Turmeric, a yellow spice, has a history of being used as a healing agent, including in skin care. It is often used in food dishes, but can also be added to salad dressing, ground into rice, and as an ingredient in beauty products.
The main active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This may be one of the reasons for its beneficial effects on skin. These include reducing the appearance of acne, lightening hyperpigmentation, and preventing the development of skin cancer. In addition, a combination of turmeric and neem has been shown to be effective in the treatment of scabies, an infection caused by microscopic mites.
Turmeric may also be able to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of this effect. Additionally, people who are taking certain medications should discuss their turmeric usage with their physician. People with allergies should avoid using turmeric, or should limit its use to very small amounts.
Because turmeric contains volatile oils, some people may be allergic to it. If this happens, it is important to discontinue its use immediately. Other people may experience contact dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin caused by direct exposure to the spice. To avoid this, only apply the powder or paste to a small area of skin.
Another possible side effect of turmeric is that it can cause redness and swelling of the skin. Therefore, it is best to mix it with other ingredients before applying it to your face. A gel or ointment may be more effective than a mask for reducing redness and itching.
Turmeric can be used in a facial mask to help treat inflammatory skin conditions. For example, it can help to treat atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. One study found that turmeric can help to reduce the appearance of these conditions by 14 percent.
The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric can also help to heal wounds. In addition, curcumin can help to lower the body’s response to cutaneous wounds. While more research is required to further evaluate the benefits of this natural remedy, the evidence so far is promising.
As with all alternative therapies, turmeric should be used only in conjunction with conventional treatments. Before starting turmeric, it is recommended to speak to a doctor and to consult with the FDA for more information. Those experiencing side effects should stop using the product and report any problems to the FDA. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Although turmeric is safe to use, some people may experience a mild allergic reaction. Anyone with a history of allergies should not use turmeric without first conducting a patch test. Also, anyone with an increased risk of bleeding should not use turmeric.
There are many ways to use turmeric, but you should only use it in small amounts on your face. Avoid using it if you have an allergy or if you are sensitive to gluten.
