Turmeric Skin Science - Surprising Turmeric Skin Benefits

Turmeric is generally known as the flavorful spice at the base of many Caribbean and Indian food dishes. However, in recent years, turmeric has found a purpose beyond the kitchen due to its most active ingredient, Curcumin — a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-septic wonder.

There are many turmeric benefits that has been extensively studies; it has been used as a natural alternative to treat everything from joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and Crohn’s disease;m it is often one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.  Additionally, the spice can be just as beneficial when applied as a topical aid, giving turmeric the potential to treat a wide range of skin issues. It was these qualities that made turmeric a staple of Ayurvedic medicine centuries ago. 

The turmeric skin benefits are not just anecdotal, but have been studied and proven to work scientifically. A  2016 study, published by the National Institute of Health, showed that turmeric greatly improved the state of several common skin conditions, whether it was ingested or applied topically. These skin conditions included acne, alopecia, dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. While it may not have been a full cure for some ailments, turmeric has been shown to reduce the severity of many skin related issues.

LIST OF TOP 5 SCIENTIFICALLY STUDIED TURMERIC SKIN BENEFITS:

1. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
2. Turmeric can help heal wounds, burns, scars, blemishes, & stretch marks
3. Turmeric helps minimize acne and pores 
4. Turmeric skin lightening properties reduce dark spots and circles 
5. Turmeric protects against sun damage & aging

Turmeric has properties to soothe psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

Turmeric can deeply hydrate and revitalize skin while alleviating symptoms of dryness. It naturally speeds up the process of removing dead skin cells to reveal healthy and soft skin. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, turmeric can work wonders on many chronic skin conditions. It can also help reduce redness from blemishes and calm skin irritations from psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. Curcumin, the primary active compound found in turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that can combat cell production and reduce these uncomfortable skin patches.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation causes skin cells to build upon each other, creating scaly patches that are prone to cracking and bleeding. Studies have shown that both topical and oral curcumin can improve symptoms of plaque psoriasis in 9–12 weeks. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric may help your psoriasis by controlling flares and other symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation states that you can use it as a supplement or by adding it to food. Before you try it, the foundation recommends discussing proper dosage with a professional.

Picture of a psoriasis plaque on elbow. 

Turmeric can help heal wounds, burns, scars, blemishes, & stretch marks

 A  2014 study published in Life Sciences showed that turmeric could improve the skins healing process. In addition to being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it’s also anti-coagulant and anti-infective. Thus, turmeric aids in decreasing both inflammation and oxidation at wound sites. Additionally, it can help mediate the body’s response to fresh wounds while also positively impacting tissue and collagen production in the affected area. Curcumin lowers the response of your body to cutaneous wounds, resulting in your wounds healing faster. In 2013, curcumin was tested as part of a burn wound experiment. The study found that curcumin could reduce and control burn pain over long periods of time. Turmeric has the anti-oxidative power to penetrate and improve the function of the skin membrane cells, which will help prevent and treat stretch marks.

Turmeric can improve skin appearance

Aside from its use in healing wounds, reducing burn pain, and treating painful skin conditions, turmeric also has proven everyday skin benefits. When mixed into a paste with other ingredients like sandalwood powder or coconut oil, turmeric can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars. The available nutrients in the spice, along with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helps speed up the skin repair process. It may not completely remove the scars but continued use over time could lead to a vast difference.

Because of its grainy texture, turmeric can also work as a scrub, gently removing dead skin cells. It’s a natural exfoliator that also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It even helps soothe dry skin and moisturize dry patches when paired with oils or other skin moisturizing ingredients.

Turmeric helps minimize acne and pores

Acne is commonly caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. This is typically treated with antibiotics, which are becoming less effective as a result of drug resistance. Turmeric is a natural anti-septic that can help in the treatment of acne.  The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help minimize acne and pores. In fact, a 2013 study suggests curcumin is an effective way to combat acne-causing bacteria.  The anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. Turmeric is also known to reduce scarring. This combination of uses may help your face clear up from acne breakouts. You may want to try a turmeric face mask to help reduce acne and any resulting scars. 

Smooth Clear Bright Glowing Skin

Turmeric skin lightening properties reduce dark spots and circles 

Turmeric has been scientifically studied and found to help with skin lightening and reducing dark spots and dark circles.  Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that help provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow. You may want to try a turmeric face mask at home to see if the spice has any positive effects on your skin.

Turmeric protects against sun damage & aging

The UV rays from the sun can cause sunburns, skin cancer, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 68th Annual Meeting shows that a moisturizing cream containing turmeric had the ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots caused by sun damage. Also, a recent study found that turmeric’s antioxidant compounds significantly improved sun damage in rat skin, a possible early indication for the potential to slow the effects of aging in humans.

The anti-oxidants in turmeric prevent free radicals like pollution and UV rays from damaging your skin’s elasticity, thus helping to keep your skin feeling soft and supple. The main mechanism by which turmeric helps with anti-aging is by blocking the enzyme elastase.  Elastase breaks down elastin which keeps your skin firm and toned; keeping elastin levels up helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

Turmeric skin benefits are scientifically proven - topical application is more effective!

Disclaimer: 

This content is strictly the opinion of our blog author and is for information and educational purposes only.  It is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician.  The statements of this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  iHeart Nature does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message.  Neither iHeart Nature nor the representatives take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.  All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. 

iHeart Nature Turmeric Products Are Formulated by an Expert Panel of Physician Healers! They Do Not Stain Skin - They Work Synergistically with Other Ingredients for a Powerful Effect!

Introduce turmeric into your skincare routine with our Turmeric Soap & Turmeric Face Mask.