The Benefits of Turmeric for Skin Care

Did you know that you can use turmeric to care for your skin? This root can give your face a natural glow and fade the signs of aging. We tell you all its benefits below.

Reviewed and approved by the nurse Leidy Mora Molina.

Written by Editorial Team

Last update: 02 January, 2024

One of the natural remedies that has been gaining ground in cosmetology is the use of turmeric to care for the skin. Although this millenary root is frequently used for its benefits in different health conditions, more and more studies are attributing its advantages when it comes to keeping the skin radiant, even to treat diseases such as psoriasis.

All this is thanks to its main compound known as curcumin, with powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the uses of turmeric in tissues are to fight acne, lighten blemishes, prevent aging, and even help with hair removal.

Let’s take a look at the 9 benefits of turmeric to care for the skin. Read on to learn more!

The enefits of turmeric to care for the skin

Turmeric whose scientific name is Curcuma Longa, is a plant of Asian origin that has been used for centuries in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. It’s considered a superfood because of its many active compounds, including the yellow polyphenolic pigment known as curcumin, to which various health benefits are attributed.

The most prominent is its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin has also become an ally for skin care, being used in various home preparations, beauty products, and even in the form of supplements to treat various skin disorders.

So, what is turmeric good for the skin? Let’s take a closer look at its main benefits.

1. It combats acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that can be generated by the growth of bacteria on the skin. For its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a natural option for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

In this sense, turmeric decreases the proliferation of the bacteria that cause it, deflates the affected parts, and prevents the formation of oil in the sebaceous glands.

Even turmeric also helps the scars left by acne. It’s usually combined with other ingredients to enhance this effect, such as honey, sandalwood, Greek yogurt, and aloe vera, among others.

2. It delays skin aging

Age, environmental pollution, and sun exposure are the main causes of skin aging. This damage, caused by free radicals, generates the dreaded signs of aging on the face such as the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, fine lines, and blemishes.

Due to its antioxidant action, curcumin protects the skin from oxidative stress. Thus, it prevents and treats these signs of aging. This phenolic compound also promotes collagen production and strengthens skin elasticity.

3. It lightens the skin

Another way in which turmeric cares for the skin is by inhibiting the production of melanin . In this way, it prevents the formation of dark spots caused by sun exposure, skin conditions, or hormonal alterations. The application of products with turmeric can also lighten already established spots.

4. It helps the skin recover and gives it a natural glow

One of the benefits of turmeric on the skin is that it favors the natural recovery of its glow. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lightening effects, it helps to improve its appearance. It also improves microcirculation by reducing oxidative stress, which undoubtedly favors its smoothness and brightness.

Hence, in Hindu weddings, the bride and groom perform a ritual with a turmeric mask on the face, hands, and feet, in order to attract good luck and illuminate the skin on that great day.

5. It aids in wound healing

Wound treatment is perhaps one of the most well-known benefits of turmeric for the skin. When applied to wounds (in paste form), it can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and promote the formation of new tissue.

6. It reduces dark circles under the eyes

Applying turmeric to facial skin can improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. It does this by lightening the skin in the area and promoting blood microcirculation in this area. Consequently, it reduces the dark circles that form around the eyes, which are usually caused by tiredness, poor sleep or stress.

However, as this is one of the most sensitive areas of the face, it should be applied with caution. The key is to look for special products for the eye contour that contain curcumin as an active ingredient.

7. Helps relieve the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that bring annoying symptoms and compromise the well-being of people who suffer from them. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of this compound can help control psoriasis outbreaks.

Likewise, it relieves skin discomfort caused by eczema. To treat this condition, turmeric can be combined with Indian Centella and walnut, thus improving symptoms such as dryness, itching, cracking, and lichenification.

8. It delays body hair growth

Turmeric cares for the skin in several ways, one of which is by preventing excessive growth of body hair. In this regard, frequent application of a turmeric lotion for several weeks helps to delay hair growth in unwanted areas such as the armpits.

9. It helps treat parasitic skin infections

Whether taken in supplements or applied topically, turmeric helps take care of the skin from harmful microorganisms such as some parasites and mites. One of them is the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which causes scabies.

How to use turmeric to take care of your skin

To improve the appearance of the skin using turmeric, there are supplements, preparations, and cosmetic products that come ready to consume or use. Also, there are different home remedies that you can prepare, adding other natural ingredients to enhance its effects.

Let’s see what are the various ways to use turmeric to care for the skin:

• Consuming it in tablets or capsules.
• Apply it directly to the skin, in powder, or small strips.
• Using turmeric essential oil topically. You can add a few drops to moisturizer.
• Adding it to cooking recipes.
• Applying this ingredient in the form of a mask. You can make it with the powdered extract, adding various ingredients (coconut oil, mint, or honey).
• In the form of tea. Add 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric in 3 or 4 cups of boiled water and let it steep.
• Apply a turmeric gel or paste on the skin, with aloe vera, turmeric oil, and argan oil.

The possible adverse effects of turmeric on the skin

Although turmeric is usually well tolerated, it’s important to take some precautions when using it. Ideally, consult your doctor if you are going to try this natural treatment. With this, you can prevent some risks when using it, among which stand out:

• Allergic reactions: before applying it in quantities, make sure you are not allergic to the product. To know if it’s safe to use on your face, apply a little turmeric on the forearm and wait 1 or 2 days. Evaluating possible reactions in the area, such as burning, redness, or other lesions.
• Skin irritation: Applying large amounts of turmeric directly to the skin may cause redness, irritation, and inflammation in the area. Try lotions and masks with low doses of this ingredient first. If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to clean the area immediately and discontinue treatment.
• Possible drug interactions: If you take iron supplements or anticoagulants, use turmeric with caution. First of all, consult your doctor.

One of the considerations most often made regarding this root is that it can stain the skin. It’s therefore recommended not to leave the masks on the face for too long. Also, it’s a good idea to mix it with milk and witch hazel water.

Take advantage of the benefits of turmeric for the skin

Turmeric is an inexpensive ingredient, easy to obtain in different presentations, and with multiple benefits for the skin and health in general. It can help you recover the brightness of the skin, attenuate the signs of premature aging, and even eliminate blemishes.

It’s even attributed to other little-known benefits in treating various dermatological problems such as alopecia, lichen planus, stretch marks, scleroderma, and vitiligo. However, more studies are still needed to corroborate these effects.

However, before using turmeric on the skin, it’s advisable to have the approval of a specialist and make sure you are not allergic to this product.