Introduction

Ginseng is a plant with roots with type several widely known medicinal benefits.¹ In ancient times, this plant was popular among medical practitioners, especially in Korea, China, and Japan, before gaining recognition in Western countries as a traditional herb for medicinal and dietary purposes.² Traditionally, this plant is used to boost energy, act as an aphrodisiac (a substance that increases sexual desire and performance), maintain blood circulation, serve as an antioxidant, and increase the immune system.^2,3

Today, the efficacy of Ginseng has been developed through research. Experimental pharmacological studies show numerous benefits of Ginseng, particularly for skin health. These benefits include anti-ageing properties, wound-healing process improvement, antioxidant effects associated with wrinkle prevention, anti-inflammatory properties that shoot irritated skin, anti-photo damaging properties, and many more.⁴

Different types of ginseng

Generally, three different types of ginseng widely known and used which are:

• Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), also known as Korean Ginseng originated from Asia. 
• American Ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius L) from North America
• Siberian Ginseng, which comes from a different family than Panax, is called Eleutherococcus senticosus Maximalled

All these Panax families contain ginsenosides as the main active ingredients. On the other hand, Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides. However, it has another class of compounds called eleutherosides.^5,6

Skin benefit of ginseng

Anti-ageing and anti-photo damage

Ageing is an inevitable process that affects all human beings, including you and me. Several factors contribute to the ageing process that can be divided into two main groups: intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors relate to cell damage during the metabolic process, genetic predisposition, etc. Extrinsic factors, on the other hand, relate to environmental factors, such as UV radiation, air pollution, temperature, etc. These processes led to accumulative transformations in skin complexion, appearance, and function. 

As your skin ages, there is a decrease in dermis and epidermis cells; consequently, the cells become less functional. Skin elasticity and structural regularity will be lost, and your skin will become dry and thin. The levels of collagen and elastin are also decreased. Collagen is the main fibre component in your skin responsible for skin structure and strength, making it look plump and keep it from sagging. Elastin allows your skin to be elastic and flexible, allowing it to return to its original shape after being stretched. The decline of this extracellular matrix causes your skin to sag and wrinkle. Furthermore, oxidative stress is also considered part of your ageing process. Free radicals from the environment, such as UV radiation and pollution, damage the skin and even accelerate the ageing process.

Ginsenosides in Panax Ginseng have been proven to prevent this skin-ageing process. They can reduce wrinkles by increasing the synthesis of procollagen I, a precursor to collagen (a protein essential in skin structure). Several studies also suggest that ginseng can protect you against UV radiation-induced skin damage. As mentioned above, the antioxidant effect of ginseng may neutralise free radicals that cause photoaging, such as wrinkles, inflammation, and even cancer.⁷

Anti-Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory properties in ginseng can benefit your skin by soothing irritated skin, reducing redness and puffiness, and improving the skin healing process. Research suggests that ginsenoside extracted from ginseng accelerates neovascularization in burn wounds of mice skin. Neovascularisation is a process in wound healing where new blood vessels form from the existing ones, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the site of injury. This is one of the crucial parts of repairing your skin from injured tissue. Additionally, this compound can increase endothelial growth factor and interleukin (IL)-1B. These molecules and cytokines help the building and growth of new blood vessels, accelerating wound healing.⁸

Whitening effects

Darker or brighter skin tone depends on the melanin level on a person’s skin. Higher levels of melanin result in darker skin tones, while lower levels lead to lighter ones. Melanin is a pigment that determines skin colour and provides protection. 

Some studies say that ginseng extract, powder, or other components inhibit the activity of an enzyme called tyrosine kinase that is involved in melanin formation. This inhibition reduces the formation of the melanin formation inducers and increases antioxidant factors. As a result, ginseng may lead to whiten or brightening of the skin or correcting dark spots (hyperpigmentation).⁹

Moisturising properties

Ginseng products have been shown to increase skin moisture content and reduce transdermal water loss. Related to skin ageing, there is an important component that plays a role in skin moisturisation and ginseng. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that are present in your skin which responsible for tissue remodelling and collagen breakdown. The reduction of collagen synthesis is caused by the increased level of MMPs. When these MMPs are unregulated, they will not benefit the skin, making it dry and dehydrated. Several studies say that ginseng can help regulate MMP's activity, thereby preserving the skin barrier and preventing it from becoming dry or dehydrated.^9,10

Safety and precautions of ginseng

Ginseng is generally safe for most people. However, in rare cases, it can potentially cause side effects, including headaches, sleep issues, and digestion problems. 

If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking ginseng in any form, such as herbal medication or skincare. Your children should only use ginseng if their doctor says it is okay to use it. 

If you have certain existing medical conditions, such as low blood sugar, high blood pressure, or heart problems, try to avoid using ginseng. In very rare cases, ginseng can cause reactions that worsen these conditions. It will be better if you can seek advice from your healthcare provider before using ginseng if you have certain health conditions.⁵

FAQs

What does ginseng do for your skin?

• Anti-ageing

Ginseng contains ginsenosides that can prevent the ageing process of your skin. It also has an antioxidant effect that neutralises free radicals that cause photoaging processes, such as wrinkles. 

• Skin brightening

A compound in ginseng reduces the levels of melanin in your skin which is responsible for skin pigmentation. It also can help fade the dark spots or hyperpigmentation in the skin. By doing this, the colour of the skin can be brighter. 

• Anti-inflammation

When the skin gets irritated, ginseng can help soothe and calm the inflamed skin. It may also benefit other conditions, such as eczema, acne, or burn wounds.

• Hydration/Moisturising

Ginseng helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin. This can help prevent your skin from becoming dry, dehydrated, or rough, and make it moist.^7,8,9

Does ginseng produce collagen?

Ginseng does not produce collagen directly but indirectly, which may influence its production. Ginseng extracts can activate fibroblasts, the cells that are responsible for collagen synthesis, which then leads to increased collagen synthesis.¹¹

What are the 5 benefits of ginseng?

• Boost immune system
• Improve physical performance and energy level
• Memory improvement and prevention of degenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, prevention of depression
• Help skin health as an anti-ageing, anti-inflammation, boost skin moisturisation and brightening effect
• Lower blood sugar - will be beneficial for people with diabetes type 2^5,12

Does ginseng clean your liver?

Some research suggests that ginseng components, ginsenosides, have hepatoprotective effects. It has a role in regulating liver function and in the treatment of liver disorders such as hepatitis, acute or chronic hepatotoxicity, hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis, liver transplantation, and even liver failure. However, the detailed mechanism of this effect and its efficacy still need to be explored further.

It is important to note that medical treatment for these liver conditions should always be your priority. Ginseng is not a substitute for the medical treatment.¹³

Does ginseng repair the skin barrier?

Studies show that ginseng does have the potential to improve your skin barrier, even though there is still a need for further research and investigation regarding this. Potential mechanisms include: 

• Promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, the cell type that is responsible for skin regeneration and barrier function. Better skin regeneration will enhance skin barrier function
• Stimulating some enzymes that are involved in ceramide synthesis causes an increase in ceramide production and will help strengthen the skin barrier¹⁴ 

Summary

Ginseng, known for its medicinal properties, has been popular since ancient times, especially in Asia. There are three main types of ginseng: Panax ginseng, American ginseng, and Siberian Ginseng. The benefit of ginseng has been more explored nowadays through research including benefits attributed to skin health. Those benefits include:

• Prevent the skin ageing process
• Help your skin to keep moisturised
• Soothe irritated skin and calm inflamed skin
• Give a whitening effect to the skin

While numerous claims highlight the benefit of ginseng for the skin, the majority of studies suggest the need for further investigation regarding its efficacy.