10 Ways to use Turmeric in your Beauty Routine

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that is used in many culinary dishes in South Asian households across the world. However, its health benefits are not limited solely to food – it’s also the perfect addition to your beauty routine!

The bright, golden-hued spice is rich with beauty benefits that can be especially effective for Desi skin types.

Dating back over 4,000 years, turmeric has been used for numerous medicinal and religious purposes in South Asia.

According to Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, more than 100 components have been isolated from turmeric.

This alludes to the vast array of things that can be benefited with the use of turmeric.

Along with its many health benefits, the word “glowing” is often heard alongside turmeric. We all want glowing skin, right?

Dry skin, breakouts and acne are just a few of the common skincare issues South Asian men and women face. This leaves the task of skincare feeling more like a chore rather than a self-indulgent activity.

A variety of products on the market target these issues, but the array of chemicals used can deter people.

Desi customers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients they are putting on their skin; they are seeking natural alternatives to fill their beauty cabinets.

Healthline reports that turmeric is effective for those suffering dermatological conditions. For example, turmeric can help with eczema, alopecia, lichen, psoriasis and other skin issues.

DESIblitz has compiled ten ways to incorporate turmeric into your beauty routine so that you too can benefit from its properties.

Anti-Acne Turmeric Face Mask

A homemade turmeric face mask is a great way to revive your skin and help with acne.

Turmeric contains anti-oxidants which helps to achieve a natural glow and slow down cell damage.

Naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, turmeric combined with honey soothes acne and spot-prone skin.

Use a cotton ball to swipe apple cider vinegar over the skin. Wait five minutes.

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and apply directly to the face. Allow the mask to sit for 15-20 minutes and wash with warm water.

If an unwanted yellow tint remains, dab a milk-soaked cotton ball over these areas.

Not only will this mask cleanse and rejuvenate your skin, but it also lessens the appearance of blemishes and acne.

DIY Lip Scrub

Many people suffer from cracked or peeled lips, particularly in dry weather conditions.

Taking extra precaution to keep your lips looking wonderful is important – and exfoliation is the key!

Use 1 tablespoon of Vaseline and mix with 1 teaspoon of turmeric and apply onto your lips. You can also add 4 tablespoons of caster/coconut oil if you have it.

Turmeric’s texture provides excellent exfoliation that will rejuvenate your lips. It even adds great moisture to the lips and in some cases evens out any pigmentation.

Dry/Cracked Skin Paste 

Turmeric’s consistency helps to regulate the skin’s oil production, making it great for dry, cracked, eczema or psoriasis prone skin.

Mix coconut oil and turmeric powder to create a paste. Apply this to any dry skin and leave for 10-15 minutes before washing off.

This remedy works really well on cracked heels, leaving the skin feeling soft and calmed.

Anti-Inflammatory Face Mask

Turmeric’s main component, curcumin, is extremely beneficial for your beauty routine due to its anti-inflammatory abilities.

Many factors can cause redness and inflamed skin such as weather change, hormone levels, stress and more. Curcumin can help calm this inflammation, in addition to soothing skin irritation and treating household burns.

A 2016 medical research paper also showed studies where turmeric has a noticeable positive effect on skin diseases when applied topically.

Mix turmeric powder with honey, coconut oil and some plain flour. Apply to your face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

Zoe LVH, founder of Wunder Workshop which makes organic turmeric-based products, states:

“Its anti-inflammatory effects lessen the appearance of blemishes and acne”.

This mask is sure to decrease puffiness and leave you feeling revitalised with a natural glow.

Turmeric Spot Cream

The anti-inflammatory component in turmeric is also a fantastic way to target breakouts on the skin.

Your adolescent years, twenties and any period of hormone imbalances can lead to the occasional spots. We all want clearer skin, right?

Mixing 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric with aloe vera gel can create the perfect organic spot cream.

Incorporating aloe vera is highly beneficial amongst Desi men and women as it alleviates redness and soothes the skin.

Adding aloe vera to your beauty routine will give a boost of hydration to those pesky spots. It can also be used on the body as well as the face.

Turmeric Milk

It is important to remember that your beauty routine isn’t restricted to what you apply to your skin. What you apply internally is equally as important for your skin.

Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow colour, helps the body to burn fat. It also helps reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Consuming this in drink form will, therefore, be a great addition to your beauty routine. A glass a day is sure to leave your body feeling stronger.

Combine water and turmeric in a pot over medium heat. Stir until it is a paste-like consistency. Cook for 7-8 minutes until a browner colour is formed than when you are first started stirring.

Add milk (non-dairy) until the entire drink is warm, not boiling. Add some sugar if you desire and drink!

This comforting night-time drink will help the brain produce more serotonin and dopamine.

According to Hello Glow:

“Turmeric milk will naturally improve your mood and give you a good night’s sleep.”.

You’ll notice any dark circles and puffy eye bags will soon disappear.

Hair Oil

Most Desi people have consistently used some form of oil in their hair which nourishes and gives it a healthier appeal.

Adding a dash of turmeric oil to your usual hair oil can help prevent dandruff.

Turmeric for Health has also noted its health benefits to your hair:

“Turmeric oil is also known to help in preventing hair loss, especially male pattern baldness”.

A thorough rinse after applicated is all that is required – the yellow won’t stain your hair.

Stretch Mark Cream

Stretch marks are natural and both men and women of all ages have them.

Whether you like to embrace your stretch marks or want to decrease their appearance is your choice – don’t let society pressure you into being ashamed of them.

If you do want to decrease the appearance of them however, massaging turmeric cream onto your body can help.

Mix a dash of turmeric into plain Greek yoghurt with some lemon juice. This will help lighten the marks.

Skin Tightening Ointment

As we age our skin naturally can become looser causing wrinkles to develop. This is empowering and a cause for celebration for many people – a visible sign of living!

However, some people do want to tighten their skin and reduce the depth of lines on the skin.

Mix turmeric, rice flour, yoghurt and some avocado to create a thin paste is good for this. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes and wash with warm water.

Turmeric Tea for Toxins

A hot mug of tea is a great addition to your beauty routine. It flushes away toxins and even acts as a great hangover cure!

Sarah Tucker, a plant-based health coach, states that:

“It’s known as a blood purifier – it removes toxins from the blood and aids our liver and kidneys”.

In terms of holistic nutrition, a turmeric-infused tea will leave your body feeling elevated which reflects well in your skin.

These ten ways to use turmeric in your beauty routine are an accessible way to improve the way you treat your body.

Chemical-free, homemade turmeric products for skincare requires time to be able to see a difference. Stay patient and enjoy the process!