Ginseng For Skin: Benefits, Ways To Use, And Side Effects

Benefits Of Ginseng For The Skin

There are mainly two types of ginseng – Asian and American. Ginseng can be further classified as red ginseng (unpeeled) or white (peeled and dried) ginseng. Red ginseng (also called panax ginseng) is usually used in most skin care formulations for its maximum benefits and potency. Following are the skin benefits of ginseng.

1. May Help Balance Oil Production

Ginseng may act as a shield against various environmental pollutants like dirt, grime, etc. Pollutants may get easily absorbed into the skin, accumulate in pores, and stimulate the production of melanocytes. These may eventually lead to brown spots. Skin care products containing ginseng may help balance oil production in the skin. Some research suggests that ginseng may also have anti-acne properties, thanks to its anti-microbial properties (1).

2. May Treat Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Ginseng is effective in boosting the circulation of the skin’s smallest blood vessels. This may ramp up collagen synthesis and potentially treat fine lines and wrinkles. Research shows ginseng may boost the production of type 1 collagen. More specifically, it may help suppress collagen degradation (2). Ginseng may also protect the skin against UV-induced damage, which may otherwise accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. May Help Reduce Hyperpigmentation

Ginseng may prevent the detrimental production of melanin (an amino acid that lead to dark spots on the skin) (3).

Ginseng’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help treat severe skin conditions such as psoriasis. However, more information is warranted in this regard.

4. May Suit Sensitive Skin

Ginseng’s natural anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce skin redness and puffiness in sensitive skin. Further, it may also help reduce skin inflammation in atomic dermatitis (4).

5. May Reduce Dark Circles

Ginseng is thought to reduce dark circles. Its anti-pigmentation properties are believed to play a role here. However, research is unclear in this regard. More information is warranted.

Ginseng may also increase hyaluronic acid generation and keep your skin hydrated and plump (2). This may potentially reduce dark circles.

6. May Boost Skin Glow

The presence of various bioactive compounds in ginseng, such as pectin, saponins, polysaccharides, vitamins B1, B2, and B12, may make ginseng the ideal ingredient for boosting skin glow. However, research is limited in this regard.

Now that we know the skin benefits of ginseng, let us understand how you can include it in your skincare regimen.

Ways To Use Ginseng For The Skin

One of the best ways to treat your skin with the amazing benefits of ginseng is a face pack. A ginseng face mask contains a range of nourishing and energizing ginseng extracts that help revitalize dull and tired skin.

Using these masks regularly can offer important benefits. They have a pleasing, mild scent and give your face a cooling sensation. Using a rejuvenating ginseng facial cream or face mask can help in case your skin feels dry and dull.

Here are some of the most effective ginseng face packs you can use.

1. Turmeric And Lemon Ginseng Face Pack

• Mix 2 teaspoons of ginseng powder along with 1 teaspoon each of magnesium powder, turmeric powder, ashwagandhapowder, and lemon juice in a bowl.
• Apply the mixture gently to the skin.
• Leave it to dry for 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

2. Water And Ginseng Pack

• Take 1 ginseng powder teabag and dissolve it in hot water.
• Let the tea cool down to room temperature.
• Gently apply this mixture onto the skin using a cotton ball and wash off with warm water.

3. Milk Powder Ginseng Pack

• Mix 1 teaspoon of milk powder and warm water with 2 teaspoons of ginseng powder to form a thick paste.
• Gently apply the paste to the skin using a cotton ball and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Apply a good moisturizer of your choice.

Ginseng face masks may offer the following benefits:

• Ginseng face packs may help brighten and revitalize the skin.
• These masks contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce skin redness. The masks could also be a calming remedy for various skin issues like acne, dark circles, and psoriasis.
• Regular and consistent use of a ginseng face mask may restore lost skin moisture.

While ginseng offers important benefits to skin, it also may cause certain adverse effects. We have discussed them in the next section.

Side Effects Of Ginseng For The Skin

Ginseng, in general, is thought to be safe for most people. However, stop use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience a severe skin reaction. Other causes for concern include swelling of the face or tongue, burning sensation in the eyes, skin pain, skin rashes, blistering, or peeling of the skin. These adverse effects are based on anecdotal evidence.

Is Ginseng Good For Your Face?

Yes. Ginseng is a very powerful herb and is used in skin care products widely. It contains a variety of biologically active ingredients, including polysaccharides, ginsenosides, peptides, polyacetylenes, phytosterols fatty acids, and polyacetylene alcohols. Of these, ginsenosides (steroid-like saponins) are considered the most potent (5).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ginseng serum do?

According to anecdotal evidence, ginseng serum improves blood circulation and rejuvenates dry, tired skin. In addition, its antioxidant capabilities may help cleanse the skin and protect it from further harm.

How do you make ginseng serum at home?

What you need
• 1.2 oz argan oil
• 0.7 oz jojoba oil
• 0.2 oz ginseng extract
• 0.2 oz cera bellina wax
• 0.2 oz vitamin E oil
• Slide tins
Method

• Pour argan oil and jojoba oil in a bowl.
• Add cera bellina wax.
• Melt this mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds.
• Take it out carefully and add vitamin E oil and ginseng extract.
• Stir to mix them well.
• Pour the mixture into the slide tins.
• Let it cool.

Sources

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Arshiya Syeda

Arshiya Syeda is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and... more

Reda Elmardi

(RDN)

Reda Elmardi is a registered dietician, certified nutritionist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist trainer. He has more than 10... more