Many of us already know that ginger is amazing in food and drinks, and for your overall health. But did you know about some of the ginger benefits for skin?

Ginger, the sweet and spicy root of Zingiber officinale, is easily found in markets across the world. It has been used as medicine by people around the globe since ancient times.

Today, ginger is still being used to treat everything from upset stomachs to fibromyalgia and even nausea caused by chemotherapy. 

While ginger’s therapeutic benefits are numerous, few people know about its many skin benefits, including how it helps with acne and rosacea, stimulates skin cell turnover, increases circulation, and improves overall skin tone.

More About Ginger:

ginger rhizomes with immature and mature ginger

What is Ginger?

It’s closely related to turmeric, and both belong to the same family as cardamon. Traditionally, ginger has been used for cooking and the treatment of different ailments.

Ginger is a common ingredient in many recipes. It can often be used fresh, dried, powdered, juiced, or as an essential oil. Some people may opt to take it as a supplement.

Gingerol is the main active ingredient that has given ginger so much power and benefits. It contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. These properties may help fight inflammation and protect against different diseases. See How To Grow Ginger organically.

Amazing Ginger benefits for skin

1. Ginger can reduce inflammation and swelling on the skin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help to reduce swelling and inflammation, which can help with skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. The benefits are even greater when combined with other immune-boosting foods like turmeric, giving your skin an added benefit as you treat these ailments.

Additionally, you can use ginger oil or a natural essence to relieve your skin from conditions like eczema or rosacea.

2. Brightens dark sports

The antioxidant properties of ginger can help lighten age spots and melasma, according to a study published in Phytotherapy Research. Researchers found that applying an extract of fresh ginger reduced skin pigmentation. The findings suggest that it could be used as an alternative treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma. Melasma is a common disorder affecting women during pregnancy or those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. It causes dark patches on your face (forehead, cheeks, nose) and upper body (chest, arms).

Doctors often prescribe topical creams containing corticosteroids or hydroquinone for melasma. But research suggests that these treatments don’t work well and have serious side effects like skin thinning or depigmentation. In fact, there are no known effective treatments other than cosmetic camouflage. That’s why natural remedies like ginger are becoming popular—they may offer safe alternatives with fewer side effects. However, further studies need to confirm these results before we can recommend using ginger topically for melasma.

3. Fights free radicals

When it comes to your skin, one of your biggest concerns is preventing damage from occurring—and that means fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are molecules in our bodies that can wreak havoc by attacking healthy cells.

Fortunately, research suggests that consuming ginger might help reduce free radical damage and inhibit these harmful molecules.

Also, a study linked moderate intake of ginger with lower oxidative stress—which has been linked to reduced skin aging and fewer wrinkles.

4. Treats acne

If you suffer from pimples, try adding fresh ginger to your diet. According to a study published in Advances in Therapy, ginger oil showed significant improvement in acne due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, it has been used in China and Japan to treat acne.
While you should never pop a pimple, you can use ginger root extract to help soothe the irritation. In studies, extracts of ginger have been found to calm inflammation and inhibit excess sebum production, which can cause acne.

The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have also been shown to reduce itching in those with psoriasis and eczema.

For best results, try adding 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root to 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes before straining and using as a compress on affected areas 2–3 times per day.

ginger root on white background

5. Softens rough areas

Grate and squeeze out a quarter-sized amount of ginger juice. Apply it to your hands, then spread it onto rough patches of skin such as elbows, knees, and heels.

Leave it on for five minutes before rinsing with warm water. Regular use can help keep your skin soft and smooth.

You can also try mixing ginger juice with olive oil and rubbing it into dry spots like your elbows or feet for extra moisture.

For best results, repeat three times per week. If you’re not sure how strong ginger is on your, start off with one application each day for two weeks.

If there are no negative side effects (like irritation), feel free to increase usage until you find what works best for your skin.

6. Nourishes dehydrated skin

As an excellent source of Vitamin B6, ginger is a great addition to any natural skincare regimen. The vitamin is responsible for helping cells in your body produce energy, but it also works wonders on your skin.

When added to natural lotions and oils, Vitamin B6 will keep your skin nourished and hydrated. If you’re dealing with dryness and flaking, start incorporating ginger into your diet today!

You can also try eating foods that are rich in Vitamin B6, such as bananas, nuts, whole grains, and beans. While there are plenty of ways to incorporate ginger into your diet, one thing’s for sure: You won’t have to worry about running out! This superfood grows almost everywhere—including indoors—and lasts up to six months after harvest.

7. Protects against sun damage

Ginger is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun.

Ginger is especially effective at protecting the skin against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sun. This radiation can cause skin cancer and other skin diseases.

One way that ginger protects the skin is by blocking the UV radiation from reaching the skin. This reduction in exposure can help to prevent damage from happening.

Ginger also helps improve blood circulation in the skin, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the skin. This increased oxygenation can help repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation.

Overall, ginger is a powerful herb that can help protect your skin against the harmful effects of sunlight.

Ginger Recipes

Additional Ginger Benefits

1. It may relieve nausea

Ginger is a potent antiemetic. It is effective, especially in pregnancy-related nausea like morning sickness.

In one study, ginger was the best-recommended alternative to metoclopramide, a common antiemetic drug.

Ginger has also shown relief from motion sickness, postoperative upset, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

ginger root on wooden background and in a wooden spoon

2. It eases arthritis symptoms

Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger, provides anti-inflammatory benefits. This means it can fight inflammation in the body, including arthritis, which is the inflammation of joints.

The anti-inflammatory compound helps fight to swell, ease pain, and prevent stiffness. These benefits are especially seen in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Whether you take ginger by mouth or apply a ginger patch or compress, you’ll still experience these benefits.

In a study to assess the safety and efficacy of ginger in osteoarthritis, patients that were put on ginger reported reduced pain and disability compared to the placebo group.

In another study, ginger supplementation was shown to be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. It may lower blood glucose

Research shows that gingerol in ginger may reduce lipid levels, lower HbA1c by 10%, reduce fasting blood sugar levels by 20%, and increase insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Ginger may also be a good remedy to prevent diabetes complications.

4. Ginger can fight infections

Some compounds in fresh ginger may kill harmful disease-causing bacteria such as shigella and E.coli. It can also help fight off viruses such as RVs, which are commonly associated with lung infections.

5. It promotes oral health

Ginger can make a great addition to your oral hygiene regime.

Gingerol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound that may help fight oral bacteria. This is the bacteria that causes gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, therefore ginger helps improve oral health.

6. Inhibits cancer growth

Ginger is rich in antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there are many free radicals accumulated in the body. Free radicals are unstable harmful compounds released as a byproduct of metabolism in the body.

If not destroyed, these radicals react easily with other molecules to form a large chain of chemical reactions. These reactions can cause cell damage leading to inflammation and disease formation, including cancer.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one way to help your body eliminate these harmful substances.

7. It’s a strong immune booster

Due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may help fight against disease-causing pathogens and improve health.

8. May quickly relieve indigestion

Indigestion or an upset stomach refers to a discomfort in your upper abdomen characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, belching and gas, acidic taste, and a growling stomach. To some extent, one may experience nausea and vomiting.

Indigestion can result from an underlying condition, but delayed emptying can also be a great contributor.

According to research, ginger may help speed up gastric emptying and relieve symptoms of indigestion.

knob of ginger on wooden background

9. Eases menstrual pain

Research suggests that compounds in ginger may inhibit the production of prostaglandins that contribute to painful periods.

Prostaglandins are fat compounds that trigger inflammatory chemicals that aid muscle contraction, causing the uterine lining to shed.

In one study, 150 women were to take either a nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID) (mefenamic acid or ibuprofen) or ginger for the first 3 days of their menses.

At the end of the study, those that took ginger had the same effect of reduced pain as those that took NSAIDs.

Drinking warm ginger tea during menstruation may help reduce menstrual pain.

10. Ginger may promote weight loss

Ginger has demonstrated some weight-loss benefits. This could be attributed to its ability to increase insulin sensitivity, improved glucose uptake, increased calorie burn, and reduce inflammation.

One of insulin’s primary functions is to carry glucose from the blood into the cells to be used for energy. But in the presence of insulin resistance, insulin converts, and stores the sugar as fat, thus leading to weight gain.

By increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, ginger may help increase glucose metabolism and decrease its conversion and storage as fat.

In one study, a 12-week supplementation of 2 grams of ginger powder in obese individuals resulted in decreased body mass index (BMI) and insulin.

How To Use Ginger?

  • Add slices of fresh ginger to tea, or make ginger tea
  • Use the powdered form of ginger, crushed fresh ginger, or chopped fresh ginger in stir-fries or curry.
  • Add crushed fresh ginger to your bakings, such as in cakes, cookies, and other pastries.
  • Mix fresh ginger into your morning smoothie.
  • Include it in your lemonade.
  • Add finely chopped fresh ginger in sautéed vegetables.
  • Include fresh ginger in juices.

Please note that although ginger is generally safe to consume, you should consult your doctor if you have any underlying medical condition, before adding too much ginger to your daily routine.

Final Thoughts on Ginger Benefits for Skin

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has been used to treat a wide variety of skin issues, from eczema to psoriasis to acne.

Its compounds also work as natural anti-bacterial agents, making it an ideal ingredient in beauty products and spa treatments. To get the most out of this powerful root, ensure you include it in your diet on a regular basis.

Additionally, regular consumption of ginger may help relieve nausea, improve pain and inflammation in arthritis, fight viral and bacterial infections, improve insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation, enhance weight loss, fight cancer, boost the immune system, promote oral health and hygiene, and relieve menstrual cramps.

More About Herbs and Spices:

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