Forget expensive face wash and fancy lotion. Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, might be the answer to your skin woes. This vibrant yellow spice is a staple in Indian food, but after learning about the beauty benefits, it’ll be the new star of your vanity.
For centuries, Ayurveda has used this bright yellow spice as medicine. It can fight issues like oxidative stress, poor digestion and food allergies.1 2 3
But you don’t need to eat turmeric to reap the benefits. When applied on the skin, this vibrant spice will become your favorite beauty remedy.
How Turmeric Benefits Your Skin
Turmeric owes its benefits to curcumin, its most active compound. Curcumin is also the reason why turmeric is bright yellow! On the skin, it’ll work some serious magic.
1. Combats Acne
Reach for turmeric if you’re struggling with breakouts. As an anti-microbial, turmeric destroys Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes pimples.4 It also won’t cause drying and irritation like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, two popular ingredients in commercial acne treatments.
2. Heals Wounds
As tiny wounds, pimples need to heal properly. It’s also essential if you have a cut, scrape, or minor injury. By applying turmeric, you’ll speed up the process by promoting skin growth factors and restoration. Top it off with anti-microbial protection and infection won’t be an issue.5
3. Soothes Inflammation
Curcumin is well-known for its anti-inflammatory powers. Traditionally, it’s been used to treat conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis and rashes.6 For a particularly angry skin infections or breakouts, turmeric will lend a hand, too.7
4. Protects Against Photodamage
Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induces photoaging, a process that weakens collagen and speeds up aging. It’ll make you look older – and not in a good way! Thankfully, turmeric’s antioxidant properties can prevent and treat photoaging, making it an all-natural anti-aging remedy.8
5. Lowers Risk Of Skin Cancer
Beyond appearance, UV rays also damages DNA and kills healthy skin cells. This makes it easy for cancer to grow and spread! But with the antioxidant effects of curcumin, the necessary biological pathways will be put to an end.9
How To Make A Turmeric Face Mask
Making a turmeric face mask isn’t rocket science. With a few pantry staples, you can create an all-natural product.
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon powdered turmeric
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions
- After cleansing your face, gently pat dry.
- Combine both ingredients and mix well.
- Spread all over your face.
- After 5 minutes, rinse off and dry.
Why Honey?
Honey is suitable for all skin types. It controls excess sebum while providing moisture, making it useful for oily, dry, and normal complexions. The anti-bacterial benefits also offer extra ammo against acne.10
Don’t leave it on for too long, as turmeric can stain the skin. A simple sugar scrub can be used to remove any discoloration. It also stains fabric, so be sure to wear old clothes.
References
