I think I already know what you're thinking - "Here goes another healthy lifestyle nut preaching about a herb or spice they have no real connection nor intrinsic familiarity with." And honestly, I'm afraid to say that you'd be mostly right. Definitely not about the "healthy lifestyle nut" part though - nothing could be further from the truth than that - but you'd be right to claim that I have no deep connection to the spice, specifically because it did not originate within the African continent, but rather in Asia, and more specifically in India. So, as ashamed as I am to say that I was not aware of the amazing amazing amazing Turmeric plant until much later in my life, I can say for sure that now I've gotten a taste of it, I'm never going back.
Basically, this is an appreciation post for turmeric (and its active agent, curcumin) in relation to skincare because the wonderful people of India knew what they were doing by incorporating this spice into their daily routines and I'm just trying to spread the good word.
Don't get me wrong though, turmeric's abilities go much further than skincare. There are even studies that show that it could positively impact the effects of depression by increasing the effects of dopamine and serotonin in the brain!
Alas, I'm just gonna be talking about the benefits as it relates to skincare and why you should be looking to work this into your skincare routine if healthier skin is what you're after.
The most important thing about turmeric (and curcumin) is its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which enable it to do the following -
- promote anti-ageing and youthful skin ✔️
- provide glow and lustre by pulling out your skin's natural glow ✔️
- heal wounds faster by decreasing inflammation and oxidation ✔️
- positively affects tissue regeneration and collagen production in the skin ✔️
- aid sensitive skin as it's shown to have a positive impact on eczema, alopecia and other skin issues ✔️
- help with skin conditions like psoriasis as it helps to control flare-ups ✔️
- soothe and calm the skin, as well as reduce scarring on the skin and clear up acne-prone skin ✔️
If that extensive list of reasons to immediately start packing on the turmeric wasn't enough to convince you, the fact that turmeric is an all-natural and wholly organic substance that works across skin types and works with your skin instead of against it, should seal the deal.
🛑 Now, a warning 🛑
Warning #1 - When using turmeric, you need to be careful about the dosage and the type of product you use, as well as if you could possibly have any adverse reactions because it is quite a potent substance. As with any new product you use, make sure to test a bit of it on a small patch of skin (i.e. the inner part of your forearm) and wait for roughly 48 hours before committing to using the product.
In addition, I should probably mention that if you are allergic to turmeric spice in food, it might be a good idea to steer clear of the compound in products as well!
Warning #2 - Turmeric is a spice that is incredibly rich in colour, and when used on the skin, there is a risk of 'staining' or 'discolouring'.
Meaning that you could end up looking like Stuart, Kevin or Rob if you use too much for too long, so use it with caution!
Warning #3 (not so much a warning, more like an fyi) - As humans, our body's metabolism naturally burns off the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric (and curcumin) at a faster rate and this means that we end up not absorbing much of it. So in order for it to really have an effect, we have to let it sit and sink in.
In closing, Turmeric, we appreciate you.
And if you (yes, you the reader) are looking for a recommendation on a turmeric-based product that you could integrate into your skincare routine, definitely stick around and you'll get one.