Spotlight On: Ginger
Photo courtesy crazyyuan.blogspot.com
Recently, one of my favorite dermatologists, Dr. Leslie Baumann, wrote about ginger in her blog. Baumann reports that ginger in skin care “can improve circulation, which has led to increasing research into the ways it could be harnessed to enhance the complexion.” Baumann also says that ginger has antioxidant properties and exhibits antioxidant properties, although it may cause some irritation in those with sensitive skin. For more about ginger, read on.
Ginger as an anti-inflammatory ingredient
In the journal Phytomedicine in 2005, ginger extract in concentrations of 0.6 and 1.8 mg/site was shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in rats with induced edema. In addition, it was suggested in the article “Eat Ginger, Rub On Pomegranate” in the journal The Lancet Oncology that (guess what) ginger is beneficial when ingested as well due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
What are some skin care products that contain ginger?
Skin care products that contain ginger include Origins Spreadable Scrub ($25.00, Origins.com), with sugar to exfoliate and olive oil to provide additional antioxidant properties and to hydrate, and Philosophy Gingerbread Man Souffle, which is extremely hydrating, with shea butter, propylene glycol and squalane, amongst other hydrating ingredients.
Overall…
Ginger is an antioxidant ingredient that has been shown to have some benefits for the skin. More research needs to be done to compare it to more established antioxidants, like green tea, idebenone or CoffeeBerry; still, an excellent ingredient, particularly for those who prefer natural extracts.
