There are several benefits of turmeric to care for the skin. However, precautions should also be taken regarding its possible side effects.
Did you know that it is possible to use turmeric to take care of the skin? So is. Although perhaps these uses are not as mentioned or known as its other benefits.
Within the movement of clean beauty, the turmeric, sulfur or saffron of India, as it is also known, is gaining popularity. It is incorporated into daily routines to combat acne, lighten blemishes and even wax.
The root of this plant contains a compound called curcumin, of powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This would explain why turmeric is so good for skin care.
How to use turmeric to care for the skin?
For a long time, the root of turmeric has been appreciated, both from a culinary point of view and for its contributions to nutrition and health. There are supplements or preparations that are ready to consume or use. But there are also formulations that we can make ourselves, in homemade recipes.
Let’s see what are the various ways to use turmeric to care for the skin:
- It can consume in tablets or capsules (supplements).
- In the kitchen you can include in recipes.
- Place the zest, powder or small strips of the turmeric root directly on the skin.
- Turmeric essential oil: is applied topically.
- Lotion homemade: placing a few drops of the essential oil in our moisturizing cream.
- Turmeric masks: they are made with the powdered extract, adding various ingredients (coconut oil, mint or honey).
- Turmeric tea: 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric are added to 3 or 4 cups of boiled water and let stand.
- Gel: with aloe vera, turmeric and argan oil.
- Pasta: It can be made with milk, sea salt and flour or just water.
Benefits of turmeric for skin care
In general, they are attributed to this root anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Next we will know what are, in a particular way, the benefits of turmeric to take care of the skin.
1. Acne treatment
Its main component, curcumin, is considered an antiseptic and antibacterial. Because of this, can reduce the proliferation of bacteria that cause acne, in addition to promoting the inflammation of the affected parts.
Combined with other ingredients (honey, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, aloe vera, lauric acid), it is believed that turmeric powder masks can diminish acne scars as well.
2. Lighten skin
It is considered that turmeric inhibits melanin productionso it can be used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, to lighten spots.
3. Shine and smoothness
Another benefit that turmeric can provide to the skin, as far as the tone is concerned, is to make it shine again. Even the smoothness, since improves microcirculation.
4. Dark circles
In the same order of ideas, applied with caution, turmeric reduces dark circles that form around the eyes due to tiredness, poor sleep or stress.
5. Sun damage
Thanks to its antioxidant virtuesturmeric can neutralize or reduce the effects of sun exposure, pollution or other external irritants.
6. Traces of aging
What’s more, promotes collagen production. In this way, the appearance of wrinkles is slowed down and sagging is prevented as signs of premature aging.
7. Psoriasis and eczema
As it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric helps in managing the symptoms of these skin conditionsreducing and preventing dryness, cracking and bleeding.
8. Unwanted hair
It has been observed that the application of a turmeric paste for several weeks can delay or reduce hair growth in unwanted areas. It is especially useful in armpits or in the bozo of women.
9. Cure and disinfect wounds
In addition to reducing inflammation and calming irritation, applying it as a paste on wounds, turmeric accelerates the formation of new tissue.
10. Mites and parasites
Whether taken in supplements or applied topically, turmeric helps to take care of the skin from the effects of parasites and miteseliminating even those that produce scabies.
11. Other conditions
It is claimed that, due to its properties, Turmeric prevents or reduces the effects of various conditions. In this sense, it is considered beneficial to treat dryness, stretch marks, scleroderma and vitiligo.
Is turmeric effective for skin care?
Although it is still necessary to delve deeper into the subject, until now some research has been carried out that allows endorsing certain benefits of turmeric to take care of the skin:
- In a revision 2011 examined the parasiticidal activity of turmeric. Among other conclusions, it is stated that the combination of turmeric and extract of neem (or neem) is effective in treating inflammation in scabies.
- In a animal study it was found that turmeric antioxidant compounds ameliorated observed skin damage of the rats
- Other randomized study, with the participation of 60 women between the ages of 18 and 23, determined that turmeric oil can delay the growth of axillary hair. In the same investigation it was also observed that turmeric oil improved skin illumination quickly and effectivelywhich persisted 2 weeks after treatment ceased.
- In other laboratory work conducted on animals, curcumin treatment was found to be associated with faster wound healing.
- On the other hand, a 2009 study conducted on mice showed that turmeric extract can prevent wrinkles and loss of elasticity on the skin.
Despite these findings, more research is still required, especially considering that most of these studies have been conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and even with animals.
Possible side effects and precautions
Not everything is perfect. Not even when it comes to a natural product with so many beneficial properties. You should consult your doctor if you are going to try this natural treatment..
Ideally, make sure you are not allergic to the product. Also, people who are taking iron supplements or blood thinners should use turmeric with caution.
One of the considerations that is most often made regarding this root is that it can stain the skin. For this reason, it is recommended not to leave the masks on the face for too long. Likewise, it is preferable to mix it with milk and water of witch hazel to wash.
Some people may experience irritation, burning or redness is observed after removing the product. In the event of any reaction, it is advisable to clean the area immediately and stop the treatment.
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