Ginger has garnered its multitasking reputation as a kitchen staple and has been a go-to home remedy for everything from stomach aches (see: ginger ale) to colds for centuries. That said, the superfood’s benefits don’t end with the ingestible. Ginger has a long list of beauty benefits as well. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and has been shown to help increase collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, and heal skin damage.
According to Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, if you’re starting to notice hyperpigmentation or sunspots as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light or are having trouble controlling acne breakouts, ginger is a great ingredient to consider adding to your routine. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist in NYC, says that the best way to do this is by incorporating a serum or moisturizer with the ingredient into your daily regimen. By using a product that stays on your skin, rather than a cleanser or mask that gets washed off, you will see the most lasting impact.