Who doesn't love turmeric, especially when it seems like it heals almost everything! In the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric is considered a universal healer having properties that can strengthen many areas of the body, from respiration to digestion.
Having digestive issues? Take Turmeric. Bad hangover? Consume Turmeric tea. Have fever? Have Turmeric milk. For a lot of problems that we face in our daily lives and with our bodies, Turmeric always works as a go-to remedy. But, did you know that Turmeric is also extremely beneficial for your skin?
Associated with the sun due to its golden yellow color, Sacred Turmeric is steeped in the Indian culture. It also holds immense significance as it symbolizes purity, prosperity, and abundance!
In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which you can use Turmeric for a naturally healthy, glowing skin.
What Is Tumeric?
Turmeric, also identified as Curcuma Longa, is an Ayurvedic skincare remedy used for over 4000 years now. It is considered as the holy powder for its medicinal value. The critical antioxidant Curcumin in Turmeric has many researched-backed and time-tested benefits. Curcumin is also the compound that gives Turmeric its signature yellow-orange tinge.
Ayurveda uses Turmeric to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (though it can aggravate Vata and pitta when taken in excess). It is very beneficial for rasa and rakta dhatus - the blood and plasma of the circulatory system.
Turmeric kindles Agni (digestive fire), which helps in reducing Kapha and ama (toxins). The removal of toxins will help in managing a host of skin diseases too. This is why turmeric is used in both natural and conventional alternative skincare products.
6 Top Benefits of Turmeric for Skin
Turmeric powder, coined as the most potent spice of all, is made from the roots of Curcuma Zedoaria - native to Southeast Asia. Its list of healing properties includes antiviral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and much more.
Read on to know more about homemade turmeric masks and products. Let us also examine some benefits so that you can see if turmeric ought to be a staple in your own skincare routine.
1. Turmeric For Skin Whitening
Turmeric is considered one of the most crucial skin whitening ingredients in Ayurveda. It is known to reduce dark patches and even out the skin tone. This is why Hindu weddings follow the tradition of applying Haldi all over the bride’s skin.
These results are because of the powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Turmeric blending to bring out the skin’s natural health. A recently conducted study showed that using turmeric based lotion can brighten the skin within just three weeks. (2)
2. Turmeric For Glowing Skin
Who doesn’t like to have a naturally glowing skin? However, the environmental pollution and day-to-day stressors can leave your skin feeling dull. Does your skin lack glow and luster? Turmeric to the rescue. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidants present in it will help in reviving your skin by bringing out its natural glow. (3)
Read - How To Get Glowing Skin Naturally?
3. Turmeric To Treat Acne
Acne is one of the most common issues every individual faces at least once in their lifetime. Over-the-counter medicines, skin treatments, or skincare products might cause inflammation or irritation to your skin. So, your safest bet can be natural or ayurvedic ingredients.
Turmeric is one of the miracle spices that fight acne. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help in keeping the bacteria from spreading further. It reduces the redness and swelling of the blemish. (4)
4. Turmeric To Banish Dark Circles
The primary reasons behind dark circles are hereditary, lack of sleep, pigmentation, over-exposure to the sun, or even rubbing or scratching the eyes. I know waking up with tired-looking, pesky under-eye bags can be a big put-off. Luckily, you have turmeric.
Turmeric, being a lightning and anti-inflammatory agent, helps in reducing the appearance of dark circles. It also stimulates blood circulation, which in turn helps in reducing puffiness.(5)
5. Turmeric Moisturizes Dry Skin
Dryness makes your skin look dehydrated and dull. This dryness could be even worse during the winter months. Apart from using rich body lotion throughout the day, it is also very important to give your skin extra care.
Did you know turmeric can alleviate symptoms of dryness? This magic ingredient nourishes the skin, deeply hydrates, and speeds up the process of removing dead cells from the skin. Treat yourself with a turmeric-infused mask to soften and hydrate your skin.
6. Turmeric For Preventing Early Signs Of Aging
Turmeric protects the skin from the harsh UV rays, the number one cause of premature aging. When the natural oils are depleted from the skin, they tend to lose their elasticity and start showing wrinkles and fine lines. Premature aging first begins on the neck, forehead, and the area around the eye.
The potent antioxidant properties of curcumin prevent free radical production, which in turn helps in controlling aging. These antioxidants also protect the skin cells from damage. (6)
7. Turmeric For Reducing The Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks on your stomach, arms, or legs can be very difficult to treat, but turmeric will help lighten them. The antioxidants in Turmeric penetrate into skin and improve the function of the membrane cells. This process helps in lightening the appearance of stretch marks. (7)
One of the best ways to get the benefits of Turmeric for skin is to include it in your diet in the form of Turmeric milk or Tumeric tea. Also, consider adding Turmeric powder to your curries and other food preparations to aid digestion. A healthy gut, free of toxins is one of the best ways to maintain a clear, healthy complexion.
Since turmeric offers many benefits for the skin, you can incorporate its healing properties into your beauty routine in two simple ways -
- Applying Natural turmeric face masks and
- Using Natural skincare products that contain Turmeric
Let’s discuss both of them in detail -
8- Natural Turmeric Face Masks
The do-it-yourself turmeric face masks are gaining popularity as they address many skin concerns without potentially harmful chemicals. (1)
The following are the different ways to include the wonderful spice into your skincare regimen to get the desired radiant and blemish-free skin.
1. Turmeric Milk For Face - For healthy, youthful skin
Turmeric and Milk work as a great combination to fight the free radicals that are responsible for damaging your skin. The Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) present in milk exfoliate the dead cells in the skin and make the skin moisturized and healthy-looking. (8)
What We Need -
- One teaspoon of Turmeric powder and
- Two teaspoons of milk
How To Apply -
Step 1: Mix turmeric powder and milk to make a fine paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste all over the face and neck. Leave it on until it dries.
Step 3: Wash off with cool water for glowing and younger-looking skin.
2. Turmeric And Mustard Oil - For pigmentation
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the pigment is lost from areas of the skin, causing whitish patches, often with no clear cause. This might cause your skin to appear pigmented and patchy. Turmeric is an effective home remedy for vitiligo. Turmeric along with mustard oil and stimulate the pigmentation of the skin
What We Need:
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Few drops of mustard oil
How To Apply:
Apply a mixture of turmeric powder and mustard oil for 20 minutes to the affected area. Do this twice a day for positive results.
3. Turmeric And Lemon - For Skin Lightening
Turmeric imparts glow, and lemon juice has bleaching properties. When used together, these ingredients help in lightening pigmentation and skin discoloration. The citric acid in lemon also deep cleanses the pores with excess sebum (secretion of the sebaceous gland, which makes the skin look oily), bacteria, and dirt. With regular use of this mask, you will observe your skin becoming more even, clean and glowy. (9)
What We Need:
- One tablespoon of turmeric powder.
- A few drops of lemon juice.
How To Apply:
Step 1: Mix together the ingredients in a bowl to make a smooth paste.
Step 2: Now apply this paste all over the face and neck with a cosmetic brush.
Step 3: Let the paste sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.Step 4: Rinse off with warm water and pat dry your skin with a clean towel.
Step 4: Rinse off with warm water and pat dry your skin with a clean towel.
4. Curd And Turmeric - For Glowing Skin
Curd is known to have good bacteria that help in making your skin glow. Curd nourishes your skin from within and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types. Fuller’s earth possesses cleansing, antiseptic and oil-absorbing properties. It will help in enhancing skin elasticity. (10)
What We Need:
- One teaspoon Turmeric powder
- One tablespoon of Curd
- One teaspoon of Fuller’s earth
- One teaspoon of Sandalwood
- One tablespoon of Rose Water
How To Apply:
Step 1: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a smooth paste.
Step 2: Now, apply the paste all over the face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Later, wash off with cold water. You can apply this mask once a week.
Alternatively, you can also use Kama Ayurveda’s Haldi Chandan Face Pack to prepare for the same benefits.
5. Turmeric And Honey - For Well-Nourished Skin
This Turmeric and Honey mask will help you in getting glowing skin while moisturizing it from the inside. As Honey is considered a natural moisturizer, it soothes and hydrates the skin. It also helps in removing acne marks and inhibiting free radicals from causing wrinkles and fine lines. Turmeric, as we know, brightens up the skin. (11)
What We Need:
- ½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
- ½ tablespoon of milk and
- ½ tablespoon of honey
How To Apply:
Step 1: mix all the ingredients to make a fine paste.
Step 2: Apply the prepared pack all over the face and neck. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry the face with a clean towel.
6. Turmeric And Coconut Oil - For Hydrated Skin
Coconut oil is known for skin calming, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. It is also an excellent natural skin hydrator that helps in preventing excess sebum production. (12)
What we need:
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- Few drops of coconut oil.
How To Apply:
Step 1: Take a bowl and mix the mentioned ingredients into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Apply all over the face and neck after cleansing.
Step 3: Now massage it well in circular motions for a minute.
Step 4: Wipe off after letting it sit for 5 extra minutes.Step 5: Later, rinse off using a mild cleanser.
7. Oats, Turmeric, and Lemon Juice - For Bright and Smooth Skin
This invigorating Haldi face pack capitalizes on the anti-inflammatory properties of oats, making it an excellent moisturizer. Combined with the antioxidant-rich turmeric and the high vitamin C content of lemon juice, this blend promises radiant skin. Both lemon juice and oats serve as natural exfoliants, ensuring a smoother skin texture.
What We Need:
- 3 tablespoons of ground oats
- Half teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
How To Apply:
Step 1: Using a food processor, grind the oats into a fine powder.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the ground oats with turmeric powder.
Step 3: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mix and stir until you achieve a consistent paste.
Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly across your face and neck.
Step 5: Allow the mask to sit until it dries, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with a gentle cleanser if necessary.
8. Turmeric And Banana Face Mask - For Clear Skin
Banana is an excellent source of many phytochemicals, antioxidants, and moisture that are very important for the skin. While Lectin in bananas kills the acne-causing bacteria, Amino acids nourish the skin and enhance its elasticity. The antioxidants in honey help in shielding the skin from environmental and oxidative damages. It also helps in blackhead removal. You can apply this mask three times a week to keep blackheads and pimples at bay.
What We Need:
- One teaspoon of turmeric powder
- ⅓ ripped banana
- ½ teaspoon of honey
How To Apply:
Step 1: Smash the banana and then add turmeric and honey to it. Mix well into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste all over the face and neck and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Later, wipe it out using cotton and wash it off with lukewarm water.
No matter which homemade mask you choose, don’t forget to rinse thoroughly with water and follow up with your regular toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Also, don’t leave the mask overnight, as turmeric can stain your skin (especially if you have lighter skin). If there is some staining due to this yellow spice, try washing your face with milk.Read - 18 Effective Ayurvedic Face Packs To Treat Your Skin
Natural Skin Care Products with Turmeric
Too lazy for a homemade mask? Don’t worry; we have numerous skincare products that have turmeric as the main ingredient. The following are the four luxurious turmeric beauty products that Kama Ayurveda offers to give you the best skin of your life.
1. Kama Ayurveda Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack
Suvarna Haldi Face Pack is a 100% natural complexion-enhancing Ayurvedic face pack. With Turmeric and Sandalwood as the main ingredients; this face pack improves skin brightness and textural smoothness. It also contains Rose that helps in tightening open pores and tone the skin.
All you have to do is blend two to three spoons of Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack powder with either Kama Ayurveda’s rose water or Mogra water (for dry skin). For sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, you can use pure lavender or vetiver water. Apply the mixture to moist skin, leave it on until dry, and rinse clean. Repeat the process once or twice a week.
2. Kama Ayurveda Turmeric and Myrrh Skin Brightening Soap
Kama Ayurveda’s Turmeric and Myrrh skin brightening soap is just what you need to wash away all of your tiredness. Along with the golden spice, turmeric, this soap also contains Banyan, cold-pressed natural crude oil, beeswax, and Sacred Fig.
These ingredients help nourish and purify the skin. But, what we appreciate truly is the exotic blend of the pure essential oils of Myrrh, Frankincense, and Neroli. These oils are best known to rejuvenate our senses. This brightening soap heals acne, blemishes, and pimples, lightens marks and scars, repairs sun damage.
3. Kama Ayurveda Nalpamaradi Thailam
Nalpamaradi Thailam is well known as a natural skin illuminator and de-tanning face and body oil. With Turmeric as the main ingredient, this oil lightens and softens skin, repairs pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and marks. The other components, sesame oil, Indian gooseberry, madder, and vetiver, help hydrate, nourish, and heal the skin.
All you have to do is massage the oil on the affected area, let it sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse clean with a mild cleanser.
Read - How To Use Nalpamaradi Thailam to Remove Tan
4. Kama Ayurveda Ubtan Soap Free Body Cleanser
Kama Ayurveda’s Ubtan Soap Free Body Cleanser is a refreshing body cleanser. It is packed with essential herbs, cereals, pulses, and nuts like - Turmeric, Almonds, Neem, Oats, Green Gram, Fennel, etc.
These herbs and minerals soften and smoothen the skin while effectively cleansing and exfoliating. On regular use, you can balance and retexturize the skin by reducing the appearance of cellulite.
All you do is mix the powder with water to make a paste, apply it to the face, and massage in circular motions. Then, wash off with regular water.
How To Use Turmeric For Skin?
As discussed before, the most effective ways to use Turmeric for skin is to incorporate it into DIY face packs or use skin products with Turmeric as the key ingredients. Here are some other ways you use Turmeric can benefit you -
1. Turmeric Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin:
- Ingredients: Milk, 1 tablespoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon chickpea powder.
- In a bowl, combine turmeric and chickpea powder.
- Add a few drops of milk to form a thick, smooth paste.
- Apply evenly on your face, letting it rest for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with fresh water to get rid of acne-causing bacteria.
2. Turmeric Oil for Radiant Skin:
- Ingredients: Turmeric essential oil, Olive oil.
- Combine two drops of turmeric essential oil with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Transfer to a small container for storage.
- Apply a few drops nightly before bed, massaging gently. Let it work its magic overnight.
3. Turmeric Scrub for Exfoliation:
- Combine equal parts turmeric powder, gram flour, and rose water.
- Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions.
- Rinse with warm water.
4. Turmeric for Dark Circles:
- Prepare a paste with turmeric powder and buttermilk.
- Apply beneath your eyes for 10-12 minutes.
- Gently rinse with cool water.
5. Turmeric for Sunburn Relief:
- For a soothing effect on sunburnt areas, mix turmeric powder with aloe vera gel and apply.
References -
- Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27213821/
- Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. essential oil slows hair-growth and lightens skin in axillae; a randomised, double blinded trial - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711316302549?via%3Dihub
- Effects of Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence: Effects of Curcuma longa on Skin Health - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303503087_Effects_of_Turmeric_Curcuma_longa_on_Skin_Health_A_Systematic_Review_of_the_Clinical_Evidence_Effects_of_Curcuma_longa_on_Skin_Health
- The beneficial role of curcumin in skin diseases - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569219/
- Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924417/
- The Role of Curcumin in the Modulation of Ageing - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429134/#:~:text=Curcumin%20applied%20in%20the%20diet,%2Drelated%20diseases%2C%20including%20frailty.
- Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770633/
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
- Citrus limon (Lemon) Phenomenon—A Review of the Chemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Applications in the Modern Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetics Industries, and Biotechnological Studies - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020168/
- Effects of Fermented Dairy Products on Skin: A Systematic Review - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26061422/
- Honey in dermatology and skincare: a review - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/’
In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/