Turmeric – Can It Spice Up Your Skin Care?

For many centuries, turmeric has been used in India for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties to treat burns, bruises and cuts. In addition, it may be consumed to allegedly help with stomach ailments. Native to South Asia, it is part of the ginger family and may be found in a number of ayurvedic skin care formulations. Recently, curcurmin, which are active components found in turmeric, has demonstrated the ability to treat the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, making it an alternative treatment to conventional pain killers.

Turmeric In Skin Care
Turmeric may be found as an active ingredient in eye care products designed to remove fine lines, blackheads and dark circles under the eyes. Some manufacturers include turmeric in their products for its ability to lighten skin. One cosmetics manufacturer has demonstrated that turmeric is able to decrease the activity of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) and it is already included in formulations for this reason.

Turmeric ointment, or a paste made from powdered turmeric, may be used to treat cuts, scrapes, and skin conditions such as acne, diaper rash, and psoriasis. Mixing turmeric essential oil with jojoba has been found to help control eczema and eliminate spots. And, it is included in some sunscreens for its antioxidant activity.

The government of Thailand is funding a project to extract and isolate tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) from turmeric. THCs (not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol, which is also known as THC) are colorless compounds that might have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties and might be used to treat skin inflammations, making these compounds useful in skin conditions involving inflammation.

Should You Consider Turmeric?
A study recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that curcurmin gel(from turmeric) can help to resolve the red, scaly skin associated with psoriasis. Although this plant has been widely used and anecdotal evidence exists regarding the other skin benefits of curcurmin, more research is needed to support other skin benefits. Your skin won’t suffer any detrimental effect from using turmeric, but until more research is available, don’t buy into exaggerated claims.