Ghostberry: The Trendy Anti-Inflammatory Skincare Ingredient, Broken Down By Our Dermatologist
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If you're prone to dry, irritated skin and feel you've tried just about everything under the sun to soothe your redness to no avail, it may be time to give ghostberry a try. Sometimes referred to as snowberry, the ghostberry is named for its white, "bell-shaped" fruit and has a lot in common with other species in the honeysuckle family (via the National Park Service). You may have noticed the name popping up here and there in the skincare world, but it isn't just another buzzword.
The Pacific Northwest-native ghostberry has long been used to treat skin conditions and rashes by Indigenous Americans (via the White Rabbit Institute of Healing). To learn more about the mysterious ghostberry, we spoke to Kellie Reed, M.D., of Westlake Dermatology to get an expert scope on the healing skincare ingredient. "Ghostberry ... is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. It helps repair the skin barrier [and] calm redness and irritation. It soothes skin," Reed exclusively shared with Glam. But how should you use it, and is it safe on all skin types?
Try using a moisturizer with ghostberry for the best results
Whether you fall into the avid skincare connoisseur category (aka you've fully delved into the realm of the latest lush products) or are more of a stick-to-the-basics gal who relies on whatever facial lotion Trader Joe's offers, we all know using a nourishing moisturizer daily is the pathway to hydrated, glowing skin. And if you're ready to soothe your red, irritated skin with ghostberry, using a moisturizer made with the gentle ingredient is the perfect place to start.
"Alpyn Super Peptide & Ghostberry Moisturizer contains ghostberry and peptides and is an excellent moisturizer. You can use this as the last step in your skincare routine at night, or prior to sunscreen in the morning," Kellie Reed exclusively told Glam. This moisturizer retails for $62 on Amazon, so while it's not the cheapest moisturizer on the market, it's dermatologist-backed and may help soothe your skin once and for all.
In addition to calming general skin irritation, the unique ghostberry has been used to treat eczema, impetigo, and burns (via the White Rabbit Institute of Healing); however, it should only be used externally, and, as always, test patch any new skincare products you purchase with ghostberry to catch potential allergic reactions before they become too serious.
Ghostberry is most effective for those with dry skin
If you're wondering whether or not ghostberry is for you, turn toward your skin type. Most typically fall into the oily, sensitive, dry, normal, or combination categories of skin types. If you have redness in your cheeks, occasional flaking, or other conditions like eczema, then you likely have dry skin. If this describes your skin type, then a moisturizer containing ghostberry might be beneficial for you. "As long as you do not have a known allergy to this plant, it is a safe product to incorporate into your skincare routine. It is okay for all skin types, but particularly helpful for dry skin," Kellie Reed exclusively told Glam.
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties, skincare products containing ghostberry could be the winning ticket to soothing your redness. These white berries are reminiscent of the dry, winter months, but the skincare ingredient accomplishes quite the opposite: nourishing, soothing care for inflamed and irritated skin.