Adding a fragrant kick to many dishes, ginger is a well-known spice that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. It’s also been a staple ingredient in traditional medicine as a treatment for a variety of issues, including colds, nausea, and migraines.
However, ginger is also a powerful ingredient that can be used in skincare products to improve the overall health of your skin. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of this wonder ingredient when used in skincare products, as well as giving you some top tips for incorporating it into your skincare routine.
What’s so great about ginger?
Anti-inflammatory: Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help to reduce redness and irritation in the skin, making it a great ingredient for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Inflammation is a major contributor to many skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. By reducing inflammation, ginger can help to improve the appearance of these conditions and leave your skin looking and feeling calm and soothed.
Contains antioxidants: This ingredient is also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the skin's cells, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and preventing them from causing damage to the skin. Incorporating ginger into your skincare routine can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and keep it looking youthful and radiant, making it a useful ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.
Brightens the skin: Ginger can help to brighten the skin and even out the skin tone. This is due to its ability to increase circulation and improve the skin's natural exfoliation process.
When the blood flow in your skin is increased, it can help to bring oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin, leaving it looking brighter and more radiant. Additionally, ginger's natural exfoliating properties can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother and more even skin tone.
Acne-Fighting: The antimicrobial properties of ginger help to fight off bacteria that can cause acne, and it can also help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with this skin issue.
Acne is caused by a combination of factors including bacteria, excess oil, and clogged pores. Ginger contains antiseptic properties, which means that adding ginger containing products to your skincare routine can help to combat the bacteria that can cause acne as well as reduce the inflammation and redness associated with it, leading to a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your acne and leave your skin looking clearer and more even.
Moisturizing: There are compounds in ginger that can help to moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated, helping to prevent dryness and flaking, and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky.
Combats dandruff: Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, a bonus benefit of ginger is that it can help to soothe a dry and itchy scalp. To use the ingredient for this purpose, look for a ginger-containing scalp serum.
How to incorporate ginger into your skincare routine
Ginger can be found in many forms, such as ginger oil, ginger extract, ginger powder, and ginger root. Here are a few ways you can incorporate ginger into your skincare routine:
Use a ginger-infused oil as a moisturizer: When applied topically, ginger oil can be used as a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
Add ginger powder to a face mask: If you’re looking for a more intense treatment, ginger powder can be added to a face mask to improve circulation and brighten the skin. Simply mix ginger powder with honey or yogurt to create a paste, then apply it to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Use a ginger-infused serum: Look out for a serum infused with ginger extract to combat inflammation and redness. Apply a few drops of the serum to your face before moisturizing and let the wonder ingredient work its magic.
Incorporate ginger into your diet: Consuming ginger can also be beneficial for your skin. Given that it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can help to improve the overall health of your skin when consumed. You can add ginger to your meals or make a ginger tea to and consume it on a regular basis.
It's worth noting that some people may have an allergic reaction to ginger. Therefore, it's important to carry out a patch test before applying it to your face.