Ginseng Benefits for Skin and Amazing Products to Try

The K-beauty trend has taken over our Western skincare routines! Imports of Korean beauty and skincare products grew 16% between 2020 and 2021. At the same time, every social media platform is a highlight reel of 12-step skincare routines!

But why are we all suddenly obsessed with layering serums, moisturizers, and beauty balms? Maybe it’s because Korean beauty brands focus on achieving healthy skin with natural, traditional ingredients. And one of the most prominent ingredients is ginseng!

Upgrade your skincare routine with ginseng-packed products designed to make skin youthful and bright! Explore all the ginseng benefits for skin, along with step-by-step application instructions.

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng is a root plant from the Panax family. You’ll often spot this lumpy, bumpy white root in the produce aisles at your local grocery store. But before we started adding it to our stir-frys, it had a long, rich history in Eastern medicine.

The use of ginseng first appeared in Chinese medical texts in 196 AD. It was commonly used to treat chronic illnesses and was considered a superior tonic. Since then, it’s remained a staple ingredient in Eastern medicine practices.

In the last few decades, ginseng has made its way into skincare, haircare, and beauty products. Western countries are just catching up with the increased exposure of K-Beauty routines! Now, you’ll find ginseng as a promoted ingredient in many skincare brands.

Types of Ginseng

This root grows best in cooler climates in the East, but you can find North American varieties as well. In fact, Native Americans have long used wild ginseng for its medicinal purposes. Let’s take a deeper look into the different types of ginseng.

Asian Ginseng

Panax ginseng is more widely known as Asian ginseng. It’s typically harvested in South Korea and China. This type is likely the standard form of ginseng that you’ll find in skincare and beauty products.

While all forms of ginseng have their benefits, Panax ginseng is the most widely studied. Korean red ginseng, in particular, is considered the gold standard in skincare. If you’re reading a study about ginseng’s benefits, it’s likely about this variety!

American Ginseng

American ginseng is the name for Panax Quinquefolius. It’s found in the eastern and central United States, as well as southern parts of Canada.  Unlike Asian ginseng, which is known for its heat, American ginseng is a cooling agent.

This type of ginseng doesn’t usually make its way into skincare or beauty products. Instead, it’s mainly used in traditional medicine. The effects of American ginseng on the skin haven’t been widely studied.

Siberian Ginseng

Eleutherococcus Senticosus, or Siberian ginseng, isn’t actually a type of ginseng. But it’s often lumped into the same category as Asian and American ginseng.

The difference is that the Siberian version doesn’t contain ginsenosides, the active ingredient in ginseng. Instead, the active ingredient is eleutherosides. This element is known to have its own healing properties but isn’t generally used for skincare.

White vs. Black vs. Red Ginseng

Earlier we mentioned that Korean red ginseng is the best choice when it comes to skincare. But beyond the red variety, you’ll also find white and black ginseng. The difference is in the way the root is prepared and treated.

White ginseng gets its color from air-drying and sun-bleaching. It’s a common ingredient in Asian dishes and is also consumed raw. But beauty products and skincare can contain white ginseng.

Red ginseng gets its color from the steaming process. After harvesting, it’s steamed at 100˚C and sun-dried. The most common form is powder or as an ingredient in beauty products.

Finally, black ginseng is a processed version of white or red varieties. It undergoes the steaming and drying process several times to create the color. Black ginseng is often used in teas and capsules for its physical health benefits.

Ways to Use Ginseng Products

Ginseng is either applied to the skin or ingested orally. You’ll find this ingredient in most skin care products, including:

• Face wash
• Day cream
• Night cream
• Eye cream
• Toner
• Serum

Supplements are also widely available in capsules, powders, and teas. Beyond skincare, ginseng has shown positive effects on various health issues, including:

• Stress levels
• Immune system
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chronic diseases
• Colds and flu

To absorb the maximum benefits, combine a supplement with ginseng-packed skincare. Our 30-day In & Out Skin Care Set is the perfect starting point. You’ll take one nutricosmetic capsule in the morning and apply the night balm before bed.

It’s no surprise that ginseng is also a common hair care ingredient. Studies have concluded that ginsenosides can regulate the proteins involved in hair-cycling phases. So if hair loss or thinning is an issue, pick up a bottle of ginseng-based shampoo!

Of course, the traditional way to consume ginseng is by eating it! Try adding white ginseng to smoothies, steaming it, or using it in stir-frys.

Ginseng Benefits for the Skin

The history of ginseng goes back thousands of years when it was used as a healing ingredient. In the 1960s, a Korean beauty company decided to harness the power of this ancient ingredient. The benefits of ginseng for skin have been intensively studied since then.

Younger Looking Skin

The aging process is a result of two factors: biological and environmental. Biological factors are the natural effects of getting older, including:

• Thinner skin
• Loss of fat
• Skin dullness and loss of brightness
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Age and sunspots

Environmental factors are the choices we make over the course of our life. These can heavily impact the aging process and include:

• Sun exposure
• Diet and exercise
• Skincare
• Air quality
• Lifestyle choices

So how does ginseng contribute to the anti-aging process? Studies have found that regular use results in increased blood circulation and cell growth. These processes are the main methods for creating an anti-aging effect.

When these two processes get a boost, the skin retains moisture better. And moisture is essential for that dewy, smooth skin we all desire. Cell growth also prevents the formation of deep lines and wrinkles.

Many studies have found ginseng to be an effective anti-aging tool. But if you’re looking for the mightiest effect, fermented red ginseng is the winner!

Increased Skin Elasticity

As we age, our skin slowly loses the ability to retain elasticity. This loss results in saggy, loose skin and deep wrinkles. The biggest culprit in skin elasticity loss is UV damage.

Lengthy exposure to sunlight throughout someone’s lifetime damages skin fibers. These fibers, called elastin, are responsible for keeping our skin nice and tight! But the good news is that red ginseng can reverse this damage.

Studies have found that ginseng positively affected cellular stiffness. This means that it caused an increase in collagen and elastin! But what does this mean for your skin?

Increased levels of collagen and elastin mean smoother, tighter skin. So if you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun when you were young, red ginseng can be your skin’s lifesaver!

Inflammation Reduction

If you’ve ever suffered from inflamed skin, you know how uncomfortable it can feel. Skin inflammation can manifest itself as:

• Puffiness
• Redness
• Dryness
• Itchiness
• Burning or heat
• Raised skin, bumps, or cracks

Researchers have found that ginseng is an effective treatment in studies with atopic dermatitis. Ginsenosides act as a natural steroid in maintaining a functional skin barrier. This means increased moisture and decreased inflammation of the skin!

But even if you don’t suffer from atopic dermatitis, ginseng can act as an anti-inflammatory. Most people experience breakouts, mild rashes, or general moisture loss. Regular ginseng consumption can keep these symptoms at bay.

Brighter Complexion

A bright complexion is often associated with younger skin, but it’s nearly impossible to maintain as we get older. Aging skin often loses its brightness, becoming dull and washed out. The use of ginseng can fight this process by increasing blood circulation.

And with its anti-aging properties, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles that create shadows on the face. This combination of good circulation and lack of lines can boost skin brightness!

Age can also bring out hyperpigmentation like dark spots and age spots. Ginseng is often the go-to ingredient for skin whitening. In a 24-week study of women with melasma, 91% reported improvement after using ginseng.

Physical Benefits = Skin Benefits

It’s often said that beauty starts from within, and we couldn’t agree more! The physical health benefits of ginseng have shown improvements in:

• Brain function
• Mood and stress levels
• Memory and fatigue
• Mental health
• Blood sugar levels
• Immune system
• Energy levels

To get the most out of your ginseng skincare routine, incorporate oral supplements. Not only will these help with physical symptoms, but your skin will glow from within!

Our Renaisscience Concentrated Juvenescence anti-aging supplement is packed with goodness! A combination of Moldavian Dragonhead, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C and E make this a powerhouse formula. Take a capsule every morning with a big glass of water to complement your skincare routine.

Adding Ginseng Skincare Products to Your Routine

K-beauty often centers around a 10-step or 12-step program. If you want to experience the full benefits, try it out! But you don’t need to change your entire routine to enjoy the wonders of ginseng.

Try integrating a few ginseng-based products here and there. If you like the results, we guarantee you’ll add more ginseng into your beauty routine. Here’s how to start!

Face Wash

There are many red ginseng face washes on the market that are safe for daily use. Apply a small amount into your palms, lather with water, and carefully massage onto the face. Ginseng face wash is perfect for a morning clean and a night-time makeup remover!

Eye Cream

Fight undereye puffiness and dark circles with ginseng eye cream. All you need is a small, pea-sized amount to dab under each eye. Start with the inner corner and move outwards, and remember to let it dry before applying other products!

Toner

Toners can sometimes have a drying effect, which is why a ginseng toner is a perfect alternative! Ginseng’s moisturizing properties allow you to shrink pores and hydrate at the same time! Simply apply a few drops or spritzes on a cotton pad and lightly wipe the skin.

Serum

To enhance blood circulation, use a ginseng serum in-between your toner and night balm. Serums often come in drip bottles, so we recommend a few drops right on the skin. Moisturize the serum into your skin and wait a few minutes before applying the night balm.

Night Balm

A night balm is one of the easiest ways to incorporate ginseng into your skincare routine. Apply, go to sleep, and let the magic happen. Then wake up in the morning with refreshed, plump skin ready to take on the day.

To apply our Renaisscience Cellulaire anti-aging cream, scoop a small amount into your palm with the spatula. Gently slide the balm around with your fingers to heat it up. Then apply to the face and neck, taking care not to massage it in.

Day Cream

Ginseng cream benefits can be enjoyed all day long! These formulas are often thinner and might come in a tinted version, acting as a makeup base. After washing your face, apply the day cream in an upward motion on your face and neck.

Add Skincare Products With Ginseng to Your Routine!

Not only is ginseng excellent for your health, but ginseng benefits for the skin are unbeatable. A traditional ingredient, used for centuries, has now become one of the most essential skincare elements.

Before choosing a product, we encourage you to research the brand and ingredients. Make sure they use high-quality ginseng in the recommended amounts. And check up on their ethics, as well!

At Ingredient Secret, we want to share our love for ginseng with the world. From skincare supplements to night creams, we’ve got you covered! Try In & Out Set to get started, or browse our entire list of organic skin care products here.