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This article was co-authored by Diana Yerkes. Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 32,325 times.
Turmeric is a plant related to ginger. Dried turmeric root is used in traditional and alternative medicine traditions, such as Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, as an anti-inflammatory agent.[1] Medicinal uses include using turmeric to treat a variety of skin issues, such as eczema, itching, and damage from radiation therapy.[2] It may also reduce symptoms of acne.[3] Consult with your doctor if you are considering using turmeric to treat your acne, as you should with all home remedies. While there is very little research to verify the efficacy of using turmeric on the skin, including using it to treat acne, many people assert that it has made a big difference in clearing up their conditions.[4]
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using a Turmeric Face Mask
- 1Research the beneficial effects of turmeric. While there’s not a lot of clear-cut evidence for turmeric’s effects on acne, it can improve the overall condition of your skin. In addition to being a great natural exfoliant, turmeric is high in antioxidants, which can help slow down your skin’s natural aging processes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce some of the symptoms of acne.[5]
Pick a recipe or create your own. There are a variety of turmeric mask recipes that can be used on your face. These combine turmeric with ingredients that will both help your skin and help the turmeric stick to your skin.[6] Common ingredients for a turmeric face mask include: honey, yogurt, milk, avocado, oat or chickpea flour, and lemon.- One recipe you can use is to combine 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chickpea flour, a quarter teaspoon (1 ml) of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons (30 ml) of honey, and enough yogurt, milk, or water to make the mixture into a paste.[7]
- For a really simple mask, simply combine a quarter teaspoon (1 ml) turmeric with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey. This mixture is easily applied to the face due to the stickiness of the honey.
- For skin that is dry but also prone to breakouts, combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of turmeric with half a mashed avocado.
- Make your own special combination if you like! If you have any of the ingredients normally used in face masks on hand, simply combine what you have and use it.
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Gather ingredients. You can find dried turmeric in most natural food stores in the dietary supplement section.[8] You can also easily find it and buy it online. If you are interested in using fresh turmeric, look in your local natural food store.- Fresh turmeric is usually stored near fresh ginger in your store's produce section. It is not always available, so if you can't find it be sure to ask the produce worker at your store if it is available.[9]
Make the mask. Combine the ingredients of your mask in a bowl, making sure to mix ingredients completely. Whatever recipe you choose, make sure that the resulting mixture is liquid enough to apply to the face but not so runny that it will run off your face. This means that it should be the consistency of a thick mud.
Apply the mask. Apply the turmeric mask so it comes in direct contact with your acne. Use your fingers, a fan brush, or a small spatula to smooth the mixture all over your face. Apply a thick layer to your face so that the mask doesn’t dry out too quickly. Like with all beauty masks, be sure to avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, as this would be uncomfortable.- Turmeric can stain your face yellow. You can remove any residual yellowness by lightly scrubbing your skin with a paste made of chickpea flour.[10]
Wash off the mask. Leave your turmeric mask on for at least 10 minutes. You can leave it on for longer, but most masks should be washed off after about 20 to 30 minutes.[11] The extra time will allow the mask to penetrate more deeply into your skin.[12]- Wash off the mask with clean, warm water. This will ensure that all ingredients are removed and that they don't clog your pores, which could add to your acne problems instead of helping them.[13]
- 7Apply toner and moisturizer to your skin. Face masks and cleansers can upset your skin’s natural pH balance and leave it either greasy or dehydrated. After washing off the mask, put on a little toner and follow it with your favorite moisturizer to rebalance the skin and lock in moisture.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Ingesting Turmeric
Take turmeric in pill form. While the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric need more scientific investigation, many people take it regularly in hopes of reducing inflammation in general. If you want to treat inflammation related to your acne with turmeric, one way you can do that is by ingesting it daily in pill form.[14]- Consult with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements to make sure that they will not interact with any medicines that you are taking and that they are safe for you to take.
- Dried turmeric in pill form is usually available in all-natural food stores, but it is also available online.
- In order to figure out dosing, follow the directions on the packaging of your specific turmeric pills.
Add turmeric to your food. Turmeric is probably best known as a food additive and spice. It is used to turn foods yellow, including curries and mustard, and has a subtle, slightly bitter taste.[15] Try adding it to your favorite recipes to incorporate it into your diet.- Add a pinch of black pepper whenever you cook with turmeric. The pepper will boost the beneficial effects of the turmeric.
- One food that turmeric can easily be added to is rice. If using 1 cup (237 ml) of uncooked rice, add between 1/2 and 1 tablespoon (7-15 ml) of turmeric powder to the rice before cooking, depending on the level of flavor and color you desire. The turmeric will turn the rice a bright yellow and will give it a wonderful flavor.[16]
Make your own turmeric milk. Turmeric beverages are another great way to incorporate turmeric into your diet. To make turmeric milk, add a small amount of turmeric powder or fresh turmeric, between a quarter and a half teaspoon (1-2.5 ml) dry or 1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh, to a pot. Combine with 1 cup (237 ml) of your favorite milk, 1 cup (237 ml) of water, and additional spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper, and then bring to a simmer.[17]- You can use traditional cow's milk or a non-dairy substitute, like soy milk. For a creamy and spicy dairy-free turmeric milk, check out this simple recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-golden-milk/.
- There are also turmeric products sold that are made to be mixed into milk that contain spices and sweeteners in addition to the turmeric.
- If you’d rather not make your own, you can buy turmeric milk at many natural food stores.
- 4Drink turmeric tea. You can make your own turmeric tea with dried or fresh turmeric. Combine a small amount of turmeric, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried or 1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh, with 1 cup (237 ml) of hot water. You can add a variety of ingredients as well, including cinnamon, ginger, honey, and lemon.[18]
- Turmeric tea is also available from commercial tea companies in tea bags.
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionIs turmeric good for acne treatment?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistTurmeric is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, both of which help with acne. Both eating turmeric and applying it topically can help reduce acne. - QuestionWhat does turmeric do to the face?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistTurmeric reduces inflammation in the skin and kills off acne-causing bacteria. It also reduces the signs of aging. - QuestionWhat are the negative effects of turmeric?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistIf you consume it orally it can make you nauseated or give you runny stools. It can also stain the skin if applied topically.
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Warnings
- There is not enough scientific evidence to guarantee that turmeric will help with your acne. In fact, further research is needed to outline why and how it helps to alleviate a wide variety of health issues, including inflammatory diseases and certain cancers.[19]Thanks
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Tips
- Consider growing your own turmeric. If you live in a warm climate, you can grow it outside. If you live in a cold climate, especially a climate that freezes outside, then you may need to grow it inside in a pot.[20]Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/125/common-spice-may-protect-skin-during-radiation-therapy-for-cancer.aspx
- ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/simple-beauty-get-glowing-skin-with-turmeric/
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20748/get-glowing-skin-with-this-diy-turmeric-face-mask.html
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debjit_Bhowmik4/publication/268268687_Turmeric_A_Herbal_and_Traditional_Medicine/links/5552dedf08aeaaff3bf001f1.pdf
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debjit_Bhowmik4/publication/268268687_Turmeric_A_Herbal_and_Traditional_Medicine/links/5552dedf08aeaaff3bf001f1.pdf
- ↑ http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-cures/turmeric-masks-for-great-skin
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/skin/Turmeric-Face-Mask-Recipes-True-Secret-to-Glowing-Skin
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debjit_Bhowmik4/publication/268268687_Turmeric_A_Herbal_and_Traditional_Medicine/links/5552dedf08aeaaff3bf001f1.pdf
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm
- ↑ http://www.food.com/recipe/turmeric-rice-48162
- ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/Heres-how-you-should-make-turmeric-milk/articleshow/47467371.cms
- ↑ http://nutritionstripped.com/turmeric-tea/
- ↑ http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin#biological-activities
- ↑ http://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/turmeric/
About this article
Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
This article was co-authored by Diana Yerkes. Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy. This article has been viewed 32,325 times.
Co-authors: 10
Updated: January 21, 2022
Views: 32,325
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,325 times.
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