Antimicrobial properties of red ginseng make it a great natural cure for acne

Having an acne breakout? Try red ginseng. A recent study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research reports that red ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves the symptoms of acne, making it a safe and effective natural remedy.

Acne — a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin — develops when bacteria abnormally grow in hair follicles. The most common treatment for this skin disease is antibiotics. However, due to the rise of antibiotic resistance and the harmful side effects they bring, researchers have turned to potential natural treatments like red ginseng.

Researchers from South Korea conducted the study to determine the active ingredients, as well as the antimicrobial properties, of red ginseng and compared it to other antibacterial substances. They found that red ginseng ethanol extract exhibited similar, if not even better, antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes compared to benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid. In addition, the antimicrobial component derived from red ginseng selectively demonstrated a high antimicrobial effect on P. acnes. Moreover, they discovered that the most active ingredients responsible for the antimicrobial activity of red ginseng were panaxynol and panaxydol.

The researchers also determined the potential efficacy of red ginseng as a natural treatment product. To do this, they tested red ginseng on people with acne symptoms. Twenty individuals who had acne symptoms participated in their study. The researchers treated them with cream that contains 3 milligrams per gram (mg/g) of red ginseng ethanol extract. After four weeks of treatment, the results revealed that red ginseng reduced the oxidized sebum contents and redness of the skin. In addition, it effectively improved the symptoms of the early to middle stage of acne.

Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that red ginseng extract that contains panaxynol and panaxydol can be used as an effective natural treatment for acne.

How red ginseng treats acne

Red ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is a perennial herb widely used for its medicinal properties, especially in countries like China and Korea. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. (Related: Acne’s location on your body could reveal specific health issues.)

Research has shown that red ginseng can relieve acne symptoms in various ways, such as:

  • Enhancing sleep: Sleep is also one of the factors that influence acne development. When you are sleep-deprived, your skin is affected. Having a better sleep cycle leads to reduced acne. Red ginseng can enhance the sleep quality of those who are sleep-deprived and cannot sleep peacefully.
  • Reducing hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, which mostly happens in women, is also one of the main causes of acne. Red ginseng contains natural estrogen, which can serve as a supplement to estrogen hormone in women. By maintaining normal hormone levels, red ginseng helps reduce acne outbreaks.
  • Boosting the immune system: In most cases, acne occurs due to bacteria and digestive problems. Red ginseng can strengthen the immune system by warding off bacteria and removing impurities in the body. By fighting bacteria, red ginseng prevents one of the main causes of acne and reduces the duration of acne lesions. A healthy immune system is also more resistant to illness like inflammatory diseases and other infections.

Acne occurs commonly in teenagers, but it also occurs in people of all ages. It develops because of oil, bacteria, or dead skin cells that are congested in skin pores. Acne also occurs due to various factors, such as genetics, puberty, menstruation, and infections.

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