Science has managed to support many nutritional bases, confirming the positive, negative or doubtful effects of many foods that we usually consume , helping us to have healthy and balanced diets.
Such is the case of something as simple as it is also interesting that we will learn about in this article, these are those benefits that ginger has for the skin , which we will present to you, backed by medical science.
What is ginger?
Ginger is a well-known herbaceous medicinal plant with the scientific name “Zingiber officinale”, it grows in various tropical areas around the world, also being used as a spice (powdered ginger).
To highlight: Its strong flavor does not make it less in culinary dishes, this is thanks to its great aroma, which is why it is used in Chinese cuisine both as a hot infusion, as well as a powder or dressing for various foods.
It contains nutritional properties in a large number of fiber, vitamins (C and B) and is even rich in minerals.
Note: A long analysis highlights the following: “Ginger contains active ingredients which have antioxidant capacity, which provide health benefits, making it a functional food” . (1)
What are the benefits of ginger for the skin?
The central theme arises from a big question: what benefits does ginger provide? And then we get into something more specific: what positive effects does it have for the skin? To answer the question, we present the benefits of ginger for the skin:
1. Prevents the formation of wrinkles
Wrinkles are formed both by a lack of collagen, as well as by contact with external and toxic agents , microorganisms, bacteria or even as a cause and effect of free radicals. It may even be due to a lack of elastin.
Ginger has the advantage of preventing the formation of wrinkles, through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect offered by the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found within this and many other medicinal plants.
2. Fight acne
Acne can become uncomfortable due to its presence, as it is hair follicles full of fat and with dead cells around them. If this is not treated properly, it leaves unpleasant marks on the outer skin (epidermis).
In this sense, ginger is a great natural remedy against acne, since the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories it contains (such as vitamin C) have the ability to reduce the production of excessive sebum , which is involved in the formation of acne. .
Important: A study highlights the following “Fresh ginger contains more water and is softer; in powder it is more penetrating, therefore it causes sweat and neutralizes toxins present in the skin ” . (two)
3. Promotes healing
Healing is a natural and biological process, to recover lost tissue caused by wounds, however the process can be influenced by toxic external factors , neglected skin or oxidation of regenerative cells.
Ginger is quite rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, these are necessary to eliminate toxic agents lodged in the skin, which oxidize cells and tissues (as an aging process). It can be said that it neutralizes highly harmful environmental effects.
4. Cleanses and exfoliates the skin
The exfoliation processes are very advantageous, they suppose an epidermal recovery by eliminating dead cells around it, with a more permeable and smooth tissue (that is, without wrinkles and soft).
Ginger has been studied to have great results with exfoliation and the process of purifying the skin, as a result of the antioxidants it contains , as well as the fact that it works as an astringent (tissue shrinker).
To highlight: A large study cites the following: “The ethanolic extract of ginger root has been shown to possess strong protective antioxidant activity . ” (3)
5. Increases elasticity and flexibility
The elasticity and flexibility of the skin in general is a sign of healthy dermal layers, however these can be affected by aging and factors related to wrinkles, lack of collagen and elastin.
To highlight: Ginger can prevent this from the beginning, as has been said, keeping the skin hydrated, eliminating toxic agents or microorganisms, but apart from that, it can contribute even more due to its ability to increase collagen production in the dermal layers.
6. Provides hydration and luminosity
Hydrated and illuminated skin is not only a symbol of beauty, it is a great advantage to keep the dermal water level balanced, which also favors elasticity and prevents abrupt dryness.
In this sense, ginger provides hydration as a long process of collagen formation , in addition to eliminating or removing unusable skin cells, promoting the regeneration of lost tissue and helping to eliminate wrinkles, all thanks to vitamins, fiber and minerals that lie in this plant.
How to prepare ginger for the skin?
There are key ways to prepare ginger specifically for the skin, through simple and effective masks. Next, we share two excellent preparations to use ginger on the skin and thus enjoy its benefits:
1. Ginger exfoliating mask
The exfoliating mask made from ginger is one of the most used methods of this plant on the skin, containing a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber .
Ingredients
- grated ginger
- oat flakes
- Almonds oil
Preparation and application
- In a container we place the grated ginger, the oat flakes and the oil (which will do a job similar to olive oil in massages).
- Start mixing with a spoon little by little, so that they mix and add a small cup of water to finish and place in a closed container (like a cream).
- You can apply it with a clean cotton ball in circles all over your face, resting for at least 15 or 20 minutes.
- After time, remove with plenty of warm water and repeat the process daily for better results.
2. Ginger healing compress
Ginger compresses are very effective, with warm water they help a lot in blood circulation, which promotes deeper and more accurate healing, its preparation is quite simple.
Ingredients
- ginger root
- Agua
Preparation and application
- Heat a pot with a maximum of 2 liters of water, until it can boil properly.
- Place the ginger roots in a towel and tie the towel well with some rubber bands or ropes so that the roots do not come out.
- Put the towel with the ginger roots in the boiling water and let it heat for 12 minutes.
- Remove the towel with ginger, let it rest until it is warm and proceed to place it both on the face and on other parts where your skin is affected, for at least 25 minutes.
Key Findings
- Ginger is a plant of the “zingiberáceas” family , with the scientific name “Zingiber officinale Roscoe” .
- It is very rich in vitamins C and B complex such as riboflavin and ascorbic acid, as well as minerals.
- It greatly favors the elimination of wrinkles , hydration and the formation of collagen or elastin in the dermal layers.
- It can be used as an exfoliating mask or as a warm compress.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.