Turmeric Skin Benefits: The Golden Glow for Healthy Skin

Turmeric: Indian spice with superfood status or glow-getting skin herb? Turns out, it’s both!

Curcumin, the yellow compound in turmeric, benefits skin in many ways. From boosting radiance and soothing acne to reducing dark spots and premature aging, this traditional spice offers more than a fragrant, complex bite.

At MD GLAM, we’re all about harnessing organic compounds and natural skincare ingredients to elevate your routine. That’s why we formulate almost every product with botanical extracts to keep our formulas pure and effective. 

As for how turmeric works its magic? That’s precisely what we’ll dive into today. Join us as we take a closer look at the history of turmeric skincare, its benefits, tips for weaving it into your routine, and more. 

Turmeric in Skincare: Origins and History

Turmeric derives from the Curcuma longa, a tropical, flowering plant in the ginger family. Its roots have rhizomes that contain curcumin (that chemical we mentioned earlier). Turmeric is extracted from these rhizomes and processed into spices, dyes, and other products. 

Its uses go back as far as 4,000 years, from cooking and medicine to religious rituals. It was even a favorite of Venetian explorer Marco Polo, who described turmeric as a cousin of saffron (the world's most expensive spice).

But how long has “the golden spice” worked wonders in skincare? 

History of Turmeric Skincare

Curcumin skincare is nothing new, either. Its most notable skincare applications include:

Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and Wedding Rituals

For thousands of years, Indians have used turmeric for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, ideal for treating skin conditions, enhancing the complexion, and healing wounds.

In Indian culture (particularly Hindu weddings), there’s a ceremony called 'Haldi' in which the bride and groom are smeared with a turmeric paste. This tradition, which is still carried out today, is thought to bless the couple on their special day.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

The ancient Chinese valued turmeric for its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties. Chinese medicine continues harnessing turmeric for its antioxidant skin remedies.

Egyptian Cosmetics

Historical records suggest that ancient Egyptians used turmeric for its cosmetic benefits. They also used it as a poultice (or salve) to reduce inflammation from skin allergies.

Japanese Traditional Skincare

Known as 'ukon,’ the Japanese use turmeric in traditional skincare practices to improve clarity and reduce signs of aging.

Indonesian Beauty Treatments

In Indonesian traditional beauty practices, turmeric is a key ingredient in 'Lulur,' an herbal scrub for exfoliating and smoothing the skin.

If turmeric face masks were a staple in Cleopatra’s beauty line-up, count us in. So, what does the science say?

The Science Behind Turmeric Skin Benefits

Unlike many natural skincare ingredients, the curcumin in turmeric is a proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The spice boasts quite a roster of skin benefits, including hyperpigmentation treatment, acne relief, moisturization, anti-aging properties, and treatment of certain skin conditions. 

Let’s take a closer look at turmeric’s complexion perks:

Promotes Natural Skin Healing

Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, boosting your body’s regenerative processes. It also promotes tissue growth and collagen production. All of this combined allows your skin wounds to heal faster. 

Reveals a Natural Glow

Turmeric is a staple in anti-inflammatory skincare, plus it’s packed with antioxidants. This helps brighten your complexion and boost your skin’s natural radiance.

Ramps Up Moisture

Dry, flaky skin cramping your makeup look? Turmeric deeply hydrates your skin and accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells. Not only does this reveal softer, healthier skin, but it shields your skin from further damage.

Soothes Skin and Scalp Conditions

Some studies suggest turmeric can help with atopic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia, dandruff, and other skin and scalp issues. 

Diminishes Acne and Texture

Many people love using turmeric for acne because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This prevents the spread of germs, diminishing breakouts, redness, and puffiness.

Slows Down Signs of Aging

Thanks to its antioxidant skin remedies, turmeric protects your skin from UV radiation and environmental damage. This reduces oxidative stress that prompts early signs of aging. 

Evens Skin Tone and Discoloration

Many hyperpigmentation treatments contain turmeric because it balances discoloration and revives your natural glow. It also brightens dark spots. Conversely, it can make scars and stretch marks less noticeable. 

It’s clear that turmeric’s skin benefits live up to the hype. Ready to harness its power in your skincare routine? 

How to Use Turmeric to Boost Your Complexion

We’ll be the first to admit we tend to approach homemade skin recipes with some skepticism. However, when it comes to turmeric-based treatments, the proven perks don’t leave much room for doubt. 

Here are three DIY combos for dosing skin with the healing magic of the golden spice:

Turmeric Cleanser

Turmeric milk cleansers are a go-to option for combatting acne, dark spots, and premature aging. The lactic acid in (cow) milk encourages cell turnover and the shedding of dead, dry skin cells. Pair that with the antimicrobial power of turmeric, and you’ve got a potent skin purifier!

• Mix 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric with a cup of milk
• Use the mixture to cleanse your face
• Rinse it off and gently pat dry 

Turmeric Face Mask

Turmeric face masks are the most popular DIY treatment. Its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich properties soothe skin and literally illuminate it from within. While there are a few different recipes out there, we favor treatments infused with honey's hydrating, anti-aging benefits.

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with two tablespoons of honey
• Add 1-2 drops of cow’s milk or yogurt (optional)
• Combine into a paste and apply to your clean face
• Let sit for 10 minutes or until completely dry
• Wash with warm water and moisturize as usual

Turmeric Snacks

We can’t forget about harnessing dietary turmeric for skin, too. Remember that milk cleanser we made? Keep a little extra on the side to warm up and drink later. Other ways to add turmeric to your diet include:

• Sprinkling turmeric on your favorite snacks, like popcorn or hard-boiled eggs
• Or brewing a cozy turmeric-lemon tea before bedtime

Keep in mind that turmeric can stain both your skin and surfaces. Our tip? Opt for an old shirt you don’t mind smudging, and spread out paper towels to catch any spills. 

Turmeric: Adverse Reactions

While you might find turmeric is the secret to your skin’s ultimate glow-up, others might have the opposite experience. And that’s okay—everyone’s skin is unique.

Your complexion may not agree with turmeric if you notice any:

• Sudden breakouts or acne, especially if uncommon for your skin type
• Turmeric allergic reactions, like hives, swelling, or itching
• Discoloration or yellowish staining that won’t wash off 
• Delayed healing after using turmeric 

Stay in tune with your skin. If turmeric isn’t the right fit, trust us—your complexion will let you know. 

Spice Up Your Skin with MD GLAM

Turmeric skin benefits aren’t a viral trend or fad of the moment. This natural beauty elixir is backed by science (and history). And truth be told, scientifically proven ingredients are the only ones MD GLAM stands behind. 

Time-honored natural ingredients combined with a modern, surgeon-formulated skincare routine? Now that’s a perfect match. 

Shop our collection of natural, medical-grade skincare today.