Most skin-care routines are made up of a cocktail of ingredients whose names the users probably can’t pronounce. You begin with a scoop of this, squirt of that, and when you’re done, you’ve layered a myriad of products in hopes of getting the skin of your dreams. The problem, however, is that your current complexion isn’t compatible with the results the salesperson swore you’d get.
Owing to issues like this, for some people, their tolerance for popular products dies down; their interest in skin products that combine convenience and health benefits also grows. What we’re really trying to say is that no matter what your skin-care goals are, there are a lot of options out there, even if you are on a budget.
Ahead, we’d happily add turmeric to the options!
Where Does Turmeric Come in?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is a key ingredient in the making of curries, is a member of the ginger family a plant native. Its roots (rhizomes) can be eaten fresh, dried or ground up in powder form.
Recent studies have shown the healing properties of turmeric, including the treatment and prevention of a host of health conditions. The main compound found in turmeric –curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, and antifungal properties as well.
Beyond these benefits, turmeric and specifically curcumic, enhances and beautifies the skin while keeping it ever so healthy.
Speeds Up the Healing Process of Wounds
According to a new clinical trial, turmeric does actually hasten the healing process of wounds. In fact, while evaluating the healing process of women who had recently undergone a caesarean section, researchers found that turmeric reduces the severity of post-surgical trauma and makes the point of incision heal well.
Reduces Skin Oil
Waxes and oil are secreted by the sebaceous glands to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. These secretions help the epidermis retain moisture and keep the skin soft/supple. When the skin gets too oily, it is often due to overactive sebaceous glands, resulting in cysts, acne, and other skin conditions.
To evaluate the effects of turmeric cream on the skin’s oil production, a study showed that after weeks of applying the cream, skin oils decreased significantly. Several other studies have also noted that these positive results were likely because turmeric contains phytosterols and fatty acids which help in reducing excess skin oils.
Protects from Sun Damage
Over time, the effects of sun damage on the skin can be shocking—it is the major reason for premature skin aging, freckling, “spider veins”, fine lines, discoloration, and reduced skin elasticity.
Wearing sunscreen may help protect against sun damage, but turmeric prevents the several side effects of exposure to ultraviolet B radiation.
Acts as an Anti-Aging Treatment
According to scientists, aging is not a predestined biological occurrence and that genes are not designed to encourage the aging process. Instead, one’s lifespan is regulated by genes that control DNA repair, metabolism, death of cells and antioxidant systems. It is a decline in the potency of the system that leads to aging; as years go by, random errors happen in DNA replication which results in a collection of damaged tissue and older cells.
In understanding why random errors happen, the triggers of aging have been linked to chronic inflammation which causes a dysregulation of cell, protein, cell, and organs. It also leads to a multiplication of free radicals that fight cells and tissues.
However, due to its unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, a number of studies have suggested that curcumin helps in counteracting the effects of aging..
Prevents Skin Cancer
Curcumin has also been pinpointed as being an amazing anti-cancer treatment that selectively kills tumor cells while leaving the normal cells intact. Additionally, it has been shown to halt pre-cancer from turning to cancer. In fact, curcumin extract therapy helps in the treatment of three types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
In a study, findings showed that in treating melanoma, curcumin could stop the spread of cancer cells to surrounding tissue while also killing off melanoma cells.
Treats Chronic Skin Conditions
Curcumin is quite powerful in calming the symptoms of rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, scleroderma, and other skin problems. Of course the root causes of these skin conditions are different, inflammation of the skin is common to them all.
Curcumin treatments have also been found to inhibit NF-κB, a protein complex that is helps in providing cellular responses to external stimuli like cytokines, free radicals, stress, and ultraviolet radiation. It is also helps in controlling the immune system’s response to infection. As a matter of fact, NF-κB has been associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, addiction, cancer, and viral infections.
What curcumin does is stop inflammation and protect the skin by improving the production of collagen and destroying free radicals. It is also effective for healing wounded skin that manifests as rashes, dryness, scaliness, irritation and swelling. Curcumin simply helps to increase the formation of connective tissues and encourage blood flow.
How do you Use Turmeric for Healthier Skin?
If you desire to start enjoying all the benefits that turmeric offers to enhance the appearance and feel of your skin, there are various ways to include turmeric into your skin and health routines.
Turmeric Supplements
Turmeric supplements provide up to 95% concentrations of curcumin and so offer a lot of benefits for your health. For curcumin to be well-absorbed by the body, it should to be taken along with piperine, black pepper or healthy fats such as coconut oil to raise its bioavailability and promote absorption.. So when shopping for turmeric supplements, go for brands that come already formulated with BioPerine.
Foods Rich in Turmeric
Perhaps, the most effective way to use turmeric is to include the spice in the foods you eat. The amount of curcumin in turmeric powdered spices is quite low when compared to the supplements. However, it is good to incorporate this spice in our diet to enjoy the full benefits it offers your skin and overall health.
The recommended doses of turmeric per day are between 1.5 and 3 g for fresh roots and the powdered spice between 400 and 600 mg three times per day. You can also blend it into smoothies, toss into stews and soups, make turmeric tea, marinate meats, and sprinkle some on fresh hummus..
Also remember that turmeric is kind of delicate and its beneficial properties can be destroyed while cooking. Even boiling turmeric for only about 15 minutes can kill off up to 85% of the curcumin in them. So it’s better to incorporate the spice after you have dropped the dish from heat. Keep in mind that curcumin also loses its beneficial properties when exposed to light for too long. Therefore, it should be stored in a fridge or any cool, dark place of your choice.
You can purchase turmeric supplements here.
