6 Ways to Add Ginger to Your Beauty Routine For Glowing Skin and Quick Hair Growth

A popular ingredient in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, ginger serves a range of health benefits—from propelling digestion to providing immunity-boosting properties. In addition, consumption of ginger in small quantities also promotes healthy blood circulation and increases metabolism. However, not many are aware about the impressive, medicinal impact this root ingredient has on our skin! 

"Ginger oil, in particular—taken internally or externally—acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic, anti-depressant expectorant, antiemetic, analgesic, and a carminative," informs Ms Pooja Nagdev, cosmetologist and founder of Inatur. Besides, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help stimulate blood circulation and provide relief to a range of beauty woes including acne, skin inflammations, skin pigmentation and discoloration etc.

To extract maximum benefit of this ingredient for your skin and hair, Ms Pooja Nagdev shares 6 DIY recipes on how to add ginger to your skincare routine. 

1. To Tackle Skin Hyperpigmentation

Peel a slice of ginger and rub it directly on to the desired areas of the skin. After rinsing off the remnants, apply a creamy moisturiser to combat the drying properties of ginger.

2. For a Natural Glow

Ginger is known to make your skin naturally radiant, and applying it topically can tighten the skin as well. Mix 1 teaspoon of ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of rosewater, 1/2 a teaspoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of oats powder. Apply this paste evenly across your face and neck, and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse thereafter.

3. To Unclog Pores

A ginger exfoliant can be easily prepared at home to open clogged pores. Take 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of grated and pounded ginger. Wet your skin and apply the mixture using your finger tips. Gently massage the concoction over your face and neck, and rinse with water. 

4. To Relax Sore Muscles

Ginger oil is warm, and when applied to the skin it relaxes sore muscles. Take 50ml of olive oil and add 50g of freshly pound ginger to it. Boil the two till the water evaporates. Once done, store the oil in a glass bottle and massage your body with it whenever your muscles feel tired. Ginger bath salt, grated ginger, or ginger juice along with cinnamon powder can be added to the mixture for a relaxing bath. The ginger increases blood circulation while Epsom salts soothe your muscles and provide your body with much-needed magnesium. You can also use ginger to prepare a mixture to rejuvenate tired feet. For this, take 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground ginger. Add the above ingredients to a bucket of warm water and soak your feet in for 15 minutes.

5. For Acne Control

Take 1 tablespoon of charcoal powder, 1/2 a teaspoon of ginger juice, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix the mentioned ingredients together to form a paste and apply it all over your face and neck. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water after. With just one application, you'll notice your acne settling down.

6. To Boost Hair Growth

Besides your skin, ginger also helps improve blood circulation to the scalp and consequently encourages hair growth. Add 1 part of ginger juice to 3 parts of shampoo to strengthen your hair and dramatically reduce hair fall. The ginger juice may also be added to your hair oil to stimulate hair growth.

Note: Those who suffer from super dry skin should avoid applying ginger, since its warming properties may further dry out the skin. In any case, make sure you moisturise post application.