Turmeric: Benefits for Skin & Its Uses

Turmeric is an old condiment in the Indian kitchen and every kitchen worldwide. It is renowned as a quick hangover cure and has other health benefits like improved respiration and digestion. At the same time, the benefits of turmeric for skin are something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Let’s uncover how to use turmeric on the skin and the benefits it can have.
 

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a root that is the cousin of the ginger plant family. The rhizome (stem) is a medicinal component in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. Native to Southeast Asia, it is primarily used as the main ingredient of curries in India and its neighbouring countries.

Today, it is gaining prominence as a dietary supplement due to its multiple benefits. Scientific research states its benefits in managing the symptoms of conditions like arthritis, allergies, depression, liver disease and several other health ailments. For ages, turmeric has also been used as a paste to treat skin conditions.
 

Benefits of Turmeric for Skin

Reducing toxins from the body can curb the effects of many skin related ailments. Tumeric sparks the digestive fire, which helps reduce these toxins. Let’s look at some turmeric skin benefits that make it a staple for modern skincare.

1. Skin Whitening

In Ayurveda, turmeric has been the frontrunner for skin whitening for ages. It is known to improve skin tone while reducing dark spots and patches. The skin whitening effect of turmeric is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

For this reason, before every Indian wedding, the bride and groom smeared turmeric all over their body. According to research, a lotion containing turmeric can brighten your skin tone within three weeks of use.
 

2. Treating Acne

Acne is the most common skin-related problem every one of us has faced at some point in life. While there are numerous medications and treatments for it, many of them can cause additional troubles in the form of irritation and red skin.

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of turmeric can keep the bacteria from spreading further. It can also reduce the swelling of blemishes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
 

3. Glowing Skin

Don’t you like naturally glowing skin? Of course, you do, but the increasing pollution and daily life stressors can make the skin dull. Turmeric can help you regain the glow and lustre of your skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce the damage caused to the skin due to inflammation and free radicals.
 

4. Moisturising Dry Skin

Dryness makes the skin look dull and dehydrated, and it can be even worse during the months of winter. Besides using rich and nourishing lotions throughout the day, giving extra care to the skin is necessary. 

A turmeric-infused mask and hydrate and soften your skin to make it look more youthful. Turmeric is known to intensely hydrate the skin, nourish it and catalyse the process of dead skin cell removal. It can also help reduce the signs and symptoms of dry skin-related problems like eczema.
 

5. Reducing Stretch Marks

While stretch marks formed on the stomach, arms and legs are difficult to get rid of, turmeric can help. The antioxidants in turmeric penetrate the skin and improve the functioning of membrane cells, which can help lighten stretch marks.
 

6. Preventing Premature Signs of Ageing

The potent antioxidants of curcumin prevent free radical production, which helps control ageing. Turmeric protects the skin from the harmful UV radiation of the sun, which is the primary cause of the appearance of premature signs of ageing. 

When the skin is stripped of its natural oils, it tends to lose its elasticity and starts showing wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants present in turmeric also protect the skin cells from environmental damage.
 

How to Use Turmeric for Skin?

To reap the most benefits of turmeric for skin, you can use two application methods. You can either prepare turmeric-infused face masks and pastes for application on the face and skin or use beauty and skincare products with turmeric contents. Some of the ways to use turmeric on skin are:

1. Turmeric and Milk

Turmeric mixed with milk is an excellent remedy to fight against the damage caused to the skin by free radicals. The Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) present in the milk help in deep exfoliation of the skin to make it look moisturised and healthy-looking.

 The steps to use turmeric and milk for skin are:

• Mix turmeric powder and milk into a fine paste
• Apply the paste all over the face and neck, and leave it until it dries
• Wash it off with cold water for youthful and glowing skin

2. Turmeric and Lemon

Lemon juice has bleaching effects, and turmeric imparts a natural glow. The citric acid contents of lemon also deeply cleanse the pores to remove the excess dirt, sebum and bacteria. Therefore, the combination of turmeric and lemon is a match made in heaven for skin lightening. 

The steps to use turmeric and lemon mask most effectively are:

• Mix turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon juice in a bowl to make a smooth paste
• Spread it all over your neck and face with a cosmetic brush
• Let the paste rest for about 5 to 10 minutes
• Rinse it with warm water and pat yourself dry with a clean towel

3. Turmeric and Honey

A turmeric and honey mask helps you get glowing skin while deeply moisturising it at the same time. Honey is a natural moisturiser that soothes and hydrates the skin. It also helps remove acne scars and signs of ageing by inhibiting free radicals. 

The steps to make a turmeric and honey mask at home are:

• Mix half a tablespoon of turmeric powder with a half tablespoon of milk and honey
• Apply the pack over your face and neck, and let it rest for 15 minutes
• Wash it with lukewarm water and dry the face with a clean towel.

4. Turmeric and Coconut Oil

Coconut is renowned in beauty and skincare for its calming nature and antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also acts as an excellent skin-hydrating ingredient that helps prevent excess sebum production. 

The steps to correctly use the turmeric and coconut oil for skin are:

• Mix turmeric powder and coconut oil into a smooth paste
• Apply it all over your neck and face after cleansing it with a face wash or a face cleanser
• Massage it well in a circular motion for a couple of minutes
• Let it sit for another 5 to 7 minutes before wiping it off
• Rinse the mix from your face using a mild cleanser

5. Turmeric and Curd

Curd contains good bacteria that can help your skin glow. It also nourishes your skin and suits people having dry or oily skin types. It also helps improve your skin’s elasticity. 

Here is how to make a perfect mix of turmeric and curd for the skin:

• Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with curd, fuller’s earth powder, sandalwood and rose water
• Apply the paste to your face and neck and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.
• Repeat the process once a week

Turmeric for Skin – Best Products

These are some of the highly recommended products infused with the goodness of turmeric that you can add to your skincare and beauty regimes.

1. Alps Goodness Healing Facial Kit – Turmeric

Customer rating: 3.9 / 5

The Alps Goodness Healing Facial Kit – Turmeric is a 5-step rejuvenating process for getting a healthy and glowing skin like you always desired. Enriched with the goodness of sandalwood and turmeric, it is an excellent facial routine for all skin types. The facial kit not only nourishes and heals the skin from within but also removes all the dirt and impurities to give you flawless skin.

Explore: Amazing Alps Goodness Facial kits & Bleaches 

2. Mamaearth Ubtan Body Scrub with Turmeric and Saffron for Tan Removal

Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

The traditions passed on to us by our ancestors carry scientific significance with them. Similarly, the Mamaearth Ubtan Body Scrub with Turmeric and Saffron is infused with the benefits of turmeric, saffron and walnut beads to provide a comprehensive tan-removal solution. The body scrub also helps hydrate your skin and keep the dryness at bay

Explore: Best Rated mamaearth Body Scrubs. 

3. Good Vibes Turmeric Deep Cleansing Face Wash

Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Infused with turmeric’s antibacterial and pore cleansing properties, the face wash promotes clear-looking skin by unclogging blocked pores and profoundly cleansing them. It also lays off the traces of dirt and oil and refreshes your skin. Suitable for all skin types, the Good Vibes Turmeric Deep Cleansing Face Wash provides in-depth nourishment for your skin.

Explore: Top Recommended Good Vibes Face wash

4. Vayam Ayurveda Skin Purifying Face Pack Concocted with Turmeric and Fuller’s Earth Powder

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Incorporating the benefits of turmeric and fuller earth powder, this face pack helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. The Vayam Ayurveda Skin Purifying Face Pack also helps reduce the premature signs of ageing and rejuvenates the skin. It is also loaded with anti-acne and antibacterial properties to provide you with blemish-free and glowing skin.

Explore: Top selling Vayam Ayurveda Face pack  

5. Mamaearth Ubtan Body Lotion with Turmeric and Kokum Butter for Glowing Skin

Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5

The Mamaearth Ubtan Body Lotion with Turmeric and Kokum Butter for Glowing Skin contains turmeric and kokum butter’s antioxidant and hydrating benefits. Ideal for all types of skin, it imparts moisture and adds a radiant glow to the skin. It improves the overall health and elasticity of the skin. Here are some fruits that gives us glowing skin. check them out!

Explore: Amazing Body Lotion by mamaearth

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take for turmeric to work on the skin?

Ans. A lotion formulation of turmeric essential oil can brighten the skin within three weeks, with results lasting for similar periods.

2. Can I apply turmeric on the skin and keep it overnight?

Ans. Turmeric is known to have the propensity to stain. Therefore, you must avoid keeping turmeric applied to your skin overnight, especially if you have a lighter skin complexion.

3. Can turmeric cause pimples and acne?

Ans. Leaving turmeric on your face for an extended period might lead to yellow spots on your skin. Overdosing your skin with turmeric can also trigger acne.

You can incorporate turmeric into your skincare by making turmeric-infused remedies at home or choosing from the recommended products above. The information provided above is everything you need to know about turmeric and its benefits for the skin. Additionally, you can visit our website or download our app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for all your haircare, skincare and beauty needs.

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