In the relentless pursuit of youthful, radiant skin, researchers have scrambled to find 'the next big thing' in skincare technology. However, in the midst of these high-tech innovations, many researchers have started looking back to the past, seeking to understand how our ancient ancestors understood timeless skin health and beauty. From this search, researchers rediscovered red ginseng extract, a revered herbal cure from the past that has captivated science with its remarkable, proven skin benefits. In this article, we'll delve deep into red ginseng, unraveling its rich history and exploring how this time-honored herb can heal and rejuvenate your skin.

Derived from Excellence: What Exactly is Red Ginseng Extract?

Red ginseng extract is a plant extract derived from the roots of one of the most popular tea plants in the Eastern world, the Panax ginseng plant.1 This fragrant herb is not only excellent for the skin, but its leaves can also be enjoyed as a refreshing herbal tea. The Panax ginseng thrives in the mountainous regions of East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Siberia.2 And although Panax ginseng can be found in wild mountain terrains, today the cultivation of red ginseng is closer to an art form. For the most part, Panax ginseng is grown under human supervision for a minimum of at least four to six years before it's harvested.3

Panax ginseng is converted into red ginseng through a unique process known as "puffing." While other teas are dried as soon as the leaves are harvested, red ginseng is steamed before drying. This process not only gives red ginseng its signature reddish-brown hue, but also enhances the herb's benefits by increasing its bioactive compounds, particularly ginsenosides, which are shown to support the immune system.4 From this enhanced version of Panax ginseng, red ginseng extract is derived, providing users with all the enriching elements of Panax ginseng in a more potent form.

From Ancient Remedy To Modern Beauty: The History of Red Ginseng Extract

Red ginseng's transition from an ancient remedy to a modern beauty staple is a fascinating story that can be traced back centuries in Eastern history. For thousands of years, ginseng has been esteemed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its adaptogenic properties, believed to balance the body, enhance vitality, and promote longevity.5 In ancient China, red ginseng was not just a medicinal herb; it was a symbol of status and health, highly prized by emperors and the elite. Historical records suggest that red ginseng was reserved for royalty and was often presented as a tribute to the emperor.6 Emperors and their courts would use red ginseng to maintain their health, enhance their complexion, and ensure a youthful appearance. It was believed that the root's powerful compounds could rejuvenate the skin and promote blood circulation and overall vitality, making it an essential part of their beauty regimen.7 This belief was so powerful that some legends even suggest Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China who reigned from 221-210 BC, had red ginseng added to an elixir he took aimed at achieving immortality.

While red ginseng has been a cornerstone of Eastern beauty and wellness for centuries, its introduction to the Western beauty industry is a relatively recent phenomenon. Red ginseng began to gain popularity in Western beauty circles in the late 20th century, when popular Asian beauty brands began successfully marketing ginseng-based products to Western markets.8 Since then, the benefits of red ginseng have made the herb a global phenomenon.

What Red Ginseng Extract Can Do For Your Skin Today

While red ginseng extract has been used as a powerful cosmetic tool in traditional medicine for centuries, its remarkable benefits for the skin are now being verified by modern science. Based on current studies, below are some of the powerful healing effects you can expect when you add red ginseng extract to your skincare routine:

1. Anti-Aging Benefits: As I mentioned earlier in the article, red ginseng undergoes a process called "puffing" that enhances the ginseng plant's natural compounds. One type of compound that is increased through this process is called ginsenosides. The ginsenosides in red ginseng extract are well known for their ability to increase collagen in the skin.9 By using these compounds, red ginseng extract works with your skin to increase collagen production and fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The anti-inflammatory properties of red ginseng lie in its ability to inhibit the production of 'pro-inflammatory cytokines,' which are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation to occur.10 This stops inflammation in its tracks, and helps to soothe sensitive, reactive skin.

1. Antioxidant: Beyond just being an anti-inflammatory, red ginseng extract is also an antioxidant.11 This means it's a substance that can protect the skin by donating its electrons to unstable, harmful molecules known to cause damage on the skin's surface.12 In this way, red ginseng extract can heal the skin from environmental and cellular damage.

1. Hydration: Red ginseng extract contains many natural sugars, such as saponins, that have been shown to enhance the skin's ability to hold onto moisture. Red ginseng extract has also been shown to enhance the skin's protective barrier, ensuring that skin stays hydrated for longer periods.13 For dry skin types, I cannot recommend red ginseng extract enough.

1. Improved Circulation: If you've noticed your skin looking dull or lifeless, red ginseng extract is the perfect ingredient to breathe color back into your appearance. Current studies show active compounds in red ginseng stimulate blood flow to the skin.14 This improved circulation allows skin cells to receive more oxygen and nutrients, promoting cell regeneration and giving the skin a healthy, rosy glow.

In summary, the rich medicinal compounds found in red ginseng extract address multiple skin concerns at the cellular level. This ancient skincare remedy helps rebuild skin's natural defense mechanisms, stimulates collagen, and encourages deep hydration. Whether you want to combat signs of aging, reduce inflammation, or simply achieve a brighter skin tone, there is no going wrong when it comes to adding red ginseng extract to your skincare routine.

How We Use Red Ginseng Extract to Revitalize Skin in Our Best-Selling Niacinamide Activator Serum

When creating our product line, we at My Derma Dream wanted to be sure we selected ingredients that were not only of the highest quality, but that also got the most results for your skin. And through our research, we've found that few ingredients offer as many holistic healing benefits as red ginseng extract. Because of this, we decided to include red ginseng extract as one of the main components of our best-selling Niacinamide Activator Serum.

Our super-charged Niacinamide Activator Serum is a daily-use skin serum designed to hydrate, tone, and firm your skin using high-quality, research-backed ingredients. Alongside red ginseng extract, our Niacinamide Activator Serum also features niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. This powerful vitamin works synergistically alongside red ginseng extract to help reduce oiliness, combat dryness, fill in fine lines, and more.15 Whether you choose to use this serum in your daily skincare, or choose to enhance the serum's skin-toning effects with an at-home spa device, such as our MicroScultTM, the ingredients we've blended in our Niacinamide Serum work in harmony to tackle whatever skincare goals you've set for yourself. For more information, or to treat yourself to healthier, younger-looking skin, check out our Niacinamide Activator Serum here.

What About the Side Effects?

While red ginseng can be used medicinally in a number of ways, topical red ginseng extract is generally a skin-safe ingredient, especially when the extract is diluted among other ingredients. The most common side effects people report are itching, burning, and redness. To minimize any negative effects, I always recommend doing a patch test before using a new product, and incorporating the product into your skincare routine slowly, especially if you have a history of sensitive skin. Overall, however, red ginseng extract is a gentle and skin-safe ingredient.

FAQ's: What's Left to Know About Red Ginseng Extract?

Q: Who is able to use red ginseng extract?

A: Because red ginseng extract is skin-safe for most individuals, I would recommend it for anyone dealing with issues like wrinkles, dryness, or uneven skin tone. Because red ginseng extract addresses such a wide range of skin concerns, it is great for all ages and skin types.

Q: How many times a day can I use red ginseng extract?

A: While red ginseng extract is excellent for daily use, I recommend using red ginseng extract no more than three times a day. Firstly, red ginseng is best used in the morning and evening to help hydrate and protect your skin. Secondly, red ginseng extract can be used daily within an activator serum for an at-home spa device, such as the Niacinamide Activator Serum we discussed previously. If you add red ginseng extract to your skincare lineup, I recommend beginning with using it once a day, then building up to more uses to avoid any adverse side effects.

Q: How long do the effects of red ginseng extract last?

A: Some benefits of red ginseng extract can be noticed shortly after application. For instance, you might experience an immediate boost in hydration and color. Many people report a fresh, rosy glow to their face after using red ginseng extract. However, for long-lasting benefits, consistency is key. With regular use over several months, red ginseng extract can significantly improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. Long-term effects include a more youthful and resilient complexion, fewer signs of aging, and a maintained glow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, red ginseng extract has a long and fascinating history of helping people achieve healthier skin. This powerful herb, once cherished by ancient emperors, has proven its worth through centuries of use and contemporary studies confirming its remarkable skin benefits. Whether you're seeking to hydrate, plump, or heal your skin, red ginseng offers a natural and effective solution. If you want to embrace the wisdom of the past and the advancements of the present, consider incorporating red ginseng extract into your skincare regimen.

References

1. Healthline article describing the definition and health benefits of ginseng: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits.
2. Study which mentions the traditional regions Panax ginseng is known to grow: https://www.cropj.com/yun_6_12_2012_1637_1641.pdf.
3. Study on soil changes in ginseng plants, which states the average sowing-to-harvest period as 4-6 years: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/8/1223.
4. Study on the chemical process of "puffing" to create red ginseng: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643810003269?via%3Dihub.
5. Study which mentions the TCM benefits of ginseng: https://cmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1749-8546-2-6.
6. Article on the royal family of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) requesting ginseng as a tribute item: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33503646/.
7. Study on the use of ginseng in anti-aging that includes a discussion of ginseng in TCM: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758347/.
8. Healthline article stating Korean beauty brands, or K-beauty, is largely responsible for popularizing ginseng in skincare: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/ginseng-benefits-for-skin#what-is-it.
9. Study which found red ginseng extract increased type I procollagen gene and protein expression and improved facial wrinkles: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2008.1390.
10. Study which showed red ginseng reduced inflammatory response and cytokine secretion in rats: https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X19500812.
11. Study supporting Panax ginseng extract as an antioxidant: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874121009685?via%3Dihub.
12. Healthline article defining antioxidants: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained.
13. Study which showed red ginseng protected skin from UV-induced dryness: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2008.1185.
14. Study discussing how significantly improved skin temperature in individuals with cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet, indicating enhanced blood circulation:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874114006825?via%3Dihub.
15. My Derma Dream's Niacinamide Activator Serum: https://shop.mydermadream.com/products/niacinamide-serum-by-mdd.