Turmeric has many inherent qualities which meet your daily skin care needs. Know more about them…
In most Indian curries, one teaspoon of turmeric powder or fine paste of raw turmeric is a must. However, this popular Indian spice is not just a coloring agent that makes a dish look brighter and tempting. It has medicinal values. The yellow color of turmeric is owing to an active ingredient named curcumin. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin heal numerous skin problems. It acts as an antibacterial agent that prevent growth of bacteria on skin surface.
Topical application of turmeric for your skin care needs has two best possible outcomes. One, it heals inflamed skin condition. Two, it is an excellent natural skin exfoliant. Both powdered form of turmeric and raw turmeric paste are safe for delicate facial skin. It does not cause any harm.
Turmeric for acne problems.
Make a paste of raw turmeric and a paste of neem leaves. Mix the two ingredients well. Now, put a thick layer of this paste on each acne spots. Wait until it dries up. During this time, raw juices of turmeric and neem leaves get absorbed into the skin. Then, wash face gently with water. Antiseptic properties of turmeric and neem reduce the swelling and redness of the acne with just one application. This acne treatment suppresses any further bacterial growth in the region.
Turmeric for glowing skin.
Make a fine paste of raw turmeric and raw Indian gooseberry (Amla). Add a few drops of glycerin to this mixture. Apply it all over the face as a face mask. Rinse off with plain water after 15 minutes. Curcumin present in turmeric even out uneven skin tone. Glycerin facilitates skin hydration. High vitamin C content of Indian gooseberry penetrates deep into the skin and boosts overall skin glow. Use twice a week to change dull, lifeless skin into healthy, bright, glowing skin.
Turmeric on dark circles.
Prepare a paste of turmeric powder and thick milk cream. Apply it carefully on the dark circles surrounding the eyes using the ring finger of your left hand. Close your eyes and leave it untouched for 15 minutes. Wash it off with some rose water to get the best results. Look in the mirror and you will notice dark circles have faded out to a great extent.
Anti-tan pack with turmeric.
Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of curd. Lactic acid in curd removes dead skin cells. Turmeric repairs the damaged skin tone. Apply it in the form of a thin layer on exposed parts of the body – face, neck, hands. Allow it to dry up and wash off with lukewarm water. Do not leave the pack too long on skin surface.
Turmeric on skin blemishes caused by pollution.
Add a pinch of turmeric powder in one teaspoon of fresh soothing aloe vera gel. Apply it on dark spots of skin blemishes. Leave for 15-20 minutes and then wash off. Use it twice a day for faster results. This homemade turmeric pack is equally effective in eliminating marks left behind by healed cuts, burns, and infections.
Turmeric on fine lines of aging.
When fine lines pf aging appears on skin, take immediate action. Prepare a paste of turmeric powder and tomato juice. Rub it all over the face in circular motions for 10 minutes with a tender hand. Give special attention to the areas around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Wash off with plain water. Turmeric improves skin elasticity by blocking enzymes that break down skin elastin. Tomato juice acts as an astringent to contract large skin pores and tighten the skin. Use it on a regular basis until the fine lines disappear. Eventually, you will get a radiant glow on facial skin.
Turmeric pack for itchy dry skin.
Take one teaspoon of turmeric and one teaspoon of honey. Dab it on irritated skin and wait for 10-15 minutes. Hydrating effect of honey will reduce skin dryness. Turmeric will take care of itchiness and skin inflammation. Thus, you get a quick relief.
An interesting fact – In traditional Indian household, stiff, swollen joints due to sprain were treated with a paste of turmeric and slaked lime. Here, I am highlighting the era when pain-relieving balms or sprays were not available in the market. Once applied on affected joint. it would improve mobility in one day!
WRAP UP NOTE – If you are allergic to turmeric or any other ingredients mentioned here, avoid that turmeric pack altogether. Just to be on safe side do a patch test of turmeric face packs on elbow or wrist before using it on sensitive skin.