Ginger and acne : inflammation, sebum and action of gingerol on the ginger skin

Acne affects 80% of adolescents and up to 25% of adults, many of whom seek alternatives to traditional treatments (antibiotics, retinoids). The ginger, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, is attracting growing interest.

Acne is an inflammatory disease

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not mainly due to "dirt". It is a multifactorial inflammatory disease:

1. Excessive sebum : hyperactive sebaceous glands (hormonal influence, diet)
2. Abnormal keratinization : obstruction of hair follicles
3. Colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes)
4. Local inflammation via TLR2, NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Mechanisms of action of ginger on acne

1. Antimicrobial against C. acnes

[6]-gingerol demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes in vitro (Park et al., 2008, Phytomedicine). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gingerol is comparable to some topical antibiotics.

2. NF-κB inhibition in keratinocytes

Keratinocytes (skin cells) activate NF-κB in response to C. acnes. Gingerol blocks this activation, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α) responsible for papules and pustules (Chrubasik, 2005).

3. Skin antioxidant

The ginger stress oxidative worsens acne by oxidizing sebaceous lipids. The phenolic compounds of ginger (notably shogaols) have a higher ORAC (antioxidant capacity) than vitamin E.

4. Indirect hormonal regulation

Ginger modulates the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone in DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the main androgen stimulating sebum production. Reduce DHT = less sebum = fewer blackheads.

The role of lemon in INTI: vitamin C and turmeric-wrinkles-natural-skin-2026">collagen

INTI organic lemon provides vitamin C, essential for:

• The synthesis of ginger collagen (post-acne healing)
• Skin antioxidant activity
• The modulation of theginger and immunity local

Acne and diet: the glycemic link

Epidemiological studies (Cordain et al., 2002) establish a strong link between high glycemic index and acne. The organic ginger and erythritol found in INTI contribute to an ultra-low glycemic load:

• Glycemic index of erythritol: 0
• Only 1.19g of sugar per 100ml in INTI
• No insulinemic peak = less androgen stimulation

Practical use: internal vs topical

Internal route (INTI Drink)

Oral intake of ginger shot INTI works on the systemic inflammation underlying acne. The effect is gradual (4-8 weeks) but addresses the root cause.

Topical use (not recommended without precaution)

Pure gingerol applied directly may be irritating. Commercial topical formulations use standardized concentrations. Do not apply fresh ginger pure on a skin irritated.

Expected results

• Week 1-2 : Reduction of redness of existing lesions (anti-inflammatory-science-use">anti-inflammatory ginger)
• Week 3-4 : Decreased frequency of new lesions
• Month 2-3 : Improvement in overall skin texture

Note : Severe acne (cystic, nodulocystic) requires dermatological advice. Ginger is a supplement, not a first-line treatment for severe forms.

INTI Drink: shot of organic ginger in Belgium from Peru. 1.19g sugar/100ml. Without preservatives. Made in Belgium.