The Science of Ginseng in Skin Care Products

Ginseng is a natural antioxidant powerhouse that has been used in eastern medicine for thousands of years. Revered for its remarkable health benefits when ingested, Ginseng’s abilities make it great for skin care as well as oral supplements. In this blog all about the science of ginseng in skin care, we will unpack the chemistry and uses of this ingredient, and help you determine if ginseng is right for your Baumann Skin Type! If you don’t already know your Baumann Skin Type, you can take the quiz for free by clicking the button below.

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng, derived from the root of plants in the genus Panax, such as Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius), is a perennial plant somewhat related to wild yams and ginger, whose root has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine across various cultures. Its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including ginsenosides, polyphenols, and fatty acids, highlights its value in traditional medicine and in skin care formulations.

How is Ginseng used in Skin Care?

The journey of ginseng from root to a cosmetic shelf includes careful extraction process while preserving its components. Typically, the root undergoes cleaning, steaming, and drying, processes. These tactics not only ensure the root’s preservation but may also enhance its bioactive profile, particularly in the case of red ginseng. The finished extract, rich in ginseng’s signature compounds, then becomes a valuable ingredient in serums, creams, and masks.

What is Ginseng made of?

Ginseng is a complex plant packed with diverse bioactive compounds that contribute to its health and skin care benefits. The root of the ginseng plant, in particular, is rich in a variety of phytochemicals, each playing a unique role in promoting health and vitality. Below are some of the most significant specific compounds found in ginseng:

Ginsenosides: These are the most noteworthy active components in ginseng, responsible for much of its therapeutic effects. Ginsenosides are unique saponins that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. They’re the focus of much scientific study for their potential to improve skin health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Polyphenols : Known for their antioxidant capabilities, polyphenols in ginseng help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants and UV radiation. They contribute to the anti-aging effects of ginseng, helping to preserve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Fatty Acids : Essential fatty acids found in ginseng, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function, offering moisturizing benefits and supporting skin health.

Phytosterols : These compounds, such as beta-sitosterol, have a structure similar to cholesterol and are known for their skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytosterols in ginseng can help repair skin barrier function and improve skin elasticity.

Polysaccharides: Ginseng polysaccharides have been shown to boost the skin’s hydration, enhance its immune response, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, making them beneficial in soothing and hydrating skin care formulations.

Vitamins and Minerals : Ginseng is also a source of various vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin C) and minerals, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. These nutrients help in the skin’s healing process, enhance collagen production, and offer protection against environmental damage.

Amino Acids: Serving as building blocks for proteins, amino acids in ginseng contribute to skin healing, barrier health, and moisture retention, aiding in maintaining the skin’s smoothness and hydration.

Benefits of Ginseng in skin care

Ginseng offers a diverse array of benefits to the skin, including antioxidant protection, anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and more:

Antioxidant Effects: Ginseng’s antioxidant capacity is pivotal in protecting the skin from free radical damage induced by UV radiation and pollution, thereby mitigating signs of aging.

Collagen Production: Ginseng aids in the promotion of collagen synthesis, providing skin with firmness and elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Skin Hydration: By contributing fatty acids to the skin barrier, ginseng helps the skin better retain moisture and stay hydrated.

Inflammation Reduction: Its anti-inflammatory properties help in calming acne breakouts and also interferes with various nerve pathways that trigger inflammation.

UVB Protection: Studies have found that the active compounds in ginseng make it good for preventing damage from UVB radiation.

Additionally, when ingested, ginseng offers systemic health benefits that indirectly reflect on skin health, promoting an overall well-being that radiates through the skin.

Side-effects of Ginseng

While ginseng is generally well-tolerated, its topical application, like any active ingredient, may cause an allergy in some individuals. It is important to understand that ginseng from different parts of the world will have slightly different chemical compositions based on the soil and conditions they were grown in. The perfect ginseng for your skin might be different than the perfect ginseng for someone else. All that being said, organizations like the Environmental Working Group consider ginseng both safe and sustainable as an ingredient in skin care products.

What is Red Ginseng?

Red ginseng, a distinguished type of ginseng, is loved not just for its unique processing method but also for its enhanced properties. The transformation from white to red ginseng involves a steaming process followed by drying, a method that not only increases its shelf life but also augments its bioactive compound profile, particularly ginsenosides, the primary active ingredients in ginseng. This alteration in chemical composition through steaming is believed to improve its medical properties, making red ginseng a highly potent ingredient in both traditional medicine and modern skin care formulations.

Ginseng Serums and other formulations

Ginseng serums use the concentrated essence of ginseng. These products stand out for their potent antioxidant effects. These serums, often combined with other antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, provide a targeted approach to improving skin health. Beyond serums, ginseng is formulated in creams, masks, and even cleansers, each designed to harness its skin-enhancing properties.

Different kinds of Ginseng

The exact function and composition of ginseng can vary significantly depending on its origin, akin to the concept of “terroir” in wine making. Korean ginseng, American ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, among others, each offer unique profiles and benefits, suggesting a nuanced selection for skin care formulations based on desired outcomes.

Is ginseng good for all skin types?

Ginseng is a safe and effective ingredient that can be a good inclusion into the routines of most skin types; however people with particularly oily skin might want to avoid this ingredient.

If your skin is extremely prone to acne, you probably don’t want to add extra oils to your skin, like the ones found in ginseng.

I think this ingredient is best for dry skin types, but an oily skin type could use ginseng if they are also using a good cleanser.

Here are some of my favorite skin care products with ginseng!

Conclusion

Ginseng’s common presence in skin care shows how versatile and potent its benefits are. Whether aiming to combat aging, enhance skin vitality, or provide antioxidant protection, ginseng stands out as a multifaceted ingredient that can cater to a wide range of skin care needs. As we continue to explore the synergy between traditional ingredients and contemporary formulations, ginseng’s role in skin care is both a nod to the past and a step towards a more natural, efficacious approach to skin health.

Remember, identifying your Baumann Skin Type is the most effective way to find out which products are best for your skin. If you still have not taken the quiz, you can do so for free with the button below!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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