Ingredient Spotlight: Turmeric

You’re probably wondering what this tangy South Asian spice has to do with anything skincare-related. Or even more concerning: why would anyone want to use a potentially staining ingredient on their skin?

 

Well, in case you didn’t know, there are actually many beneficial reasons to include this Ayurvedic staple in your skincare regimen. For hundreds of years, people around the world have linked turmeric to healing properties and cosmetic benefits. 

 

WHAT IS TURMERIC? 

 

The bright, yellow-orange spice is related to ginger and gets the majority of its health benefits from the bioactive and anti-inflammatory component, curcumin. It is chock-full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, which are characteristics that can bring out a bright glow to the skin. Hence, this is why turmeric is used in many brightening products.

 

WHAT ARE THE SKINCARE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC? 

 

There are quite a few stand-out benefits of the spice in skincare, including: 

 

• Wound healing acceleration: Turmeric face masks, for example, can be recommended to help reduce acne scars. The ingredient can help wounds heal by decreasing inflammation and oxidation, which lowers the body’s response to cutaneous wounds. 
• Soothing of the skin: as aforementioned, turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means it can be beneficial to those who suffer from eczema or psoriasis. In fact, the National Psoriasis Foundation even recommends using turmeric supplements to aid with inflammation.
• Acne treatment: by removing redness from acne scarring, reducing inflammation, and evening out skin discolorations, people with acne flare ups can benefit from turmeric products. Drinking the spice as tea can also help prevent acne outbreaks.
• Firm appearance: because of its skin healing properties, it allows the skin to build more collagen. Over time, this helps the skin to appear more firm and vibrant.
• Decrease hyperpigmentation: turmeric contains properties that encourage the skin to bring out its natural glow, similar to Vitamin C.

 

HOW TO USE

 

If you already know you're allergic to the ingested spice, you should avoid using it topically. If you aren’t sure, a patch test should suffice. As always, we don’t advise the direct application of raw ingredients to your skin, in order to avoid adverse reactions or irritation. 

 

Please also keep in mind that the vibrant hue of turmeric can slightly discolor skin when used in high quantities, but washes off easily and won’t happen with medical-grade products. 

 

We carry multiple products that contain turmeric extracts: here are some of our favorites!

 

EMINENCE ORGANICS TURMERIC ENERGIZING TREATMENT - $90 

 

GRAYDON SUPERFOOD SERUM - $87 

 

SKINCEUTICALS CLARIFYING CLAY MASQUE - $68

 

EMINENCE ORGANICS BRIGHT SKIN TARGETED TREATMENT - $65 

 

YELLOW BEAUTY GOLDEN HOUR FACE WASH - $22.50

 

ADVANCED NUTRITION PROGRAMME SKIN ANTIOXIDANT - 60 CAPSULES - $69

 

Until next time,

 

The BSE Team