For zillion of years, turmeric has been used as a spice in different Asian countries like India. But it is also known for its miraculous skin beneficial properties.
Turmeric is a yellowish orange spice related to ginger and filled with curcumin- a bioactive component. It is available as a ground spice and as a key ingredient in beauty or health products.
New-age scientific researchers begin to appreciate the benefits of turmeric. Let’s look into some of the benefits that will help to achieve healthy skin.
1. Wound Healing
Turmeric is infused with a lot of curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce any inflammation caused by the wound. Also, it has antioxidants that help to control wound oxidative stress. Thus turmeric speeds up the healing process. In this case, topical application of turmeric helps more than oral dosage.
2. Fading Pigmentation and Acne Scars
Pigmentation occurs due to severe inflammation and dryness. Curcumin helps to control the inflammation due to acne and clam the skin. And its antioxidants properties control the free radical damage. Weekly application of turmeric mixed with curd face masks can help with pigmentation and scars.
Note:
- Before applying turmeric topically, take a patch test.
- Apply turmeric on a small section of your jaw or neck.
- After 10-20 minutes, wash it off and observe if any redness or itchiness occurs within 24 hrs over that area.
3. Helps with Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which excess skin cells build-up due to excess phosphorylase kinase(PhK) protein, leading to form scales and itchy dry patches. Curcumin may help to block the overproduction of PhK, and it also helps to reduce itchiness.
4. Reduce Aging Signs
Antioxidants help to overcome radical damage and maintain the elasticity of the skin. It also prevents skin barrier damage. Researchers say that long-term topical application of turmeric increases skin firmness and provides lustrous skin.
5. Deal with Scabies
It is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites. In this case, skin becomes intensely itchy. Researches show that topical application of turmeric and neem paste reduces the itchiness exceptionally. And it also helps to calm the skin.
Possible Side-effects:
Before including turmeric in your beauty or diet regime, one needs to keep some of these things in mind,
- An excess quantity of turmeric may cause a temporary yellow stain.
- Turmeric can not be absorbed in large amounts by the body as it has low bioavailability.
- If you are on some particular medication, avoid taking too much turmeric and consult with your doctor first.
- There is a risk factor of contact dermatitis development due to turmeric.
Yes, turmeric is a holy grail ingredient to combat different skin issues. However, before doing any experiment with it, always do a patch test; otherwise, it may irritate your skin.
