Ginkgo biloba trees have been cultivated in Asia ever since ancient times, its medicinal use dating back to 2800 BC. The traditional Chinese uses of Ginkgo include the relief of asthma and cough, and the support of brain functions. Ginkgo is now widely used in the world to treat conditions such as brain dysfunction, memory loss and concentration disorders, dizziness and tinnitus. It is used also as anti-ageing agent in cosmetic formulations. The Ginkgo biloba tree has a remarkable resistance to insect damage, viral and bacterial infection, as well as modern-day chemical pollution. It is native to China, Japan and Korea where the biloba tree has traditionally been planted in temple compounds, in the vicinity of shrines and castles and venerated as a holy object of worship and ritual. A single tree can live for more than 1000 years. In China, Ginkgo trees aged 100 years or more are protected and preserved through government regulations.
Ginkgo’s main promise in skin care is its antioxidant compounds. Since much of skin ageing is caused by free radical damage, ginkgo’s ability to protect against free radicals may help protect skin from signs of ageing like wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
Since ginkgo biloba and ginkgo extracts are also poly-phenol rich, there is strong reason to believe that they will also provide skin protection and other benefits when applied topically as a cosmeceutical.
Extracts from ginkgo leaves have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce the occurrence of acne and other skin concerns like rosacea and eczema. Taken orally, ginkgo was also shown in one study to enhance the skin’s ability to produce fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen production. In other words, the extract could help preserve skin firmness and elasticity.
Finally, ginkgo is a natural antibacterial, which means it can help clean and clear skin of bacteria and other debris. Some cleansing masks are including ginkgo already for this purpose.
We use Gingko in our Aqua Serum Elixir you can buy by clicking here
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