/story/ginseng-skin-care-benefits-ingredient.
  • Hwang, Eunson et al. “Antiaging effects of the mixture of Panax ginseng and Crataegus pinnatifida in human dermal fibroblasts and healthy human skin.” Journal of ginseng research vol. 41,1 (2017): 69-77. doi:10.1016/j.jgr.2016.01.001
  • Ibid
  • Kim, Kwangmi. “Effect of ginseng and ginsenosides on melanogenesis and their mechanism of action.” Journal of ginseng research vol. 39,1 (2015): 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.jgr.2014.10.006
  • Ibid
  • Ibid
  • Semeco, Arlene. “7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 Feb. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits.
  • “Acne.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 27 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047.
  • Abelman, Devon. “Here's Why Ginseng Is Being Added Into So Many K-Beauty Moisturizers.” Allure, Allure, 21 Mar. 2019, allure.com/story/ginseng-skin-care-benefits-ingredient.
  • “Psoriasis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Mar. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840.
  • Semeco, Arlene. “7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 Feb. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits.

 

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