Skin ageing is a natural process, but it does not happen for just one reason. It is shaped by factors inside the body, such as genetics and changes in hormones over time, as well as outside influences like sunlight, air pollution, and other environmental stressors. Although these triggers may be different, many studies now agree on one key point: long-lasting, low-level inflammation plays an important role in speeding up skin ageing. This ongoing inflammation creates a constant state of irritation in the skin, which gradually weakens its structure and reduces its ability to repair itself. Over time, this leads to visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of firmness.
This type of ageing is often described as inflammatory ageing, a condition in which the skin is continuously exposed to substances that promote inflammation. These substances encourage the breakdown of collagen, a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity. When collagen levels fall, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. As a result, lines and wrinkles appear more easily, and the skin struggles to maintain its smooth and youthful appearance. Preventing or reducing this persistent inflammation is therefore seen as an important strategy for slowing down the ageing process and preserving healthy skin.
With this background in mind, the present study focused on black ginseng extract and its ability to reduce inflammation-related skin ageing. Black ginseng is made from ginseng roots that have gone through several rounds of steaming and drying. This traditional processing method changes the natural components of the plant, producing unique compounds that are thought to be more active than those found in ordinary ginseng. Because of these changes, black ginseng has gained attention in health products and supplements. However, despite its growing popularity, its role in protecting the skin from inflammation-related ageing had not been clearly explained before this research.
To explore this, the study first examined how black ginseng extract affected human skin cells grown in the laboratory. These cells are responsible for producing collagen and supporting the structure of the skin. The results showed that even a small amount of the extract helped reduce substances that break down collagen under inflammatory conditions. This suggests that black ginseng extract may help protect the skin’s supportive framework, allowing it to remain stronger and more elastic even when exposed to stress.
The researchers then moved on to a more advanced skin model designed to closely resemble real human skin. In this model, chemical stress was used to trigger inflammation, mimicking damage that might occur from harsh environmental exposure. This damage caused the skin model to release higher levels of inflammatory signals. When black ginseng extract was applied, these inflammatory signals were noticeably reduced. At the same time, the extract increased the levels of natural protective substances that help slow down collagen breakdown. Together, these effects showed that black ginseng extract helped restore balance in the skin, supporting its ability to maintain normal structure and function.
Finally, the study also looked at the natural components within black ginseng extract to better understand how it works. By analysing its composition and examining how its key compounds interact with targets linked to inflammation, the researchers found further evidence supporting its beneficial effects. Overall, the findings suggest that black ginseng extract works in several ways to calm inflammation and protect the skin from ageing-related damage. This makes it a promising ingredient for skincare and dermatological products aimed at maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin through gentle and long-term support.
More information: Shaowei Yan et al, The mechanism of black ginseng extract in alleviating inflammatory aging, Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsct.2025.100124
