There are all kinds of benefits to eating ginger, but using it directly on the skin can increase skin's radiance and decrease inflammation that may contribute to conditions such as psoriasis and acne. It's also an antioxidant, which means it inhibits harmful free radicals that cause skin damage and aging.
History
Ginger is a native plant of Southeast Asia. It's mentioned in ancient Chinese writings, and has been used as a medicinal food in Asian cultures for thousands of years.
Types
People can experience the benefits of ginger on the skin by eating ginger in foods, drinking ginger tea, consuming ginger supplements or using a ginger-infused skin care product.
Improve Skin Tone
Ginger's antioxidant, gingerol, not only fights skin-damaging free radicals, but also promotes smoothness and evenness in skin tone. Blue ginger from Madagascar is a type of ginger that is a particularly potent antioxidant.
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Lighten Age Spots
Ginger also has the ability to lighten age spots while acting as an energy-booster in aromatherapy spa treatments. Because it's energizing and is believed to improve circulation, it is often used in cellulite-reducing treatments as well.
Fight Blemishes
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a natural acne fighting ingredient. Ginger is also an antiseptic, which means it is effective in killing the bacteria that causes acne.
Writer Bio
Michelle Abrams writes for magazines, newspapers and websites and was the Entertainment Editor for The Boston Parents' Paper. Her areas of expertise include family issues, home and garden, and travel. She lives in Massachusetts.