Turmeric is seen as an all-encompassing skin remedy. So much so that there is a separate ‘haldi ceremony’ in Indian weddings. The gentle application of haldi on the bride and the groom’s skin silently ensures an unmatchable glow on their special day. But are all these turmeric benefits for skin real? Let’s find out by first digging deeper into the history of haldi.
Turmeric: The Wonder Spice
Turmeric is an age-old spice. The bright, yellow-orange spice has been known for over 4000 years. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is rated as a universal healer because of its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic properties.
Turmeric Benefits for Skin
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric helps balance the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, the three primary doshas in Ayurveda. This helps correct a range of skin conditions. The main haldi benefits for skin include:
1. Promotes Natural Glow
Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its signature yellow color, is a potent antioxidant compound. It also has anti-inflammatory compounds that heal the skin cells from within, unveiling a natural glow. Studies show that both topical application and ingestion of curcumin compounds help modulate skin health and function.
2. Natural Skin Whitening
The antioxidant curcumin inhibits excessive melanin production in the skin. Melanin is a skin pigment. Its levels are responsible for the skin tone and pigmentation. Haldi uses for skin are linked to skin whitening as it reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes by controlling the melanin production in the body. A study established that regular use of turmeric-infused skin lotion helped improve skin tone in just three weeks.
3. Acne Treatment
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it a perfect remedy for acne breakouts. The use of turmeric paste on affected areas of skin fights the growth of acne-causing bacteria, making the skin acne-free, findings of a study reveal. Furthermore, the curcumin compounds help regulate the sebum production. Findings reveal that the reduced sebum production aids in acne-free skin.
4. Reduces Dark Circles
While numerous factors contribute to dark circles and under-eye puffiness, turmeric comes across as a wonder cure due to its skin lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Ingestion of turmeric also stimulates blood circulation. Studies link turmeric intake to reducing the incidence and appearance of under-eye puffiness and tired-looking eyes.
5. Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Dehydrated and dull skin is prone to several skin concerns. The dryness increases during winter months. But turmeric works as a magic ingredient that nourishes and deeply hydrates the skin from within, proving to be a potent remedy for dry skin concerns.
6. Helps Reverse Signs of Aging
Premature skin aging is often a result of DNA damage caused due to oxidative stress and environmental factors like UV exposure. Studies show that the anti-mutagenic properties of turmeric help reduce and even completely negate the mutagenic effects of potentially harmful chemicals in the body. This helps reduce the signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Reduces Appearance of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks and acne marks are a result of reduced skin cell turnover. Studies establish turmeric benefits for skin as more pronounced due to its antioxidant properties that improve the cell membrane function and the skin-lightening properties that help in reducing appearance.
Effective Haldi Uses for Skin
There are a range of turmeric-based remedies for improved skin health. The most common ones are:
- Turmeric with milk for healthy and youthful skin
- Turmeric with mustard oil for skin pigmentation
- Turmeric and lemon for skin-lightening
- Turmeric and curd for glowing skin
- Turmeric and honey for skin nourishment
- Turmeric and coconut oil for skin hydration
- Turmeric and egg white for skin-firming
- Turmeric and banana mask for clear skin
Conclusion
Turmeric is a wonderful spice for skin concerns. Its innate properties make it a potent cure for several skin concerns. But turmeric is metabolized too quickly in the body, not allowing the body to absorb the levels required to ensure its protective effects. Therefore, topical application of turmeric is best for reaping turmeric benefits for skin. But remember that its regular use leaves a yellowish tinge on the skin that feels unappealing.
