Does Turmeric Really Benefit Your Skin?
WHERE DOES THE HYPE STEM FROM?
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a plant of the ginger family, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The part of turmeric that is commonly used for food or coloring is the rhizome – its underground stem. If not used fresh, the turmeric stem is boiled in water, dried and ground into powder. The infamous deep, yellow color of the powder is owed to curcumin, a compound chemical found in turmeric.
The bright color is not the only thing that has earned turmeric and curcumin a spotlight in modern culture and science. There has been ongoing debate among scientists about whether turmeric, and curcumin in particular, possess proven healing qualities. Today we want to look deeper into the existing research on the benefits of turmeric.
THE PROOF IS IN THE RESULTS
Dr. Greger of NutritionFacts.org quotes a study in which 62 patients used a simple turmeric-based balm to help relieve symptoms of cancer on their skin and mucous membranes (such as mouth, etc.) These were long-lasting outward sores caused by cancer that persisted even after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The patients applied a turmeric ointment, made of natural turmeric powder and mixed with Vaseline, three times a day. The results were astounding. 90% of the patients saw a relief in the itching and smell; 70% saw an improvement in healing of the lesions, and 10% experienced reduction in size and relief in pain. In most cases, the effect of the turmeric treatment lasted for months.
Another study done in Korea confirmed that application of curcumin can improve the survival and recovery of outer layer skin cells, and therefore can be used to treat radiation burns. It is clear that scientists across the world are agreeing on the benefits of turmeric through evidence-based research.
TURN UP THE TURMERIC
According to a publication in the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Journal, “curcumin protects skin by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation”, as well as “reduce[s] wound-healing time”.
These healing and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric apply to people with a wide range of diseases, including skin conditions – from skin cancer, to acne and psoriasis.
The undeniable added benefits of turmeric, compared to chemically produced medication, are its safety and non-toxicity. It is no wonder that Indian people have adapted this spice in their cuisine, as well as cultural and beauty rituals, since ancient times.
If you have been suffering from a skin condition, including acne or psoriasis, try the Reshma Beauty® “Ubtan” Turmeric face mask, containing all natural ingredients. Just be mindful of the signature yellow color of you have a lighter skin tone: turmeric is not a hero that likes to go unnoticed. If you have light skin, you can opt for applying turmeric as a scrub rather than a leave-on mask. Follow up with the Turmeric soap to wash off residue – and watch your skin start healing and acquiring a healthy glow with every use.
What are your thoughts on Turmeric? Have you had good results using it as a skin treatment or taking it as a supplement? Do you have a favorite recipe using this spice? Let us know in the comments below!