How to Use Turmeric for Skin Care

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By Arathi
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Turmeric has been used in India since time immemorial for skin care. Among the many herbs that are beneficial for skin, turmeric stands out as the golden standard, both literally and figuratively, for its ability to address a wide range of skin concerns. Also known by the botanical name of curcuma longa, turmeric has been hailed for its ability to cure acne, reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten the skin, and fight free radical damage. Western medicine has just begun to take notice, and this ancient Ayurvedic spice is all set to become a star skin care ingredient of the future. Learn more about how to use turmeric for skin care here.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Turmeric powder
Turmeric supplement

Step 1

Use turmeric in everyday cooking. Turmeric powder is available in natural food stores, Indian grocery stores, and in the ethnic food section of regular grocery stores. If I had to choose only one spice for my daily cooking, it would be turmeric. The health benefits are too numerous to list here, but as a potent antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent, turmeric is wonderful for skin care ingredient when taken internally. Added to vegetable stir fries, scrambled tofu or eggs, lentils and beans, it imparts a subtle flavor and fun color to the dishes.
Step 2

Take a turmeric supplement. Even if turmeric is used liberally in cooking, taking a supplement is a good idea. Healthy skin is a reflection of a healthy body. Turmeric strengthens the liver, and improves the functioning of the digestive tract, and may help clear acne when taken internally.
Step 3

Use turmeric as a face cleanser. Mix chick pea flour or rice flour and turmeric powder in equal proportions and store it in an airtight bottle. Add a little yogurt, milk, or soy milk to a teaspoon of this powder to make a paste. Apply the paste evenly to face evenly and wait for it to semi dry. Wash the paste off with water. Millions of women in India use this treatment instead of a facial cleanser every day to exfoliate and brighten their skin.
Step 4

Add a pinch of turmeric to your moisturizer or other treatment products. It is best to use turmeric treatments at night as they stain the face. Wash off the treatment in the shower in the morning with a gentle cleanser.
Step 5

Try the non staining cousin of turmeric (curcuma longa), kasturi turmeric, also called curcuma aromatica. Kasturi turmeric is not edible and cannot be used for cooking. When used externally, kasturi turmeric helps clear acne, inhibits growth of facial hair, and brightens the complexion.
Step 6

Add a turmeric enhanced skin care product to your regimen. Several reputed skin care brands such as Juara and DDF have introduced products that contain turmeric as their main ingredient. The products contain the beneficial properties of turmeric without the staining factor. Choose a product that addresses your skin concern, and is within your budget.