Ginseng is known for its rejuvenating and balancing qualities that make it important for skin just like it is for health and wellness of other parts of the body.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a root that is light in color and to some, it resembles a tiny human. It is a potential nervous system regenerator and is also known as a neuroprotective agent (1). This herb is making its way into the beauty industry. But it was being used for this purpose even long years back. It is known that Korean women would bathe in ginseng water before their wedding to make their skin pure and refined for the big day.
Types of Ginseng
Ginseng is available in a few common forms.
- Korean red ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- American ginseng
- Panax ginseng
- Indian ginseng
Amongst the different types of ginseng, red ginseng is the most effective. American ginseng gives the skin a cooling sensation. Indian and Siberian ginseng are not real ginseng but have similar compounds.
How Does Ginseng Benefit Skin?
Ginseng is known to be used for skin-enhancing purposes since ancient times, but modern research shows its use for many other purposes, which include:
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Delays Signs of Aging and Wrinkles
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Wrinkles are the first signs of aging. Using products with ginseng help in slowing down the process.
A study done on 21 Korean women of ages 30-65 with crow’s feet wrinkles found that products containing Panax ginseng and Crataegus pinnatifida helped in increasing skin moisture and inhibiting wrinkle formation. (2)
Another study using black fermented ginseng found it to show anti-wrinkle properties and another same year review showed the role of ginseng in slowing down aging. (3, 4)
Ginseng improves circulation and oxygenation, both of which play a role in slowing down the aging process.
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Slows Collagen Loss and Improves Skin Elasticity
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Collagen loss starts from the 20s and 30s, but the effect is not seen until late. Ginseng slows down the loss of collagen and helps in retaining skin elasticity.
There are numerous compounds in ginseng including vitamin D and vitamin B12 that are known to increase circulation and oxygen and boost collagen production.
A study showed Korean red ginseng to restore elasticity in the skin which could be due to changes in collagen protein synthesis. (5)
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Reduces Puffiness and Inflammation
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Puffiness and inflammation can most often be the result of poor circulation. It can lead to fluid retention.
In fluid retention everything is stagnant. Improving circulation keeps things moving and prevents fluid build-up.
A study done on 40 subjects showed red Korean ginseng helps in improving circulation. (5)
One older study showed the anti-inflammatory properties of ginseng (6)
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Plays a Role in Skin Brightening and Lightening
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Ginseng is also known to be an excellent complexion booster.
There are a few conditions such as melasma, discoloration, or hyperpigmentation of the skin that might make people want to lighten their skin.
Ginseng can help in inhibiting the production of tyrosinase and whiten the skin. A study was done on 23 participants found that skin lightened in the participants who used black ginseng twice a day for 8 weeks. (7)
The roost and leaves of ginseng are rich in vitamins minerals, and antioxidants that help in metabolizing skin cells and help in getting rid of dead skin cells.
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It Benefits Hair
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Good blood circulation is a reason behind good skin and hair.
Ginseng stimulates the blood flow and improves the health of hair follicles and minimizes hair fall.
How to Use Ginseng for Skin?
Depending on the age, needs, and time constraints, the following are the steps that can be taken for skincare including ginseng.
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Mask
- Tone
- Moisturize
Ginseng can be added to any of the above skincare products to experience its beneficial properties.
Products with ginseng are helpful in improving skin. Ginseng may not be a miracle ingredient but adding it to the skincare products that are used in routine can be really beneficial.
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