Does Turmeric really brighten skin?

Don’t be shocked when I tell you that the golden spice you love to cook with is more than just good for a curry!

Turmeric is indeed the best multi talented ingredient out there that delivers a punch in more ways than one. This south Indian spice staple gives depth and color to your dishes and guess what, it is also an excellent health booster inside out. It is such an anti- inflammatory herbal rock star and no struggle to get your hands on.

Herbs and spices

Curcumin is the secret weapon here that delivers the anti inflammatory powers this herb is hailed for. Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family and the curcumin in the yellow powder that it produces.

Don’t confuse it with cumin, the other amazing spice you love to cook with because those are actually the seeds of the plant and are more pungent. For skin care the turmeric is the better option and all its benefits to be revealed below.

What turmeric does to skin

So does turmeric really brighten skin? If we take a closer look at all its protective qualities then I’m sure the mystery starts to unfold:

Protects skin from inflammation

Inflammation is such a sore point when it comes down to skin issues. From acne to eczema and aging, if you don’t curb inflammation your skin will never be healthy. Turmeric has powerful properties that stops this in its tracks and prevents it from progressing.

Protects skin from free radical damage

We know the stress our skin endures from our polluted air, the sun, chemicals in our food and water and medication we may be taking. Also, this causes premature aging, so turmeric defends our system from these volatile agents and in doing so our skin reveals the natural anti oxidant boost received.

Protects skin from bacteria

 

More specifically it guards against the bacteria that cause acne. So if you want to free your life from this nuisance, look into ways to use turmeric and toss out those pimples!

If we soak up all of these protective powers of turmeric the end result would definitely be a brighter, more evenly balanced and trouble free skin!

Topical vs Edible

Before you bolt off into the spice cupboard you need to know about the different types of turmeric out there. The one you cook with is not the best option for your skin as it stains like crazy. The topical one is known as kasturi manjal in the Ayurveda worlds or wild turmeric. Don’t try to cook woth this though as its extremely bitter so store it for the skin care toolkit. You can find this at any good health shop or one of your trusted online stores. As usual the more organic the product the better for you!

Whether you going to eat it or apply directly to your skin the anti inflammatory boost will be delivered and you are well on your way to a brighter more beautiful skin:)

Get creative

Once you have found your wild organic turmeric, why don’t you start on making your own face masks at home. These days you don’t have to spend a fortune on face lifts and other spa treatments. You can get the same results if not even better by staying home in “the lab”.

Brightening Face Mask

• 2 tablespoons of ground oats
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 tablespoons yogurt
• A few drops of honey
• Mix all above ingredients into a paste like consistency. Apply a layer to your face and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse off i gently to remove.
• Finish off with your moisturizer or face serum.

Brightening Facial Scrub

• one tablespoon honey
• one teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Combine all of the above and a few drops of water for a great anti bacterial  and anti inflammatory facial scrub. Gently move your fingers in circular motions, avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Egg on your face

This will give you an instant mini face lift

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 pinch ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon organic extra virgin olive oil OR almond oil
• Mix yolk, turmeric, and oil together to make a paste. Apply to the face and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Spot buster

For this treatment I like to use apple cider vinegar if the pimple is really annoying but you can use yogurt too and then add a sprinkle of turmeric powder to a tablespoon the vinegar or yogurt and dab it onto the affected areas. Make sure you have done this on an already cleansed face and then leave on for 15min and rinse off. Carry on with the next steps in your skin care regime 🙂

To sum up

Turmeric has all the anti inflammatory and anti oxidants your skin craves. Not only is it a delicious ingredient in cooking but can be applied topically for a glowing result.

If you are worried about that yellow stains then you can find wild organic turmeric or kasturi manjal that will be less coloring but bitter so don’t add to your curry!

Don’t stress if you can’t get your hands on the non-staining version, carry on with your spice cupboard but use less and thinner layers when applying!

You can get creative in “the lab” and yield amazing home made treatments to brighten your skin, get rid of acne or simply give yourself a natural face lift!

Oh and a cautionary note, your pet may chase you around the house when you try these treatments just because you smell so yummy:)

So next time you look in the mirror and a dull complexion is staring back at you know there is a spice that can give your skin the boost it needs.

Love your skin naturally!