Why is turmeric good for your skin?

Ever since we first sipped on the golden milk latte in 2016, our love affair with turmeric has blossomed into a full-blown obsession. Yes, this wonderful spice has even made espresso-free lattes popular.

But seriously, turmeric is no longer just associated with delicious Indian cuisine, but has found its way into every aspect of our daily lives, from soothing an upset stomach to supplementing, clearing acne, and even whitening teeth. Since turmeric is one of the most scientifically studied herbs, its benefits are staggering.

So, why don’t we just dive in and take a deep dive into this living spice?

What is turmeric?

Turmeric powder is extracted from a variety of turmeric root native to Southeast Asia, known as Curcuma longa. The root contains a compound called curcumin, which gives the powder its characteristic bright yellow color and is a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric also has antimicrobial properties, can reduce pigmentation, treat stretch marks, and not to mention, is a very tasty addition to dishes. And that’s just the beginning of what this spice has to offer.

The health and beauty benefits of turmeric have been used for centuries in Eastern cultures, from cooking to making homemade face masks. Curcumin is so potent that there is nothing that this spice can’t cure. It wasn’t until recent years that Western cultures discovered the hidden wonders of this beauty potion, and today turmeric can be found in a variety of skin care products like serums, cleansers, toners, face masks, and more.

Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s continue our journey and see what benefits this ancient spice has for the skin.

What are the benefits of turmeric for skin?

A question that is easier to answer is how long is a piece of string. The benefits of turmeric are seemingly endless, and here are the main benefits of turmeric:

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory

Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This means that it can fight eczema and rosacea by reducing redness and calming the skin during active flare-ups. By taking a turmeric supplement, you can relieve digestive issues and intestinal discomfort caused by inflammation, which means this spice will keep you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out.

Turmeric Lightens Skin Pigmentation

Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant that can reverse the signs of sun damage, such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation, by fighting environmental aggressors and free radicals. Unfortunately, UV damage can’t be completely corrected, but turmeric can lighten dark spots on your face, making them less noticeable. It does this by blocking more UV rays from reaching damaged skin cells, which then produce excess melanin, causing dark spots to appear darker. It’s easy to think of turmeric as a shield that protects pigmentation from the sun and reduces sun exposure, which can make pigmentation lighter.

Turmeric Lightens Dark Circles

Similar to what was mentioned previously, turmeric can help get rid of dark circles by lightening hyperpigmentation. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also stimulate blood circulation in the eye area, sometimes actually slowing it down quite a bit. It can reduce signs of puffiness and dark circles while being gentle on the sensitive eye area.

Turmeric Soothes Dry Skin

Turmeric moisturizes the skin, rejuvenating the complexion and restoring a healthy glow. It does this by naturally speeding up the process of shedding dead skin cells and revealing fresh skin. The magic doesn’t stop there, the fresh layer of skin is protected from toxins, free radicals and other UV rays.

Turmeric Clears Skin Blemishes

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can be a great help for blemish-prone skin. The antimicrobial properties prevent the spread of bacteria, perfect for preventing unwanted spots, while the anti-inflammatory properties fight acne that is already active on the skin. Size and redness are reduced and the healing process can begin.

Turmeric Reduces the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Turmeric’s antioxidant properties can penetrate the skin and treat stretch marks. This is achieved by improving the function of the skin’s membrane cells, which are the layers of skin that show signs of scarring. By topically applying oil-based body care products enriched with curcumin, stretch marks can be reduced and skin can appear smoother.

Turmeric Speeds Up Skin Healing

Applying turmeric to broken skin, such as: B. cuts or even scars, will significantly speed up the healing time of your skin. Antimicrobial properties protect exposed wounds from bacterial infection, as scars are relieved and healed over a considerable period of time.

These skin benefits are why you’ll find this clever herb in many skin care products that contain turmeric. You can also add some extra super-spice magic to your body by adding a supplement to your daily routine. However, as with all dietary supplements, it’s recommended to seek the help of a doctor before taking it.

How to Use Turmeric in Your Skin Care Routine

From cleansers to face masks, all skin care products have added this golden spice at least once. But before you raid your spice rack, you need to know that there is a difference between turmeric used in cooking and turmeric used in skin care products.

The amount of curcumin in everyday turmeric is very low at 2-9%, which has little effect on the skin. If anything, it’s likely to stain, so it’s best to leave DIY masks to your Pinterest boards. Cosmetic curcumin is actually colorless, and this compound is found in beauty products.

Turmeric can treat a variety of skin conditions, which means it’s safe for all skin types. To find the best product for you, you must first consider which step in your daily regimen you like the most. Then give your skin a boost of this radiant superfood without disrupting your daily routine. Here are three products that are most worth introducing this multitasking ingredient into your skincare routine.

Cleansers – Great for sensitive skin if you’re a little concerned that turmeric might cause a reaction. Cleansers are left on the skin for a minimal amount of time and washed off quickly with warm water, allowing your skin to experience the flavor of turmeric but not long enough to cause irritation.

Serums – If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you may find that serums, especially those used at night, have a noticeable effect on the overall appearance and texture of your skin. Active pimples will be calmed and shrunken, while any pimples waiting to burst to the surface will be stopped by the antibacterial properties of the super herb.

Masks – For the ultimate in pampering, turmeric masks offer all the skin-transforming benefits of any other product, but in one luxurious application. Masks are often formulated to give you a radiant, smooth complexion.

Of course, there are many more products containing turmeric that you can try, but the ones mentioned above will really give your skin the healthy glow you desire.

What are the side effects of turmeric?

There are very few side effects to this natural spice, as long as you remember that there is a difference between turmeric in cooking and turmeric in skincare to avoid unwanted blemishes.

With all these new discoveries about glowing skin, I hope you all will take care of your skin and body with this superfood. It’s unusual to find an ingredient that works wonders from the inside out. Even better, turmeric lattes are delicious, too.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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