Superfoods are always a big deal in the health and beauty world. From blueberries, to kale, to avocado, there is a long list of foods that keep you young and vital. And, as it turns out, many of them do wonders for your skin, as well. A more recent addition to the list of super foods for your skin is an Asian spice called Turmeric. It’s a bright yellow spice used in many curries, and is chock full of anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.
But how does it help your skin? Check out our top tips for using turmeric to give you healthy, glowing skin.
1. Give your skin a healthy glow
If you’ve got redness, or dark bags under your eyes, try using turmeric on those trouble areas. It can brighten your skin, even your skin tone, and give you a healthier, glowing look. Add a half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your regular moisturizer and blend well. You’ll see improvement in your skin tone after only a few applications.
2. Heal wounds and scars
Turmeric is well-known for its effect on scar tissues, and ability to fight disease. Whether you struggle with chronic acne, psoriasis, or even scabies, Turmeric powder blended with cold water and applied with a cool cloth can cleanse your pores, fight bacteria, and even heal old scars. It works to lighten acne scars, stretch marks, and other kinds of scarring and discoloration.
3. Prevent breakouts
Not only can turmeric powder help heal old acne scars and discoloration, it can actually help prevent future breakouts. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, which means it fights bacteria, and helps keep your pores clear. It’s healthy for both oily skin that is prone to acne, or dry skin that can lead to itchiness, swelling, or redness.
4. Even skin tone
Speaking of redness, thanks to the lightening and anti-inflammatory effects turmeric has on your skin, it can help even your skin tone, smoothing out your trouble spots. Adding a small amount of turmeric powder to your moisturizer, or making a simple paste with turmeric and water can moisturize dry skin, soothe itching skin, and lighten dark or red patches. You can even use it to slow hair growth!
5. Look Younger For Longer
Because turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and heals everything from skin discoloration to old scar tissue, it’s no wonder it has anti-aging properties. Using night cream with turmeric powder can reduce signs of wrinkles and fine lines. Along with evening your skin tone, to give you a younger glow, turmeric’s ability to fight free radicals protects against signs of aging, and works to moisturize your skin. It even protects against skin cancer!
You can create an effective turmeric skin treatment by mixing cold water and a teaspoon or two of turmeric to create a paste, or mix it into your own products. But as turmeric gains popularity, some beauty companies have begun using turmeric in some of their products. Check the label of your favorite green or cruelty-free beauty lines for moisturizers, anti-aging products and even toner that uses turmeric to keep your skin healthy and even-toned.
Dangers of Turmeric
Ingesting too much turmeric can cause upset stomachs, and even lead to vomiting. This is why investing in a supplement with turmeric can be safer and more convenient. Generally, using it in skin care products is pretty safe, however, it does have a strong odor, and a tendency to turn everything yellow. If you’re using powders or mixing it with your personal products, be careful not to overdo it. There are no known health risks to using turmeric on your skin.
*You should avoid taking oral turmeric supplements if you have low iron, or other blood conditions. Turmeric in large doses can cause blood thinning.
Turmeric is a super food that combats aging, bacteria and even free radicals. Like many others, it’s good both inside and outside your body. When used in a supplement that combines other powerful antioxidants, you can't go wrong!
