Turmeric has long been cherished for its skin-enhancing properties, making it a popular ingredient in beauty routines worldwide. If you're looking to brighten your complexion and give your skin a healthy glow, a turmeric face scrub might be just the solution.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant native to Asia and has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. While often used in cooking, you can also find this spice in dietary supplements. People use turmeric in both natural and conventional alternative skin care products. Some people also use it in homemade face masks to help address certain skin concerns.
Benefits of Turmeric for Skin
Turmeric contains compounds that may reduce swelling (inflammation) and irritation on the skin. Inflammation and irritation can worsen other skin conditions, so using turmeric in a face mask may help soothe the skin.
A 2024 review of research suggests turmeric may show promise for certain skin conditions based on test tube and animal studies.
Some of it’s potential benefits on the skin include:
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- Reduced inflammation: Curcuminoids, the active compounds in turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may also have the potential to reduce skin damage from the sun, according to a 2019 review of research. Turmeric may possibly reduce inflammation related to skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
- Antibacterial properties: Turmeric may also prevent certain bacteria in the skin that can otherwise contribute to acne cysts and staph infections. Test tube studies suggest it may help block the growth of bacteria.
- Antioxidant benefits: Turmeric is rich in antioxidants. When it comes to skin care, antioxidants can help keep free radicals from destroying healthy cells.
Turmeric Sugar Scrub
Turmeric sugar scrub is used for exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells.
Ingredients
- Cane Sugar: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells and helps to hydrate the skin.
- Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Apricot Oil: Nourishes and hydrates the skin, contains vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for skin health, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, and E. Hydrates and nourishes the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Turmeric Powder: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps to even out skin tone and may help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
- Organic Castile Soap: Gentle and non-toxic, making it suitable for all skin types, and can help to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
- Tangerine Essential Oil: Helps to improve skin tone and texture, may have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
- Clove Essential Oil: Has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can help to improve circulation and increase the oxygen supply to the skin.
- Ginger Essential Oil: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may help to improve skin tone and texture, and can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
How to Use
- Begin with wet skin.
- Apply the turmeric sugar scrub in a circular motion.
- Continue for a few minutes.
- Rinse it off well with warm water.
Benefits of Turmeric Scrub
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This makes it ideal for treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, which are all caused or exacerbated by inflammation.
- Brightening effects: Turmeric can help even out skin tone, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance. This is because it helps to reduce the production of melanin, which is the pigment that causes dark spots and discoloration.
- Antioxidant benefits: Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Antioxidants help to neutralize these harmful molecules and keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.
- Hydrating effects: Turmeric can help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness. This is important because dry skin is more prone to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Acne-fighting properties: Turmeric has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it an effective treatment for acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts.
DIY Turmeric Face Scrub Recipe
This easy-to-make, all-natural scrub can exfoliate gently while promoting a more even skin tone.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- Enough honey or coconut oil to form a thick paste
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- Half a cup of oil
- 1 dropper of vitamin E
- A couple of drops of your favorite essential oil.
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the turmeric powder and finely ground oats or sugar. The oats offer a gentler exfoliant, while sugar will provide a slightly rougher texture for more intense exfoliation.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the honey and yogurt to form a paste. These ingredients help add moisture and offer soothing properties to your skin. Add the coconut or olive oil gradually, mixing until you reach a spreadable consistency.
- Apply the Scrub: Gently massage the diy turmeric face scrub onto clean, damp skin in circular motions, avoiding the delicate area around the eyes.
Benefits of DIY Turmeric Face Scrub
A turmeric face scrub can help rejuvenate your skin by exfoliating dead cells, brightening your complexion, and reducing the appearance of dark spots. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric also make it great for soothing irritated skin.
How Often to Use
It's best to use your homemade turmeric face scrub 1-2 times a week. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, so it’s important to give your skin time to recover between uses.
Other Turmeric Face Mask Recipes
If you decide to make a turmeric face mask, you may need to combine turmeric powder or extract with a thickening agent to make a paste. Some of the ingredients may vary based on skin concerns:
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- For acne and antibacterial effects: You may want to combine turmeric with warm water and honey.
- For hyperpigmentation and wrinkles: You may want to combine turmeric with yogurt and lemon juice for nourishment and brightening.
- For sunburn: You may want to mix turmeric extract with aloe vera gel for natural soothing effects.
Then, leave the mask on for about 10 minutes at a time. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow up the rest of your skin care routine. Avoid leaving turmeric-containing face masks on overnight, as turmeric has the potential to stain fabrics and skin. If you have some skin staining from this yellow spice, you can try washing it with milk.
Precautions
- Turmeric sugar scrub can be suitable for all skin types, but it is important to patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
- We do not recommend using this scrub on the face. Sugar scrubs are best used on the body and should be avoided on delicate areas, like the face.
- Some people may experience skin irritation or staining if they are sensitive to turmeric.
- It is best to consult with a doctor before using turmeric sugar scrub during pregnancy.
- While turmeric has a strong yellow pigment, it typically washes off after rinsing. However, if you’re worried about staining, use less turmeric or rinse thoroughly with a mild cleanser afterward. The use of oil in the scrub also helps prevent staining.
- It’s best to make this scrub fresh each time you use it, as natural ingredients can spoil.
- Oral supplements may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as upset stomach and cramps, especially if you take a high dose. But, they are also generally considered safe when consumed in the recommended amounts from a reputable brand.
- Still, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new ingredient on your skin. Even plant-based products like turmeric can cause skin reactions in some users. To do a patch test, you’ll want to make your turmeric mask ahead of time and then apply a small amount to your arm before using it on your face: Wait at least a day, and if no reactions develop, it’s likely safe for you to apply the turmeric mask on your face. Don’t use the mask if any discoloration, swelling, or itchiness develops on your patch test.
- Turmeric is often used as a dye and can potentially stain clothing.
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