Ginkgo

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March 11, 2009
Posted by ErinP

Ginkgo

* A naturally occurring antioxidant that serves as an anti-inflammatory and aids in skin rejuvenation

* Also known as Ginkgo Biloba

Functions:

Although used for centuries, first in Asia, for the treatment of many health concerns, including stomach problems and Alzheimer’s (The Mayo Clinic), it has recently been found to aid in skin care in a variety of ways. Ginkgo provides many antioxidant benefits, when drank in tea or applied topically in skin care products, thanks to its high levels of quercetin, a common and powerful antioxidant. Its anti-inflammatory and defensive properties are also particularly strong and it’s been discovered to help treat acne, eczema, or other types of facial redness and inflammation (Source). This may be because of Ginkgo’s properties as a vasodilator, increasing circulation, improving sebaceous secretions, decreasing capillary hyper-permeability, improving tissue irrigation and activating cell metabolism (especially in the cortex, by increasing glucose and oxygen uptake).

According to Dermaxime.com, Gingko helps to prevent capillary fragility and helps to boost collagen formation and create fibroblast, which makes it ideal to use in rejuvenating skin care products. It furthermore increases the creation of fibroblast collagen. A 2003 study also suggested that ginkgo may effectively halt de-pigmentation and aid in re-pigmentation as well.

Ginkgo includes flavonos such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin; Flavones, including luteolin and tricetin; Biflavones, mainly bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin and sciadopitysin, catechins, proanthocyanidins; Sterols and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Applied in skin creams and ingested in moderate amounts, Ginkgo provides a myriad of benefits and is considered extremely safe and natural. However, when ingested in large quantities, Ginkgo (and Ginkgo Biloba) can lead to many negative side effects, including headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. It has also been known to increase bleeding in some consumers. Because of this circulatory effeect, Ginkgo can lead to increased bruising from dermatological injections like Botox or dermal fillers. If you take ginkgo orally, stop about a week before those procedures (The National Institutes of Healt).

Recommended Products w/ Ginkgo:

Xen Tan Transform Gradual Self Tan, Avalon Organics Aloe Unscented Hand and Body Lotion, Om Aroma Cos Crème Luxe White Truffle Face Cream, Min New York Form Styling Cream, Skin2Skin Care Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery, Ahava Protective Moisturizing Fluid SPF 15, LashFood