Turmeric benefits the skin in more ways than one. This age-old ingredient is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components which help treat a number of skin concerns such as acne and acne scars, pigmentation, early signs of ageing and sun damage, to name a few.

This easily-available yellow spice gets its skin-enhancing properties mainly from curcumin, an active component that provides glow and luster to the skin. From acne to stretch marks and psoriasis, turmeric is a miracle ingredient for your skin.

Here are all the benefits of using turmeric in your skincare routine.

• #1: Treats acne
• #2: Banishes dark circles
• #3: Lightens scars and marks
• #4: Moisturises dry skin
• #5: Prevents early signs of ageing
• #6: Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
• #7: Fights off severe skin conditions

#1: Treats acne

Acne is one of the most common skin concern that requires special care and attention. Over-the-counter prescriptions or skincare products for acne treatments may sometimes cause irritation or inflammation especially if you have sensitive skin. While there are a zillion treatments for acne out there, natural ingredients are your safest bet.

One of the miracle ingredients that help fight acne is turmeric. With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric benefits your skin by keeping bacteria from spreading and by reducing redness and swelling of the blemish. Turmeric mixed with apple cider vinegar makes for an effective spot treatment because the latter has astringent properties that work in the same way as a toner.

#2: Banishes dark circles

The most common factors that cause dark circles are heredity, over-exposure to the sun, lack of sleep, pigmentation and even scratching or rubbing the eyes. Waking up to those pesky, tired-looking bags under the eyes can be a big put-off. Luckily, you have turmeric at your rescue!
Being an anti-inflammatory and lightening agent, turmeric benefits the skin by reducing the appearance of dark circles. And that’s not all! Turmeric also stimulates circulation which in turn reduces puffiness. All you need to do is mix together two teaspoons of turmeric powder, one tablespoon curd and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste on the affected area and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

#3: Lightens scars and marks

What’s worse than breakouts? The marks and scars they sometimes leave behind that can take days to heal.
Thanks to turmeric and its anti-inflammatory capabilities, you don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket to treat stubborn acne scars or pimple marks.
You’ll be happy to know that turmeric benefits the skin by minimizing the appearance of scars. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is curcumin that helps reduce excess production of melanin which in turn lightens scars and keeps even the skin tone.

#4: Moisturises dry skin

Dryness can make your skin look dull and dehydrated. And, the problem can worsen during the winter months because the cold winds tend to make your dry skin look drier.
Apart from moisturising enough all through the day using a rich body lotion, it’s also important to give your skin extra TLC. Did you know that turmeric benefits the skin by alleviating symptoms of dryness? This miracle ingredient which is found in almost every household, deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin and speeds up the process of removing dead skin cells.
Treating your skin to a turmeric-infused mask is sure to leave you with soft, hydrated and healthy skin. Turmeric and milk together can do wonders in helping you treat dryness. Milk helps the skin replenish its lost moisture and at the same time, works as a great exfoliator.

#5: Prevents early signs of ageing

Did you know you had a secret anti-ageing armour sitting on your kitchen shelf? Yes, we’re talking about turmeric.
Turmeric benefits the skin by protecting it from sun damage and by preventing early signs of ageing. The harsh UV rays are the number one cause of premature ageing.
When the skin’s natural oils are depleted, it tends to lose elasticity and starts showing fine lines and wrinkles. Signs of premature ageing first start showing on your neck, forehead and around your eye area. The curcumin compound present in turmeric has strong antioxidant properties that prevent free radical production which in turn controls ageing by protecting skin cells from damage.

#6: Reduces the appearance of stretch marks

Although no one talks about stretch marks, 80 per cent of women have them. Those pesky little lines are difficult to treat but turmeric can help lighten them.
Loaded with powerful antioxidants, turmeric penetrates and improves the function of the membrane cells which lighten the appearance of stretch marks.

#7: Fights off severe skin conditions

Turmeric benefits the skin by treating severe conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties work wonders in treating even the trickiest of skin conditions.
The cooling properties of turmeric help reduce redness from blemishes and calm inflamed and irritated skin. All you need to do is mix equal parts of turmeric and coconut oil and apply the mixture on red, itchy, inflamed or irritated skin. This DIY recipe will help cool and fight such skin conditions.

FAQs

Q. Can one apply turmeric on their face every day?
A. Before applying turmeric on your face, it’s best to first do a patch test on your arms to see if your skin reacts to it. Wait for a day and if no reactions develop, then it’s safe to use it on your face.
Using turmeric alone can leave a yellow stain on your skin. It is, therefore, ideal to mix it with other natural, skin-loving ingredients. Ideally, you should use a turmeric face mask twice or thrice a week.

Q. Can you use turmeric for overnight skin treatment?
A. Leaving turmeric on overnight is not a good idea. Turmeric has a drying effect on the skin and leaving it on for longer hours can make your skin feel tight. You don’t want to wake up to stained, tight and dry skin in the morning, so avoid using this ingredient for an overnight treatment.

Q. Does turmeric darken skin?
A. Turmeric doesn’t darken the skin. In fact, turmeric has skin-lightening properties which help you get rid of dark spots effectively without causing any side-effects. Using turmeric along with other moisturizing ingredients such as milk or honey will help improve your skin complexion.

Q. Does turmeric burn your face?
A. Using turmeric as a standalone ingredient on your skin can leave a yellow stain behind which is normal. If you’re allergic, then avoid direct contact as that can cause redness, irritation and swelling.