Raw Ginger can be Used to Treat Acne According to Instagram. Are dermatologists in Agreement?

Dermatologists Weigh In on the Viral Skincare Trend Taking Over Instagram

Instagram users are sharing yet another skincare tip that has gone viral is raw ginger. Your feed should be full of skincare tips for acne sufferers. 

Social media is using everyday kitchen ingredients such as flax seeds for botox and raw garlic. This time raw ginger is the focus as influencers assert that applying it topically can help eradicate acne. It seems like a simple solution to acne doesn’t it?

Many videos of Indian influencers with glowing skin can be found online these days claiming that the key to treating acne outbreaks quickly is not costly facials but rather applying raw ginger directly to the skin. But does this spicy suggestion have any scientific basis?

What do Experts Have to Say?

Let’s get this out of the way first. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. Especially when applied raw and undiluted. 

Ginger has been proven useful for acne in scientific publications, but only as an indirect approach. It should not be considered a first-line or main treatment. Acne is a multifactorial condition – one spice won’t tackle all its triggers. 

Rubbing raw ginger on the face is not a scientifically proven acne treatment. While it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, direct application may cause irritation. 

There is no scientific evidence to prove that applying raw ginger topically treats acne. It could theoretically help, but only as an add-on to other medications, and only if tolerated well. 

But Are There Any Benefits of Ginger? 

There are some promising aspects of ginger (in general if it is part of your diet or through skincare), especially its bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol. Here’s what the experts highlight: 

• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: These properties may help reduce redness, swelling and bacteria related to acne, particularly cystic acne. 
• Antioxidant-rich: Helps neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.

• Gut-friendly: Ginger aids digestion and gut health, which is linked to skin health. It acts as a prebiotic, promoting good gut bacteria that, in turn, support better skin. 
• Oil control and scar fading: Ginger has been known to reduce sebum production and may help lighten pigmented acne scars over time. 

However, the form in which ginger is used matters greatly. “Only certain extracts, not raw ginger, are useful. These should be consumed or applied in diluted form, like mixed with glycerine, honey or carrier oils. Ginger masks and scrubs are safer options.” 

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The Adverse Consequences

Putting raw ginger directly on your skin isn’t a great way to get a glow in fact it might make it worse. 

Since raw ginger is alkaline it can change the pH of the skin upsetting the microbiota and barrier. This might make breakouts worse instead of better. 

Applying raw ginger topically can result in burning excessive dryness, allergic reactions and irritation especially in people with skin prone to acne. 

Raw ginger contains a lot of oils and strong phenols which have astringent qualities and can lead to allergies and irritant contact dermatitis. 

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Is there any way that ginger can help with acne?

Yes but not in the manner that Instagram implies. Ginger can be beneficial when used in controlled formulations or as part of a balanced diet. 

• Extracts or tea made from ginger may help lower inflammation internally. 
• Measured dosages of gingerol or shogaol may be used in skincare products to provide benefits without the negative effects. 
• To try anything new topically always perform a patch test first. 

Ginger works best when taken orally as opposed to topically. Its active ingredients are potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. 

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