Turmeric is a versatile Indian spice. The color of saffron, with tinge of gold, this spice forms not just an integral part of the South Asian cuisine, but also carries medicinal properties that have made it a staple in the ancient Indian medicine.
Alongside other uses of turmeric, including promoting health, vitality and aiding in pain relief, a common use is in the DIY skin care routines.
Many people, especially the locals, swear by the magic turmeric does on the skin. It is often used in facials for big events like weddings. However, many a times, such herbal remedies are more placebo based rather than science backed.
Whereas it is always best to take your skin grievances to your dermatologist in Lahore, but it is also important to establish if turmeric for skin a myth, or does it actually work.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Turmeric
Has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
Turmeric performs a vital task of curbing inflammation in the skin. Many disorders stem from inflammation, including eczema and acne. It also has anti-microbial and antioxidant effects as well. All these properties compound to also aid in wound healing as well.
Moreover, turmeric also helps with facial psoriasis, which is an inflammatory condition that causes dry, thick and perpetual patches in the face.
Topical turmeric is known to be more beneficial than oral, however, you can use whichever is more convenient for you.
Helps skin to glow
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in turmeric come together to counter dull skin. Due to the impact on environment damage, free radicals in the body, and pollutants, skin suffers a lot. Turmeric remedies this damage and brings out the natural glow in the skin.
Moreover, turmeric also has purifying properties. It then helps skin get rid of the agents that make it dull. It also helps in improving the circulation to the skin, which nourishes the skin cells. It then becomes radiant and bright.
Helps with dark circles
Most of us are haunted by dark circles and puffy eyes that we futilely try to hide with concealers. Eye creams are very expensive, and the change might take more time than your patience allows.
Turmeric presents with an easy solution for remedying dark circles. It improves circulation, has anti-inflammatory effect, and also has skin lightening properties. These all make a potent combination that help treat dark circles.
Reduces acne scarring
Not only does turmeric help treat acne, but it also facilitates lightening of acne scars.
This is done mainly due to anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric, which helps calm the skin and the pores.
Protects against the environmental damage
Our skin is exposed to many pollutants in the daily rut of the life. It may not be immediately visible, but environmental damage to the skin continuously piles up, leading to dull and lifeless skin. Some people might also have skin problems as a result as well.
Turmeric helps get rid of this burden to the skin, due to the richness of antioxidants in it.
Good for treating hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the presence of dark spots on the skin. Consequently, skin becomes uneven. Even though it has no implications for the health of the skin, it still does not look aesthetically appealing.
Turmeric, on the other hand, inhibits the production of melanin that causes hyperpigmentation. It thus helps in evening out complexion.
Prevents premature aging
Collagen is a protein that holds the skin taut and together. Due to aging and sun damage, collagen gets depleted due to which skin starts sagging. Turmeric boosts collagen production in the body and therefore, turmeric prevents premature aging.
It also inhibits the production of an enzyme elastase, which impacts the production of elastin.
Elastin is a skin protein that promotes tautness of the skin, and also makes it dewy. It also prevents skin from being dry and textured.
So, turmeric’s impact for preventing premature aging is two-pronged.
Risks of turmeric
Turmeric can cause slight staining of the skin. One also has to be watchful of the amount and dosage of turmeric. It may interfere with certain medications as well.
There is a risk of contact dermatitis with the use of turmeric, which although is not very common. The symptoms of contact dermatitis include burning, soreness, itching, inflammation, and scaly skin.
However, this can be avoided by patch testing. Before slathering the turmeric paste on the face, just apply a tiny amount on a patch of your skin, and in case of any reaction, remove it immediately. Moreover, if you are allergic to turmeric spice in your food, there is no need to risk applying it to your face, as a reaction on the skin will undoubtedly ensue. Check out Victorian Dermal Group if you are interested in professional skin treatment.
The verdict
Natural ingredients are met with skepticism but some, whereas others swear by it. There is sufficient evidence to you that turmeric’s powers are not all mythical. If you are confused about use of turmeric, you can confer with your Skin specialist in Karachi. Otherwise, free feel to slather some on to give your skin some glow!