Turmeric Benefits for Skin: Why This Golden Spice Is a Skincare Essential
When we look at the numerous turmeric skin benefits listed everywhere, it is normal to question how it is so. In this blog, let’s dive deeper to understand this potent ingredient and how it may benefit one’s epidermis.
Turmeric holds an essential place in every Indian household. Whether it is for making any dish or applying it to our skin, the uses of this herb are beyond our imagination. Also known as haldi and the Golden Spice of India, it can benefit your body and face in numerous ways.
The use of this medicinal and beneficial herb in skincare dates back a long time. We all must have seen our mothers and grandmothers using it as a part of their daily care regime. And how can we forget the haldi ritual that is an integral part of Indian weddings?
Now, you must be thinking about what special properties turmeric holds that make it so potent and beneficial. So, let us give you a detailed overview of what those are, how this herb originated, and what benefits it offers.
Origin, Properties, and Benefits of Turmeric
Scientifically known as Curcuma longa, haldi has been known to have originated in South Asia, specifically in India and Indonesia, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
Its health benefits primarily come from curcumin, a bioactive component present in this plant. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and antiseptic properties that help strengthen your body not only externally but from deep within.
It benefits our skin in many ways, as it is an old-age ingredient. It is loaded with healing properties that help treat several concerns, like acne, dark circles, scars and marks, early ageing signs, sun damage, and many more.
The best way to get the benefits of haldi for the skin is to include it in milk or tea in your daily diet. It aids proper digestion and leaves your gut free from toxins. A healthy body from within is one of the reasons to have clear, healthy, glowy skin.
Also, it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that provide a natural glow and lustre by reviving dead skin cells.
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Let's delve into the wonders of this beneficial herb and discover why it deserves a spot in your skincare routine.
- Heals inflammation or wounds
- It lightens scars and reduces stretch marks.
- Prevents acne
- Moisturises dry skin
- Reduces dark circles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation
- Prevents early signs of ageing
- Skin Brightening
- Helps Improve Skin Elasticity
Heals skin inflammation or wounds
The powerful properties, like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, of curcumin help heal wounds and inflamed epidermis by decreasing oxidation and inflammation.
This herb, when present in a cream, can help heal wounds quickly and lower the body's response to cutaneous wounds. Haldi oil for wounds boosts tissue and collagen growth to heal any infected area. Thus, it prevents infections and inflammation caused by wounds or insect bites.
For better skin healing, try using the Mother Sparsh After Bite Turmeric Balm, which provides relief from swelling, redness, and irritation from mosquito and insect bites.
It lightens scars and reduces stretch marks.
You might be amazed that this herb can help lighten scars and reduce stretch marks. The primary active ingredient in it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the excess production of melanin. This eventually lightens your scars and keeps your skin toned.
80% of women have stretch marks during their pregnancy. Also, both women and men develop stretch marks due to puberty or body changes. These white stripes on the epidermis are difficult to remove but can be lightened with the regular use of haldi. Its antioxidant properties penetrate the function of the cell membrane and improve skin texture, which eventually lightens the appearance of stretch marks.
Prevents Acne
Acne is the most common concern nowadays that needs special care and attention. While looking for options available on the market, we often find ourselves concerned because of the uncertainty about their efficiency and purity.
Haldi, on the other hand, easily available at your home, can help prevent acne by keeping germs and bacteria away with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Moisturises dry skin
Dryness and dullness are signs of dehydrated skin. During the winter, it can get worse as the skin becomes more dry and flaky due to the cold winds.
So we all want something that keeps our skin moisturised and hydrated for longer.
Turmeric, with its powerful properties, deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin by speeding up the process of relieving dead cells.
Reduces dark circles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation
Dark circles are a never-ending problem for almost everyone, be it a man or woman.
Some of the most common factors that cause dark circles are overexposure to the sun, hyperpigmentation, lack of sleep, and excessive rubbing of the eyes. Waking up to a tired-looking face with pesky bags under the eyes can be annoying (we’ve all been there).
But, thanks to Haldi, its anti-inflammatory and lightening properties help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Prevents early signs of ageing
The more you get exposed to external aggressors like pollution or sunlight, the more your skin will start depleting its natural oils. It tends to lose elasticity, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. The UV rays of the sun are the main reason for premature ageing. With premature ageing, there comes skin dullness and a lack of radiance.
The curcumin present in turmeric has strong antioxidant properties that prevent free radical production and control premature ageing by protecting the skin's cells from damage.
Skin Brightening
The antioxidants in haldi, particularly curcumin, combat free radicals that can cause damage and dullness. Its regular use can help brighten the complexion by reducing oxidative stress and promoting a healthy, radiant glow.
It also enhances the skin's natural luminosity by gently exfoliating dead cells, revealing a fresher, lighter skin tone.
Helps Improve Skin Elasticity
Haldi can help improve the elasticity of the skin. Curcumin, which is an active component of turmeric, helps enhance the production of collagen and improves your skin's healing process.
This natural herb, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps you achieve the youthful glow that you desire.
How do I use turmeric for my skin?
Now that you know about the many benefits of turmeric for the skin, you might want to know how to use it on your face.
Worry not; we are listing here some of the most common combinations that will help soothe a lot of your concerns.
Turmeric can be combined with several other ingredients to make an efficient face mask or pack that can benefit you in many ways.
1) Turmeric and Chandan Powder
- Mix it with Chandan powder and apply it to your face.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Chandan powder, aka sandalwood powder, has an immense amount of natural properties that can benefit your skin when combined with Curcuma longa, aka haldi. This paste will soften your face, giving it the desired, dewy glow!
2) Turmeric with Honey and Milk
- Mix 1 tbsp of haldi powder with 1 tbsp of milk and 1 tbsp of raw honey.
- Apply this pack all over your face and neck.
Both of these ingredients have antioxidant properties. Mixed, they help to lighten the scars and marks. It also moisturises your dry skin, keeping it hydrated all day.
3) Turmeric and Lemon
- Mix it with a few drops of lemon juice.
- Apply it all over your face and neck.
- Let the paste rest on your face for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
The antioxidant properties of lemon and turmeric benefit your skin and give it a radiant glow. This pack helps with skin lightening. Lemon also has vitamin C, which helps reduce wrinkles.
4) Turmeric and Aloe Vera Gel
- Combine haldi powder and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your face or affected areas.
- Let it sit for 10–20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face.
Aloe vera has soothing properties, and haldi has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Together, they provide you with soothing relief from acne breakouts and rashes.
Tips and precautions
It is always recommended to do a patch test before applying any turmeric-based pack to your face to avoid any sort of allergies or irritations.
Haldi can stain your skin if left on for a long time. Mix it with ingredients like yoghurt or chickpea flour to minimise staining. If your skin turns yellow, use a milk-soaked cotton ball to help remove the stain.
Do not overuse it, as it can cause skin irritations. Use it once or twice a week.
As there are a lot of options available on the market, make sure to find the most natural and organic turmeric. It will ensure the best results and minimise the risk of any skin irritation or allergies.
FAQ's
1) How does turmeric benefit your skin?
Turmeric, also known as haldi, has great anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The benefits of haldi go beyond counting when it comes to skin. It helps to make your face radiant, prevents early signs of ageing, and helps soothe inflammation and redness. Moreover, it also helps in lightening scars and reducing stretch marks.
2) Can I apply turmeric to my face every day?
Turmeric has been proven to be a potent ingredient that works wonders for both your face and body. You can apply it every day if you are not allergic to it. However, if you are allergic to it or have sensitive skin, it is better to avoid applying it.
3) Does turmeric lighten your skin?
Turmeric has great anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make your skin glow and radiant. Also, it has a component called curcumin that reduces the excess production of melanin and lightens your skin's tone.
4) How long should I keep turmeric on my face?
You can keep any haldi masks or face packs for 10–15 minutes. Keeping it for a longer period can leave a stain on your face, making it look yellowish. It is always recommended to do a patch test before applying any substance to your face to avoid any possible skin irritation or allergies.
5) How can I apply turmeric to my face?
There are a lot of ways to apply this herb to your face. You can combine it with honey, milk, besan, and many other ingredients, depending on your skin concerns and preferences. Make a paste and keep it on your face for 10–15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
6) Does turmeric darken skin?
No, it does not darken your skin. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help give it a natural glow.
