Turmeric for the Skin
So you might be using turmeric already in the kitchen, but did you know you can also use it on your skin?
This yellow ayurvedic ingredient holds an esteemed place in well-being and skin care circles alike. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria (a cousin to ginger) and has been used for centuries. The primary active in the spice is curcumin.
Traditionally, in ayurveda, turmeric has been used as an ingredient in meals, as a healing tonic or supplement, and even formulated into skin elixirs for beautifying rituals.
In India and Sri Lanka turmeric is used heavily in cooking, beauty, and herbal remedies because it is really thought to be a hugely beneficial root. The two benefits that ayurveda practitioners talk about the most are brightening and reducing inflammation.
What's great about the ingredient is experts, research, and anecdotal evidence all agree: It's a multitasking wonder. "From joint pain, acne, to even hormone imbalances, curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that packs a punch," says Taz Bhatia, M.D., integrative medicine physician.
So how can you use turmeric for the skin at home?
There are many impressive ways to use turmeric in your skin care routine.
Golden milk
Improve your skin from the inside out with this much-beloved golden tonic.
Golden milk is a hot or cold beverage that's made by combining turmeric powder with a milk of your choice. You can also add cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and coconut sugar or coconut nectar to create your own favourite blend.
DIY mask
A home made face mask is really quick and easy to whip together.
Us a base of yoghurt of your choice and add ⅛ to ½ teaspoon of turmeric.
Apply an even layer to the skin, leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with warm water.
Spot treatment
Choose from a base of yoghurt, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or coconut cider vinegar.
Add a dash of turmeric powder to your selected base, blend, and apply to affected areas.
Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off.
So now we discovered that turmeric is great both in the kitchen and the bathroom, I am interested to know if you have tried it as part of your skincare regime?
Let me know in the comments below and if you have any tips or tricks, please share!
