Oriental Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is valued for its purported ability to promote vitality, slow aging, and improve skin health. Within this traditional framework, ginseng is sometimes recommended for various skin concerns, including age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines). The rationale is based on ginseng’s reputation for “nourishing the skin” and “improving blood circulation,” which are believed to help reduce signs of aging, though these concepts are not directly analogous to Western dermatological understanding.

From a scientific standpoint, there is minimal direct evidence that ginseng specifically treats or reduces age spots. Some laboratory studies suggest that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may influence skin pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis in vitro. However, clinical studies in humans addressing the specific effect of ginseng on age spots are lacking. Therefore, while its use for age spots is grounded mostly in traditional practice, scientific validation for this particular indication is currently weak.