When you think of turmeric, a tasty curry dish might come to mind, but hold that thought! Turmeric is not only delicious; it’s also great for your skin! And just like many of nature’s amazing natural ingredients, it has valuable skin benefits as well! Indian women in particular have been using turmeric as a skin care ingredient for centuries.
Turmeric contains a phytochemical called curcumin, which can benefit the body, both inside and out. Turmeric is obviously one of the ingredients in the turmeric face mask recipe, but the mask also contains two other important ingredients with lots of benefits for your skin.
Health Benefits of Turmeric for the Skin
Curcumin (the main compound in turmeric) is an effective ingredient to soothe skin irritations, treat burns and relieve the pain of sunburn. Turmeric mask also works for acne, eczema and psoriasis. It reduces inflammation and facial redness, and promotes skin healing. Due to turmeric’s antioxidant properties, it has been used for skin rejuvenation. It helps softening lines and wrinkles, giving the face a more youthful appearance. It is also effective with rosacea, a chronic skin condition that is characterized by redness and pimples. It eases the redness and treats this disease. Curcumin for skin health can help to alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Both oral and topical curcumin supplements offer therapeutic benefits for skin health.
The basic turmeric face mask is easy to make and acts as a moisturizer, exfoliator and reduces redness. It brightens the skin and makes it look fresh and clean. This is also due to the other natural ingredients. The basic ingredients here are: honey and plain yogurt (or milk).
Facial Mask for Oily Skin
For oily skin, make a paste by mixing 1½ tablespoons of sandalwood powder and a pinch of ground turmeric with 3 tablespoons of orange juice and apply it on your face. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Turmeric is beneficial for oily skin as it regulates the production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sandalwood acts as an astringent and orange juice, being a source of vitamin C, helps clear the blemishes.
Facial Mask for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you can make a face mask by combining 1 egg white, 2 drops of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and rose water and a pinch of turmeric. This can be applied to all dry areas such as the face, neck, elbows and knees. Allow it to dry completely and then wash off with warm water.
Treatment of Wrinkles
Turmeric, in combination with other ingredients, is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. You can prepare a face pack by mixing turmeric powder and rice powder with raw milk and tomato juice, and apply it on your face and neck for 30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. This will reduce wrinkles as well as brighten your skin. If you have dark circles, you can add a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of buttermilk and apply it around your eyes for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This is effective in eliminating wrinkles as well as dark circles.
Signs of Aging
Being an excellent exfoliating agent, turmeric can help eliminate the signs of aging. You can make a paste by mixing besan (gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions with water. This paste can also be prepared in raw milk or even yogurt. Apply it evenly on your body and allow it to dry. Rinse off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in a circular motion.
Treatment of Stretch Marks
Turmeric can help lighten stretch marks. For this purpose, apply a mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric with yogurt or raw milk and water on the stretch marks.
Soothes Burns
Turmeric can provide quick relief in case of burns, thanks to its antiseptic properties. You can apply a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel on the burn and experience the wound heal in no time.
Reduction of Skin Pigmentation and Skin Tanning
To remove skin tanning and pigmentation, apply a mixture of turmeric powder and lemon or cucumber juice on the affected area for 20-30 minutes and wash off with clean water. This should be done regularly for effective results.
Treatment of Cracked Heels
Turmeric is an excellent healing agent. If you have cracked heels, you can apply a mixture of 3 spoons of turmeric with a few drops of coconut or castor oil on your heels for 10 to 15 minutes before taking a bath. Doing this regularly will soften your heels.
By Umaru Maryam Hadejia
