Turmeric, the bright yellow spice commonly found in your kitchen, is not just for spicing up your curry. It’s a powerhouse ingredient in skin care that has been used for thousands of years for its incredible healing properties. If you’ve ever wondered why this golden root is popping up in so many beauty products lately, Naturopath Bridget Carmady, founder of Clemence Organics, shares exactly why turmeric deserves a place in your skin care routine.
The power of turmeric in skin care
According to Bridget, turmeric is a “beautiful natural ingredient,” and for good reason. It’s packed with a key compound called curcumin, which brings a range of skin benefits. “Its key compound, curcumin, offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and combat acne,” she explains.
If you’ve ever struggled with skin irritation, acne, or redness, turmeric could be a game-changer for you. Beyond soothing the skin, it also helps brighten the complexion, fading hyperpigmentation and even supporting skin healing. “It also works to brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and support healing,” Bridget adds.
Not only does turmeric combat blemishes, but it’s also a protective agent, fighting off the effects of environmental stressors and preventing premature aging. Some studies even suggest it might have anti-cancer effects, adding yet another layer to its impressive resume.
What skin concerns can turmeric help with
Turmeric’s broad range of benefits means it’s suitable for many skin concerns. “Having such broad benefits for skin means that it can help with a wide array of skin concerns. Perhaps the biggest gains can be made with acne due to its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties,” Bridget notes.
If you’re dealing with acne, turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory qualities can help reduce swelling and redness, speeding up the healing process. It’s not just for acne, though. Skin conditions that involve inflammation, such as eczema and rosacea, can also benefit from turmeric’s soothing properties.
And it doesn’t stop there! Turmeric is becoming a popular ingredient in brightening products due to its ability to correct uneven skin tone. “More recently we are also seeing turmeric used in products for skin brightening due to its natural ability to brighten skin and correct uneven skin tone,” says Bridget.
Side effects to spicing up your skin care game?
Turmeric is versatile, and skin care brands use it in various ways to tap into its benefits. Some products incorporate whole root powder, which offers natural exfoliation and soothing effects. However, Bridget points out that turmeric extracts are often used for more targeted benefits, such as skin tone correction.
While turmeric is generally known for being gentle on the skin, Bridget does mention a couple of things to keep in mind. “There are very few side effects reported from the use of turmeric as it’s such a gentle ingredient. The most common concern is temporary staining, which can occur when using whole root powder, particularly in DIY treatments or masks.”
So, while it’s unlikely you’ll experience any major irritation, you might notice a bit of yellow staining – particularly if you’re using turmeric powder in DIY face masks. No worries though, the stain will usually wash off, but it’s worth noting!
Another point to consider is that turmeric’s potent antioxidant properties can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Bridget recommends pairing any turmeric-based skin care with a good sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
A touch of turmeric
For optimal results, turmeric can be used regularly, depending on the form it takes in your skin care product. Bridget recommends daily use for products containing turmeric extracts, such as the Brightening Eye + Skin Serum. “Products containing extracts can be used daily,” she explains. However, if the product contains whole root powder (like the Kora Brightening & Exfoliating Mask), she suggests limiting its use to 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation.
With all the incredible benefits turmeric offers, it’s no wonder that this golden spice is becoming a skin care staple. From reducing acne to brightening your complexion and protecting your skin, turmeric’s ancient healing properties are as relevant today as ever. And, as delicious to your skin as they are your taste buds!
