Glowing with Turmeric!

Turmeric in skincare

Turmeric is said to have a multitude of health benefits, ranging from helping to stop the development of cancer to helping the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and relieving allergies. The latin name for turmeric is Curcuma longa, and it is the main spice of many dishes from the Indian subcontinent. The key component in turmeric responsible for its medicinal properties is curcumin.

But what does it do for our skin?

Turmeric face masks have been a part of my upbringing, as soon as I hit my teens I was always mixing up my own masks, and turmeric was always the key ingredient. Every time I went to Bangladesh, this would be reinforced, as my Nan and cousins all had great skin and we would all have face mask nights, where the ingredients came from the kitchen. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The glow from using tumeric is so well known that in the Indian subcontinent, it is an essential part of getting the bride ready for her marriage, so much so, that it even has its own ceremony known as ‘gaye (pronounced ga-yeh) holud’ or ‘haldi’. The ceremony is usually held just before the wedding. I’ve dug up a pic from when I got married and you can see I am wearing a yellow outfit as well! (designed by hubby).

It is part of an ancient cultural heritage based on natural beauty secrets to ensure that the bride looked radiant and had wonderfully glowing skin on her wedding day.

Turmeric skin benefits

Can be used to help eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes Reduces skin inflammation and slows down cell damage as it is high in antioxidants.
Speeds up wound healing, calms pores to decrease acne and acne scarring and control psoriasis.
Can even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of pigmentations.
Gently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling soft and glowing.

Cautions

Always conduct a skin test even though, curcumin produces no toxicity, however, in its powder form it will temporarily stain your fingers but this will wash out very quickly, also make sure you don’t get it on your clothes.
Always try and use organic turmeric.