Effects of Turmeric on Your Skin

Turmeric of Curcuma longa is a member of the ginger family and often used as key ingredient for making curries. This bitter spice is used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicines for treating cancer, repelling mosquitoes and is also widely used as food colorant and dye. Curcumin is the active component of turmeric. Studies show that curcumin helps protect the skin from damaging chemical and pollution by combating free radicals and reducing inflammation.

Turmeric is poorly absorbed because it is metabolized quickly and is eliminated from the body. A combination of an enzyme in pineapple called Bromelain increases it absorption and anti-inflammatory effects and so is taken in combination for medicinal products of turmeric. Turmeric can be taken either orally as capsules, tablets, fluid extract or tincture or topically as ointments, oi or can be directly applied to fresh wounds, rashes, bruises, and insect bites.

Benefits of Turmeric on Your Skin

One of the specific benefits of turmeric is on your skin. It can heal wounds and speed up the healing effects by its anti-inflammatory effect and decreasing oxidation. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components in turmeric may revive your skin by providing its natural glow and luster and because of its fatty acids and phytosterols content, turmeric reduces facial oils.

It helps with psoriasis. Turmeric can help by controlling flares and other symptoms.  It obstructs the inflammatory enzymes that is linked to psoriasis. Turmeric promotes blood flow because curcumin helps increase connective tissue formation thus repairing dryness, rashes, swelling and irritation.  It can be taken as a supplement or you can add it to your food.

When used as face mask, the anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric helps reduce acne scarring.  Rash in the skin caused by microscopic mites can be treated by turmeric combined with a native plant to India called neem.  Other benefits of turmeric is to help in preventing the formation of wrinkles and melanin and cures stretch marks when curcumin penetrates the cell membranes.  It also treat excessive facial hair which is a result of hormonal imbalance. Studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric is effective for helping skin cancer prevention by slowing its growth and increase the effectivity of chemotherapy. It also inhibits the size and progression of tumor growth.

Aside from benefits in disease prevention, turmeric also has many uses in cuisine. It can be eaten raw, as salad dressings, in sandwiches, as a dip, in curries and with so many other ingredients. Turmeric should be a part of your daily diet because it does not only add flavor to your food but also alleviates diseases.