What are the benefits of ginger for skin?
There are tons of health benefits that can be attributed to ginger but one of its most powerful uses is on the skin, which is why it’s become a popular ingredient in skincare.
Because of its high-antioxidant level, ginger helps reduce the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars on the skin. Ginger is naturally a strong antiseptic, and kills bacteria from environmental aggressors and oil on the skin. It’s a powerful ingredient for treating under eye wrinkles, bags, and puffiness because it stimulates the circulation of blood – this is essential to minimizing puffiness and under-eye bags.
With powerful natural ingredients like ginger in its formulation, Hello Beauty Club’s Organic Ginger Eye Serum is an eye cream powerhouse – it gets to work treating and preventing crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes as soon as you apply it.
Ginger skin benefits
Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties¹. Because of its high-antioxidant level, ginger can also help reduce the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars on the skin. That’s why when you apply our Organic Ginger Eye Cream, it gets to work straight away treating and preventing crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes. Ginger is naturally a strong antiseptic, meaning it kills bacteria from environmental aggressors and excess oil on the skin.
You’ve probably heard of “superfoods” and their long list of benefits for overall health and wellbeing. Well ginger can be thought of us a “super-root” – its a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with strong antioxidant properties. It’s been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for over 25 centuries to stimulate blood circulation.
This is super important in an eye cream, as discoloration in eye bags can be caused by too much blood pooling in the under-eye area. Increased circulation is super important as it can reduce swelling and make skin look plumper, tighter, and glowy. Improving blood flow in the sensitive skin under the eyes is the key to getting rid of dark circles and puffy eyes. This increased blood flow not only flushes impurities from our dermal cells, it helps to better oxygenate the cells, which can help rejuvenate skin and increase collagen production. It’s no secret that our skin needs collagen to maintain its firm, youthful appearance – that boost in production is crucial to keeping skin looking healthy and vibrant.
What is lipid peroxidation and how can ginger help prevent it?
Lipid peroxidation occurs when oils in the skin oxidize – in other words, it’s when oxygen slips into the connectors binding our skin’s natural oils and decreases their ability to protect our skin cells. This oxygenation is one of the main reasons for ageing caused by UV damage, otherwise known as “photoageing”. Lipid peroxidation can also lead to wrinkles, dehydrated skin, and breakouts. Incorporating ginger to our skincare routine can help prevent lipid peroxidation on the microlevel².
A few current studies have even shown that concentrated ginger extract has inhibited cellular reactions deep within the skin associated with irritation and hyperpigmentation on the skin. Ginger is great for soothing skin, protecting the skin’s lipid barrier, and preventing UV damage³ – you could say it’s a skincare jack of all trades.
Best skincare ingredients to look for in under eye creams
It’s no surprise that under eye puffiness and bags can be caused by lack of sleep. And just like you might reach for a coffee after a long night, your under eyes can benefit from a little caffeine as well! It’s safe to use on skin and independent studies have shown that topical use of caffeine derived from green tea can help reduce the look of puffiness and of dark circles in the eye contour, making it a popular ingredient in under eye creams.
For general concerns about the skin around your eyes, its best to look for antioxidant-rich ingredients. These powerful ingredients help remove free radicals in the skin that are triggered by UV radiation, smoking, and pollutants. They may also help put a brake on the aging process⁴. Gingerol (found naturally in ginger and ginger tea) is a great antioxidant source that can double as a skincare ingredient.
Skincare ingredients to avoid for under eyes
Under eye skin is one of the most delicate areas of the face, so make sure to treat it with gentle ingredients that won’t cause irritation. There are a few ingredients you should avoid in your care for under-eyes.
- Retinol: although it’s a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, its a bit too strong of an ingredient to be applied under the eyes. If retinol gets too close to your eye you can risk dry eye and irritation, as well as skin inflammation. Many retinol products will contain hydrating ingredients that will soothe or minimize any irritation around the delicate area, but it’s best to save retinol for your face creams and moisturizers, focusing on the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
- Parabens: You’re most likely to find these in any skincare or cosmetic product that contain water, especially makeup removers. They can cause skin irritation when applied close to the eye, so make sure to grab an oil-free, paraben-free makeup remover to protect your eyes when you’re wiping away the day.
- Heavy metals: Believe it or not, heavy metals like chrome and nickel are used in all sorts of cosmetics products. Double check that your concealer or eye shadow doesn’t use them – they can cause a host of skin and eye allergies.
DIY ginger tea treatment for puffy eyes
If puffy under eyes are a problem area for you and you’d like to double up your ginger skin benefits, there are some great at home remedies you can try in addition to a ginger-fortified eye cream. For those days you encounter a skincare emergency, these are quick and easy ways to give your skin a boost.
If you’re a fan of ginger tea, save your leftover tea bags, squeeze out excess liquid, and throw them in the freezer. The next time you wake up with puffy under eyes, grab a frozen tea bag and rest them under your eyes. The antioxidants in the tea and the cold compress will get to work de-puffing that sensitive under eye area straight away.
Another trick is to brew several bags of ginger tea, allowing them to steep in a small bowl. Grate in some additional fresh ginger and add two thick slices of cucumber. Then throw them in the fridge to cool for a half hour or so. The cucumber will absorb all of that powerful ginger so you can rest them over your eyes for a relaxing and de-puffing spa treatment. Try it with a face mask and leave on for 15 minutes – you’ll feel instantly refreshed and rejuvenated and so will your skin. Puffy under eyes be-gone!
1) “11 Health Benefits of Ginger: Effect on Nausea, the Brain & More.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger. Accessed 15 Dec. 2020.
2) “Q: What Are the Benefits of Ginger for Skin? – Youth To The ….” 23 Apr. 2020, https://www.youthtothepeople.com/blogs/to-the-people/q-what-are-the-benefits-of-ginger-for-skin. Accessed 21 Dec. 2020.
3) “Q: What Are the Benefits of Ginger for Skin? – Youth To The ….” 23 Apr. 2020, https://www.youthtothepeople.com/blogs/to-the-people/q-what-are-the-benefits-of-ginger-for-skin. Accessed 21 Dec. 2020.
4) “Tips for Caring for the Skin Around Your Eyes – Healthline.” https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/eye-care. Accessed 15 Dec. 2020.