It is with good reason that the 1952-born Vicco Turmeric has been a household name in India for over half a decade now, and the reason is not just its catchy jingle. The vibrant ingredient in it, known in India as haldi, is so good for the skin that it even has an auspicious Hindu wedding ceremony centred around the beautification of the bride and groom named after it. A modern-day equivalent of this honour bestowed upon turmeric is a prime spot for the ingredient on Starbucks’ menu, in their “Golden Turmeric Latte.”
For centuries, in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, this golden spice of India—turmeric –has earned a reputation as a potential cure-all. For Indian households, when nothing seems to work, we know good old haldi’s got our back. Current trends in the beauty industry also point to international brands getting in on the action, with many dipping into its curative properties to lend a hand to their actives.
What makes turmeric a powerhouse ingredient?
Science attributes curcumin, a naturally occurring compound in turmeric, as its most therapeutic and active ingredient. It is said to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with both brightening and healing effects. For this reason, turmeric has been a time-honoured staple in home remedies such as ubtan (a turmeric-infused body scrub) and is now at the heart of the skincare industry. Turmeric can also scavenge free radicals that damage the skin and accelerate the ageing process. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to improve the overall health and appearance of their skin.
How to incorporate turmeric into your routine?
As a ritualised ingredient in Indian homes, turmeric uses for skin are manifold. To treat concerns like oily skin and acne scars, hyperpigmentation, inflammation caused by eczema or rosacea, ageing and wrinkles – turmeric-infused products and treatments can be deeply impactful.
If you’re breaking out in your mid-20s, turmeric is a godsend for stubborn blemishes. A tip many have picked from their grandmothers and mothers, all you do is mix turmeric with aloe vera gel, apply it directly on your pimples, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off as a spot treatment.
How does it work? The actives in turmeric have antibacterial effects (curcumin) that inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and stimulate the growth of stem cells (turmeron), aiding in skin regeneration.
If you’re hoping to dedicate a whole session to turmeric, here’s a DIY recipe that is extremely popular:
Take:
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour or besan
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
- 1 tablespoon raw milk or rose water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Mix these into a smooth paste and use on your skin at least twice a week for a complexion that looks radiant and feels healthy.
Precautions to follow with turmeric for skin
When choosing skincare products infused with turmeric, look for face masks, cleansers, toners, and moisturisers. Make sure to do a thorough label check to ensure that the turmeric concentration is high enough (0.5% to 1.5%) to be effective.
Even though the benefits of turmeric on the face and body are extraordinary, you must take your skin type and sensitivities into account. In the scenario that turmeric is harsh on your skin, you can:
- use it moderately for shorter periods of time
- apply a thin layer of oil – coconut or almond – before using the turmeric paste
- avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, lips, and open wounds, and
- dilute the turmeric with other ingredients such as yoghurt, honey, milk or cucumber juice
Always do a 24-hour patch test to check for reactions when testing out any active ingredient. If your skin continues to be sensitised, check in with your dermatologist.
