11 Beauty Benefits Of Ginger For Your Skin And Hair

Ginger or Zingiber officinale is a flowering plant that originated from China. It is also known as ginger root, zingiberis rhizome or black ginger and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family.

Ginger is one of the healthiest herbs in the world. It is packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds which have positive effect on our overall health.

Ginger can be used dried, powdered, fresh, or as an oil or juice. Ginger has found its place in medicine and cooking as well. It is very often added to processed food but ginger is very useful in the beauty area too.

If you need some advice about how to take care of your skin and hair continue reading in order to find out why you need to include ginger in your everyday use.

1. Improves light-coloured scars

Ginger has antioxidant and toning properties and therefore is very helpful in reducing the appearance of hypopigmented scars (scars which are much lighter that your skin tone). Soak a cotton ball in some ginger juice and dab it on the scar or the areas that are lacking colour and leave the juice to dry.  You should do this once or twice everyday for at least couple of weeks in order to see improvements. After a few months you won’t be able to see your scar.

2. Rejuvenates skin and slows down aging

Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage and protect the skin from aging. It doesn’t matter whether you’ll ingest ginger or apply it topically, you will reap of these benefits either way.  It will also tone your skin and improve elasticity.

Sip one or two cups of ginger daily or consume dishes that contain ginger. You can also make your own mask by mixing equal parts of honey, grated or powdered ginger and fresh lemon juice. Apply the mask on your face and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Wash your face and enjoy in your young and wrinkle free face.

3. Stimulates hair growth

If you are losing more that hundred strands of hair daily you have a problem with hair loss. Include ginger in your everyday use to increase circulation to your scalp and stimulate hair growth. Ginger is rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids which strengthen the hair and prevent hair loss.

Try massaging warm cup of ginger tea on your scalp before your regular shampooing.  Or you can also make a hair mask of equal parts jojoba oil and grated ginger and massage it on your scalp. Massage for 30 minutes then wash your hair as you normally do.

4. Removes dandruff

Ginger also has antiseptic properties which make it a great cure for dandruff. Prepare a mask of two parts freshly grated ginger and three parts olive or sesame oil. Massage this mixture on your scalp and leave it for 15 to 25 minutes. Do this twice a week and you’ll get rid of dandruff.

5. Fights cellulite

Since ginger is good in promoting blood circulation it is very useful in the treatment of cellulite. Mix ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup sugar, the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger.  Massage the problem areas while in the shower. Tone your skin by using this mixture regularly.

6. Treats pimples and acne

Pimples and acne can be a real nightmare. There are many products in the markets which are advertised as great pimples and acne removals, but they contain a lot of harsh chemical that will also damage your skin. Instead of using them you can always opt for something natural.

Ginger is great in killing off pimple and acne causing bacteria while at the same time soothing those red and awful skin issues. Use a cotton ball to apply a little cold ginger tea on the affected area. Ginger is perfect even for sensitive type of skin because is mild and all natural.

7. Improves complexion

Improve your skin complexion by applying slices of ginger onto your face. Ginger will tone your skin, tighten the pores and even out discoloration. Or you can prepare a mixture of ginger juice and honey and massage your face once or twice a week. You’ll have a beautiful skin and beautiful complexion.

8. Treats inflammatory skin conditions

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for calming inflamed skin and boost proper blood circulation to the skin. Mix a few drops of ginger oil with one teaspoon of olive oil and massage to sooth eczema and other skin inflammatory conditions.

9. Exfoliates the Skin

Grated ginger has a mild gritty texture and can be the main ingredient in face and body exfoliants. It is very effective in scrounging off dead cells, dirt, germs, excess sebum and grime from deep inside skin pores. Prepare a scrub of 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of honey and use it to massage your face. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes then wash your face with warm water.

10. Sooths minor skin burns

Dab some cotton soaked in ginger juice and apply it directly onto the burned area. It will calm down the skin immediately.

11. Prevents split hair ends

Ginger is also helpful in repairing split ends and resolving problems with dry hair. Add some ginger into your shampoo and use it regularly. You’ll soon notice that your hair is nourished and it isn’t dry.