When it comes down to treatment options for acne, this powerful plant is probably not the first thing that comes to mind, especially since many people might deem natural treatments such as turmeric, inferior to cosmetic products.
However, plants have been used throughout human history due to their powerful medicinal properties. Although medicine and cosmetics both have come a long way, there's no reason to exclude natural ingredients from your skincare routine. And although we love amazing skin care products like Misumi's Clear Skin Duo Kit, don't shy away from experimenting with everything nature has to offer.
What Exactly is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant belonging to the ginger family. Due to it being native to tropical South Asia, it's most commonly used in Asian food, like curry. Because of its potent yellow color, turmeric is also referred to as "Indian saffron." The root has been used as part of holistic medicine (particularly Ayurvedic medicine) for thousands of years.
All that is well and good, but does all this history of medicinal use actually hold any merit? Can turmeric actually help with health problems and manage acne?
After more than 3,000 peer-reviewed studies published in the last twenty-five years, people have slowly started to take the healing properties and health benefits of regular turmeric consumption more seriously than ever.
Science doesn't lie - it turns out that turmeric is an antioxidant powerhouse due to the number of curcuminoids it has (curcumin in particular).
Can Turmeric Help with Acne?
Treating acne is never easy. But, as mentioned before, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant and antibacterial properties do wonders for skin health. They can work by combating redness, itchiness, hyperpigmentation, pimples, and dark circles.
Curcumin, one of turmeric's main ingredients, can treat the bacteria that cause acne breakouts. In addition, it also helps restore the natural glow and moisture in the skin and does wonders for acne scars..
Turmeric also has the power to protect the skin from the sun and oxidative damage because it fights free radicals in the body. This study found that it can help fight aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and can treat stretch marks. So not only is turmeric efficient in treating acne locally, it can be just as effective when added to our diet. But not only that - it also helps with inflammation and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with other vital vitamins and minerals. We'd definitely suggest trying turmeric for acne.
How to Use Turmeric on the Skin
Turmeric Face Masks
If you're looking for the perfect acne treatment face mask, we've got you covered. Add a pinch of turmeric to your regular face mask to witness the benefits of this miracle plant firsthand.
You could also try the following face mask.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp coconut milk
Simply mix the ingredients and apply the paste on a cleansed face. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and wash it off. This will get rid of dead skin cells and fight skin aging, leaving your face refreshed and glowing.
If you're looking for ultimate hydration and glowing skin, here's another mask you could try:
Mix half a tablespoon of raw honey with one tablespoon of turmeric and a few drops of coconut milk to make a paste. Apply it to the face and let it sit for about 20 minutes to half an hour before washing it off.
Make sure to do a patch test before using any of these masks.
Turmeric as an Exfoliator
Mix one teaspoon of olive oil with a pinch of turmeric to create an effective and revitalizing natural exfoliator. Gently rub the mix on your skin and wash it off.
Turmeric for Dark Circles
Mix one tablespoon of coconut milk with one teaspoon of turmeric and carefully apply it with a small makeup brush on your dark circles, avoiding the eyes. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
Turmeric in Conventional Skin Care
Using turmeric for acne isn't a new thing. Skin care companies have been aware of the multifaceted advantages of incorporating turmeric in their products for some time. If you want to incorporate it in products that are not so easy to make at home, like face washes, just opt for turmeric-infused products next time you go skincare shopping. You should be able to find a turmeric-based product for treating acne especially.
Turmeric for Rosacea
Rosacea is a type of chronic skin inflammation that causes severe inflammation that's especially noticeable around the nose, chin, cheeks, eyelids, and forehead area. The symptoms of this condition include easily seen blood vessels, acne, swelling, redness, a flushed face, and irritated skin.
There is no cure for rosacea yet, but some natural remedies, such as turmeric, are known to help treat the symptoms.
Turmeric helps with rosacea because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also modulates the immune system, which is a very prominent problem for those suffering from rosacea. Since it affects people with dry and sensitive skin, the moisturizing benefits of turmeric really help with treatment and further prevention. In addition, the anti-microbial properties help inhibit the growth of microbial strains.
Benefits of Turmeric for Topical Use
You can enjoy the benefits of turmeric both by applying it directly as a spot treatment or as a mask to fight acne-causing bacteria. Adding turmeric powder to your diet will also help treat acne - especially inflammatory acne.
But now we're going to talk about some of the benefits of using turmeric topically. It's proven that turmeric helps control sebum levels and removes excess oil. In addition, it also removes dirt from the pores and fights acne-causing bacteria, all the while unclogging them. It controls microbial growth, which prevents future breakouts. Turmeric also soothes dry skin, leaving you with a refreshed and glowing complexion. This natural remedy is also known to help the healing process of wounds. You can also use turmeric for acne scars.
How Often Should You Use Turmeric on your Face?
It's generally not recommended to use turmeric masks as an acne treatment more than 2-3 times a week. Be wary of any irritation. If irritation occurs or you have an allergic reaction, try reducing the number of masks you use in a week.
As long as you use natural turmeric extracts or powder without any coloring or additives, you shouldn't have any negative side effects from topical treatment. The upside of incorporating natural skin care products is that they rarely cause any adverse effects on skin health.
Turmeric is safe to use as a spot treatment or face mask multiple times a week. Some people claim that daily usage has had wonderful results.
How Does Drinking Turmeric Water Affect the Skin?
Turmeric lattes seem to be all the rage these days. But there's an even easier option that you can make at home: turmeric water. Add turmeric powder to one glass of water. Depending on your preference, you can opt for cold, room temperature, or warm water.
Make sure to stir before drinking. Add a pinch of black pepper to activate the curcumin and make the drink that much more effective.
Turmeric water reduces the inflammation in your body, and we all know by now that inflammation is one of the leading causes of mild, severe, and moderate acne. Drinking this water will help treat acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. Because it's high in antioxidants, this water can also help with the appearance of your skin, making it brighter and more youthful looking.
Turmeric (Golden) Milk for the Skin
In addition to helping fight multiple illnesses and digestive issues and boosting your immune system, golden milk can help all types of skin issues. It also helps get rid of toxins and free radicals in the body. Not to mention, it's probably the most delicious way to incorporate more turmeric into your diet.
Here is a simple and quick recipe you can use for a turmeric mask or wash:
Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with half a cup of milk ( you could also use a plant-based version) and apply it to the affected area using a clean washcloth. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and wash it off.
If you want to drink the concoction, follow this recipe:
Bring a small piece of turmeric to a boil, along with 250 ml of milk. If you're on a plant-based diet, you can use coconut milk. Remove the turmeric, strain the liquid and let it cool off for a couple of minutes before drinking.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea is an excellent option if you're thinking about incorporating more turmeric into your diet. It can be found in most grocery stores - just make sure that you check the active ingredients list to avoid ones with added chemicals or coloring. It will also help with digestion; a healthy gut is crucial for acne-free. So enjoy a cup or two a day and see all the benefits unfold.
Health Benefits and Healing Properties of Turmeric Consumption
It's no secret that our ancestors have been using this gift from nature in medicine, beauty concoctions, and food for thousands of years.
Its anti-inflammatory properties, antimicrobial properties, and antioxidant benefits make it cheap and safe for oral consumption in both herbal and regular medicine. Today, utilizing its health benefits is easier than ever. Turmeric is found in food such as ice cream, dairy products, desserts, cereals, sauces, and even popcorn. Not to mention, turmeric is the main ingredient of curry powder, giving the spice its yellow color.
It's common in many natural supplements and medicine, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, conjunctivitis, and even skin cancer. When it comes to milder health conditions, adding turmeric to your diet can help aid digestion and abdominal pain.
Here are a few specific benefits that turmeric is famous for.
Natural Liver Detoxifier
Poor dietary choices, an inactive lifestyle, and excess alcohol can lead to a decline in liver function or even a damaged liver, which is detrimental to the body. Turmeric contains phytochemicals that are crucial for this process of protecting and cleansing the liver. If the liver's job is impaired by excess toxins in the body, turmeric can help eliminate the toxins and free radicals.
Helps Aid Digestion
Digestion is a complicated process that involves the function of multiple organs. So, if you take into account the complexity of it, it's no wonder that many of us suffer from poor digestion regularly.
The lack of a nutrient-dense diet that consists of many fruits and vegetables can impair digestion. That's where turmeric comes in. Because it's composed of so many vitamins, minerals, fibers, and anti-inflammatory compounds, it can significantly add to the daily amount of nutrients you consume. And it's incredibly easy to add a teaspoon of turmeric to your favorite dish.
Manages Insulin Levels
Studies show that the consumption of turmeric can have a positive effect on people suffering from diabetes because it improves insulin resistance. Improper insulin response is a major cause of hormonal breakouts, so this benefit can directly have an impact on acne.
Turmeric Can Help Prevent Cancer
Some types of cancer react positively to curcumin supplements because they affect the growth of cancer cells and the general development of the condition. Studies suggest that turmeric can reduce the growth of cancer cells. It can also be used to prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially the types of cancer that affect the digestive system like colorectal cancer.
Turmeric Can Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Almost 44 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease worldwide. Although it's still a poorly researched topic, a few studies have shown that the natural phytochemicals, such as curcumin, can help with the treatment of Alzheimer's because they have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps fight infection.
Turmeric Can Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. Curcumin, the ingredient found in turmeric, is proven to improve the function of the endothelium (the lining of your blood vessels). Its benefits for heart health are similar to those of exercise and the drug Atorvastatin.
Can Turmeric Cause Acne?
There are no studies showing a link between turmeric application and consumption with acne, but you should be aware of some of the side effects that can occur as a consequence of using turmeric, both topically and orally. Everything can be damaging when used in excess, so be wary of how many times a week you add it in your skincare routine. While some people benefit from using turmeric face masks every day of the week, others with more sensitive skin could potentially find them harmful when used so often.
Are There any Side-Effects of Turmeric Consumption?
The most common side effects of turmeric include allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, digestive issues, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Extreme overuse can cause an abnormal heart rhythm.
The recommended daily dose of turmeric is from 500 to 1,000 milligrams of curcuminoids a day. Although safe in theory, make sure to be cautious of turmeric consumption if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, suffering from gallbladder disease or kidney stones, if you have diabetes, if you're suffering from iron deficiency or if you have a bleeding disorder. Make sure to combine turmeric with a pinch of black pepper for better nutrient absorption.
Can You Get any Side-Effects from Using Turmeric Topically?
Just like any other skin care product, using turmeric for acne can be risky. For starters, ensure that you're using pure, organic turmeric powder without additives or coloring.
Don't use turmeric on your face if you're allergic to it since it can result in red and irritated skin. Pay special attention to the recommended dosage and slowly incorporate it into your skincare routine so that your body has time to adjust. If you do have an allergic reaction, seek professional medical advice.
If you're worried about how it will affect your skin, try doing a patch test before using it on your entire face. You can also always talk to a healthcare professional.
Turmeric can temporarily stain the skin and leave a noticeable residue. So if you're using turmeric masks for reducing acne, wash them off properly.
