Better known as a spice used in cooking to give food a distinctive yellow colour and taste, turmeric is also known for its and antioxidant properties and its main active ingredient, curcumin, is thought to be an anti-inflammatory which may help with symptoms of joint pain and stiffness.
Less well known is its potential as a skin care product, but it’s those same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are thought to benefit the skin and its appearance.
- Turmeric is well known spice used for cooking.
- It is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- These properties are thought to benefit the skin and its appearance.
A common ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare traditionally used to heal wounds and treat pain, turmeric has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and preventative health supplement in many cultures.
Current research suggests that skin care products containing turmeric may help decrease hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, soothe the skin and even encourage the production of collagen which boosts skin’s volume, moisture, and elasticity.
It’s thought that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric may even help with acne breakouts.
The most commonly available skincare products containing turmeric are likely to be serums and masks, or moisturising creams. Besides which, it’s thought to have a positive effect in sunscreens, so it may not be a surprise to see turmeric listed as an ingredient in some of those too.
So, with its promise of contributing to a reduction of blemishes and acne when applied topically, help to reduce dark spots, acne, and even psoriasis, and generally helping to support glowing, radiant skin, turmeric may become increasingly popular in skin care products.
Remember though, as with any new ingredient, it’s always worth patch testing a new product just to be sure there is no negative reaction to it.