Asian ginseng, more well known as Korean ginseng, is quickly becoming one of the most popular herbs worldwide. It has been put into supplements, tea, liquid extracts and powders (to name a few), and now it’s making its way into skincare.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a species of plant that grows dense roots over several years which are then harvested when it’s at its peak potency. While not the prettiest thing to look at, it has been used for centuries to cure and relieve a number of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Proven benefits of ginseng
Ginseng has a myriad of health benefits. More research into ginseng has shown its ability to boost the immune system, improve energy levels, increase blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels, reduce stress and even treat diabetes through regulating blood sugar levels.
Along with naturally high levels of vitamins and minerals, there are active compounds in ginseng known as ginsenosides. They have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are the root of the benefits of ginseng.
Using Ginseng in Skincare
Ginseng helps to boost the body’s immune system, and the same applies to the skin’s immune system. Following the philosophy of TCM, ginseng helps to restore balance to the skin, and because of its natural and gentle properties, it is beneficial for almost all skin types and complexions.
It is potentially one of the biggest skincare secrets that Asia has kept for years. Asian skin, and more specifically, Korean skin, has become a highly sought-after desire among women. Everyone wants to know the secret to their glowing and smooth complexion, or what has become known as glass skin, and ginseng could be one of the key secret ingredients to their success.
How does Ginseng Benefit the Skin?
1. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Ginseng improves overall blood circulation. With high levels of vitamin B and D, it can target even the smallest blood vessels in the skin. This naturally promotes higher collagen production which is essential for retaining skin elasticity, leading to firmer and plumper-looking skin. The antioxidant properties in ginseng also protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and cause aging in the skin.
2. Protects against hyperpigmentation
While melanin is necessary to give a healthy amount of colour to our skin, eyes, and hair, excess melanin production in the skin leads to uneven dark patches which are difficult to get rid of. Ginseng helps to prevent hyperpigmentation by creating a barrier for the skin thanks to its antioxidant properties. The high levels of vitamin B in ginseng can also help to reduce dark spots that are already present.
3. Brightens complexion
As a natural balancer of the skin, ginseng helps maintain skin hydration and moisture levels, creating a healthy barrier for the skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers and purifies the skin, clearing out dirt and bacteria that have built up in our day-to-day lives. This helps to shed the dullness and tighten pores, leaving a brighter and more revitalized complexion. It is also effective for those with acne-prone skin and can calm dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
4. Good for sensitive skin
The natural anti-inflammatory properties of ginseng help to calm and reduce redness and puffiness in the skin, and the antioxidant properties work to boost and protect the skin barrier, leading to stronger and healthier-looking skin.
Because ginseng can be used in a variety of ways, it’s very easy to incorporate it into any skincare routine. Our products at Serene SkinLab cover all the key stages of daily skincare.
Start and end the day with the Renew Cleanser, formulated with ginseng and other powerful TCM herbs to cleanse, nourish and hydrate the skin.
After cleansing, follow up with our Renew Serum, enhanced with other antioxidants such as niacinamide to rejuvenate and firm up the skin.
Next, seal everything in with our Calming Repair Cream, so gentle and hydrating it can even be used by those suffering from dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Finally, for an extra layer of protection and radiance, use the Renew Mask for nourishment for that hydrated and plumped up feeling as the mask continues to repair and nourish your skin throughout day and night.
