Ginseng Benefits for Skin

Ginseng is considered a superfood that has many benefits for our health and wellbeing. Lately, its skincare benefits started to gain a lot of attention, and you can now find it in many cosmetic products. Its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants makes it a perfect ingredient that has something to offer to anyone…

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng, and especially its root, is considered to be one of the best health enhancers out there. It is commonly sold as a dietary supplement. You can also find it as an ingredient in many Asian traditional meals, drinks and herbal remedies. And lately, there are many skincare brands that feature this precious root.

As a skincare ingredient, ginseng is not used to treat a specific skin issue, but as a general skin booster that can help balance the skin. It stimulates the microcirculation, evens out the skin tone, promotes youthfulness, fades skin imperfections and adds a dewy glow to the skin.

How Has Ginseng Been Used Historically?

Ginseng is native to Asia, especially China and Korea, where it has been used as a folk medicine for thousands of years. In fact, the botanical name of the plant is Panax ginseng, where “panax” is derived from the word “panacea”, which can roughly be translated as the cure for everything or all healing.

The first records of ginseng being used as a medicinal plant date from between 206bc – 220ad. It was used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, from strengthening the cardiovascular, nervous and immune system, to relieving stress and promoting health, resistance, vitality and longevity in general.

What Are The Compounds Of Ginseng That Make It So Beneficial For The Skin?

• Ginsenosides, or ginseng saponins, are the components of ginseng that give it its main pharmacological effects. The structural diversity of ginsenosides is believed to be the reason why ginseng root has a positive effect on patients with diabetes, cancer, stress, immunity and cardiovascular and central nervous system. The main benefit of ginsenosides for skin is their anti-inflammatory effect.

• Polysaccharides are natural components of a healthy skin. These sugars replenish the skin, improve its ability to retain the moisture and have an important role in the skin regeneration and renewal process.

• Antioxidants in ginseng are important for maintaining the skin youthful and healthy. Applied topically, ginseng improves the antioxidant activity in skin cells and reduces the oxidative stress the skin is exposed to. That way, it helps repair the damage that free radicals make and prevents the premature formation of wrinkles, fine lines and dark aging spots.

• Peptides are important in skincare because they have a powerful impact on the skin’s supportive proteins. They signal to the skin to create more collagen and elastin. That way, they replenish the skin, improve its texture and maintain the firmness and elasticity, giving you a plump, supple and youthful skin. Peptides can also help increase the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, helping the skin to stay well hydrated and adding a healthy glow to your complexion.

• Amino acids are building blocks of proteins and peptides, and are crucial for maintaining the skin firm and supple. There are many types of amino acids that your skin likes. Some of them help hydrate the skin, others help your skin to reproduce its own antioxidants. All of them can help reduce the aging signs and improve the skin’s overall appearance.

• Vitamins that can be found in ginseng are vitamin A, C, E and several B vitamins. Most of them are powerful antioxidants, and each brings its own benefits for your skin. Vitamin A, for example, stimulates the skin cell renewal process. Vitamin C brightens and improves the complexion and has a powerful anti-aging effect to the skin. Vitamin E also helps delay aging signs, plus it has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.

• Fatty acids moisturize the skin and make it soft and smooth. When applied topically, they help reinforce the skin’s protective lipid barrier. This barrier prevents the water molecules from evaporating and reduces drying out. Fatty acids also protect the skin against the elements and help soothe irritations.

What Are The Ginseng Benefits For Skin?

So, now that you know more about this intriguing root, here’s a summary of its benefits for your skin and how it can help you get that youthful, glowing complexion we all dream about:

• Ginseng stimulates the blood flow and oxygenation of skin cells. It brightens the skin and adds a fresh, healthy glow to your complexion.
• It contains antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals. That way, ginseng reduces the oxidative stress and prevents the formation of premature aging signs.
• It might help increase the production of collagen, maintaining your skin firm, supple and smooth and reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
• Ginseng helps lighten the skin tone and reduce acne marks, dark spots, pigmentations and other skin imperfections, giving you an even looking complexion.
• It has anti-inflammatory and healing effects to the skin. Ginseng can help soothe irritations, razor bumps and small wounds and promote the skin regeneration process.
• If your skin is dull and dehydrated, ginseng can definitely help revitalize it and make it look plump, supple, youthful and well-hydrated.
• It can somewhat help balance oil production, keep the oily skin under control and prevent and reduce acne breakouts.
• You can also find ginseng in many eye creams, since it can help fade dark circles and de-puff the area around your eyes.