Ginger root extract benefits the human body in many ways. It's well known for its medicinal properties, such as reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and fighting illnesses.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial components of this plant explain why ginger root extract, formally known as Zingiber Officinale, is making a splash in anti-aging and protective skin care products. Given that ginger root extract can improve sun-damaged skin, boost antioxidant levels, and even out skin tone, it's a noteworthy ingredient in sunscreen.

Ginger Root Extract Benefits for Skin

Ginger has long had a place in your medicine cabinet and spice rack, and now it's getting recognized for its place in your skin care routine. Here are some key ginger root extract benefits for compromised skin.

Helps Improve Sun-Damaged Skin

One of the main appeals of ginger root extract for skin is its ability to help repair sun damage. You've likely been in the position where you forgot to apply sunscreen or didn't apply it properly only to end up burned—the cumulative damage of which can lead to skin problems later in life.

Signs of sun-damaged skin include sunburns, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, melasma, dark spots, and more. Sun damage is often preventable by protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If the damage has already occurred, some of the signs can be remedied with proper skin care.

Scientific studies have shown the anti-inflammatory properties of topical ginger root extract. Further, a study published on wound repair and regeneration showed promising effects on healing skin damage.

Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains ginger root extract offers the best of both worlds: SPF for preventing sun damage and ginger root extract to help repair it.

Fights Free Radicals and Aging Effects

Ginger root extract checks all the boxes when it comes to helping skin fight off unwanted invaders. All the benefits come together to protect against environmental aggressors like ultraviolet rays, pollution, and harsh climate conditions that damage the skin barrier.

Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin B3, and—you guessed it—ginger root extract. Over the years, free radicals cause oxidation in your system, degrading the collagen in your skin and leading to loss of elasticity and firmness. This causes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. While aging is natural, showing your years prematurely can be delayed with help.

According to a study published in Dermato-Endocrinology, antioxidants like ginger root extract applied in skin care can slow the degradation of collagen by reducing harmful free radicals.

Encourages Smooth, Even Skin

Researchers have begun studying the benefits of ginger root extract for skin texture and evenness. Per Healthline, scientific studies have shown that topical ginger oil can reduce skin roughness, encouraging soft skin that is smooth to the touch.

Ginger root extract may also improve uneven skin tone, as its antioxidant properties help to fade dark spots and melasma.

Ginger Root Extract in Skin and Sun Care

All in all, it's clear that ginger root extract can help aid multiple bodily functions, including the primary function of skin—providing a barrier to protect against the external environment. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger root extract may help improve the quality of your outermost layer, from the way it looks to the way it feels and functions.

To prevent and treat sun damage, slow skin aging, smooth out skin texture, and strengthen the skin barrier, consider introducing ginger root extract into your skin care regimen with a product like EltaMD UV Restore.

Author

  • Lacey Muinos

    Lacey is a Southern California-based freelance writer who combines her passions—fitness, health, and a vegan lifestyle—with her work to help readers feel and be their best. Her work has been featured in Healthline, Livestrong, Verywell Fit, Eat This Not That, KinderBeauty, and more.