If you’ve ever laid eyes on a ginseng root, you’ll agree that ‘beauty’ isn’t exactly the word that comes to mind. With bodies that resemble some kind of potato-octopus hybrid (honestly, google it) ginsengs, at least from a visual perspective, scream mythical monster more than they do beauty benefits. Personally, I think they look identical to the mandrake plants from Harry Potter, and it’s safe to say I would like to keep those as far away from my face as possible. On the other hand, however, there are few things I wouldn’t slather on in the name of skincare. By no means is ginseng a new ingredient, in fact, its roots (pardon the pun) lie in age-old Korean beauty rituals as women of Asia have used them in ginseng bathhouses for hundreds of years. They took the powers of the plant so seriously that they would even bathe in ginseng water before their wedding to guarantee their glow was as on point as possible. Luckily, beauty brands didn’t judge the book (or the root) by its cover, transforming it into topical form despite its humble appearance, and for that we should be eternally grateful. It’s basically amazing at everything from brightening dark circles to soothing eczema and psoriasis – if we were to assign skincare superlatives, it would take ‘best all-rounder’ in a heartbeat. Read on to find out why…
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It boosts brightness
Ginseng is practically like a piccolo for your face. With coffee-like energising properties and numerous vitamins (B1, B2 and B12 to name a few), ginseng is a miracle-working ingredients if dullness is getting you down, as it works to increase oxygenation and circulation to provide a healthy, luminous glow.
It fights fine lines
Ginseng products offer the anti-ageing trifecta, working to firm, smooth and fight fine lines. With a complex of polysaccharides and glycoproteins (those just roll off the tongue, right?) that form a weightless film on the skin’s surface, they fill, firm and diminish the appearance of wrinkles to keep your complexion youthful and plump.
It evens tone
Even hyperpigmentation is no match for ginseng, as it actually helps to inhibit melanin production (the pigment-producing mechanism that causes uneven tone in your skin). It’s also packed with phytonutrients that allow it to defend skin against free radicals in order to protect your complexion against future pigmentation.
It de-puffs dark circles
If dark under eye circles are the problem, ginseng eye creams are the solution. The superfood ingredient hits skin with a de-puffing, darkness-banishing double whammy to leave your under eye area bright and calm.
For soothing sensitivity
Ginseng has also proven itself helpful in the treating of inflammation. Through supporting the mitochondrial health of skin cells it actually assists their ability to heal and repair, so it’s ace for skin conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis, plus it’ll help to reduce redness around acne outbreaks.
bh loves: The Body Shop Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask, DB Cosmetics Brighten & Repair Ginseng Burst Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid, Clean & Clear ® Morning Burst Facial Cleanser, GAIA SKIN + BODY Facial Moisturiser, Molton Brown Suma Ginseng Nourishing Body Lotion, Pure Essence Ginseng Body Bar
Main image: Getty Images
Would you try ginseng skincare? What aspect of their benefits intrigues you most?
I would definitely try Ginseng in my skincare products especially with these wonderful benefits in mind. My skin could use Ginseng.
I commented below but I still love ginseng tea!