Turmeric is one of the spices often used in Asian cuisine. This orange-yellowish spice gives a distinctive flavor to each dish. Just like other natural ingredients, turmeric is also said to offer a variety of benefits for the skin. However, is turmeric really good for your skin?
What is Turmeric?
One of the most studied herbs in science, turmeric or its scientific name Curcuma longa, offers health benefits, especially curcumin-a bioactive component, which is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
In one study conducted, 1 ounce of turmeric provided 26% of the requirement of manganese ( manganese) or kawi stone, a chemical element needed daily and 16% of the daily iron requirement. This plant is also a source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Traditional medicine in both India and China supports this herb, which they consider to be a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
Also read: Turmeric fights facial skin problems
Benefits of turmeric for skin
Here are some ways turmeric can benefit your skin:
- Fix the skin
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components contained in turmeric are said to give radiance and glow to the skin as well as restore the skin. It also helps reduce redness due to acne and provides relief on problem skin such as eczema and rosacea.
You can try making a mask at home to see the effectiveness of turmeric on your skin. Mix a little Greek yogurt, honey and turmeric, mix well and apply on your face. Leave on for 15 minutes before you rinse it off with water.
- Fighting acne
Turmeric is very effective in fighting acne because it contains natural antiseptics and helps prevent the spread of bacteria. It is especially effective when mixed with apple cider vinegar which has astrigen properties-which plays the same role as regular toner.
- Slows down aging
Turmeric contains curcuminoid pigments that stimulate genes that increase the body’s synthesis of antioxidants. It will protect brain and skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, and slow down the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Heal wounds
Curcumin-the component that makes turmeric its orange-yellow color-found in turmeric is said to help heal wounds by reducing inflammation and oxidation. It also reduces your reaction to skin lesions.
Studies also state that turmeric can have an effect on body tissues and collagen. At the same time help make your wounds heal faster.
- Reduce dark circles
Because turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and skin lightening agent, it is ideal for reducing dark circles under the eyes as well as dark spots caused by sunlight. This is because it can stimulate blood circulation, thus helping to reduce darkness.
- Treating psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin problem-thick white patches appear, causing serious itching. And turmeric is said to control these symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and lowering cytokine levels – which stimulate cell inflammation.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it can be used as a supplement or added to food. Ideally, talk to a specialist before trying this method to get a more accurate dose.
- Treat scars and stretch marks
Again, thanks to curcumin, which is able to absorb into the cell membrane and improve the physical properties of the cell membrane – the effect it treats stretch marks. You can combine turmeric with cream or yogurt and apply to the abdomen and waist before you take a shower. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly while bathing. The same method can also be used to treat scars.
However, there are risks in using turmeric to treat your skin problems. Before using turmeric, you need to be careful with the quantity to be used, the type of product and the reactions that may occur to the medication you are taking.
Ideally, avoid consuming turmeric in large and copious quantities. Try applying a little turmeric on the bottom of your arm and leave it for 24 to 48 hours to see if it creates an allergic reaction or not before applying it on your skin.
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Turmeric Skincare Recipes
Use these methods to improve your skin:
Turmeric-honey-coconut mask
It is a turmeric-based skincare classic.
Ingredients :
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon coconut milk
Preparing the recipe :
Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
Method :
- Cleanse your face and rinse it with warm water to fully open the pores.
- Apply the mask evenly then leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
The treatment can be done when desired, otherwise once a week will do. It is possible to have some yellow marks on the face, just rinse a little more or remove them with cleanser and cotton.
Turmeric-spirulina-aloe mask
Ingredients :
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal
- 2 tablespoons of Aloe vera gel
Preparing the recipe :
Mix all the ingredients together until you get a smooth paste. You can add a little hot water to help bind the ingredients.
Method :
- Cleanse your face and rinse it with warm water to fully open the pores.
- Apply the mask evenly then leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
The treatment can be done when desired, otherwise once a week.
Turmeric-clay mask
Ingredients :
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of white clay
- 2 teaspoons sweet almond vegetable oil (or argan or jojoba)
- 3 drops of Geranium Rosat essential oil
Preparing the recipe :
Mix all the ingredients together until you get a smooth paste. You can add a little hot water to help bind the ingredients.
Method :
- Cleanse your face and rinse it with warm water to fully open the pores.
- Apply the mask evenly then leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
The treatment can be done when desired, otherwise once a week.
Turmeric-honey-coconut mask
Ingredients :
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid honey
- 3 teaspoons coconut milk
Preparing the recipe :
Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste. You can add a little coconut milk depending on the desired consistency.
Method :
- Cleanse your face and rinse it with warm water to fully open the pores.
- Apply the mask evenly then leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
The treatment can be done when desired, otherwise once a week.
Side effects and risks
Despite the benefits of turmeric for the skin, it can also carry side effects and risks.
Curcumin can cause a contact allergy, and some people have reported contact dermatitis and hives (hives) due to skin contact with turmeric. Since turmeric is in the same family as ginger, you are more likely to have a reaction if you are allergic to ginger. If you are allergic to yellow food coloring, you may also be allergic to turmeric.
Nausea and diarrhea are two symptoms associated with turmeric supplements because the curcumin in turmeric can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Even at low doses, turmeric can cause nausea in some people. If you notice any symptoms after taking turmeric, stop consuming it.
If you are going to have an operation, avoid turmeric for one to two weeks before the operation. Indeed, turmeric tends to inhibit blood clotting.
