Scientifically referred to as Curcuma longa, turmeric is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The rhizomes are usually dried and then crushed to obtain a deep yellow-orange spice.
Native to south Asia, turmeric is widely used in Indian, Bangladesh, and Pakistan cuisine.
It has also been used for centuries in Ayurveda - ancient Indian medicine - to treat an array of condition ranging from congestion and diabetes to breathing problems and skin problems, including acne.
The use of turmeric for acne treatment is fast gaining popularity all over the world.
Numerous beneficial properties of turmeric are recognized in as far as pimples and scars treatment is concerned including:
Antibacterial Properties: The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to have potent antibacterial properties and anti-fungal properties. It can therefore help to kill the bacteria involved in acne, Propionibacterium acnes (or P. acnes). A study conducted at Chang Gung University showed Curcumin to be 36 times more effective than azelaic acid in inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria.
Skin regenerative action: According to a review published in the Biofactors Journal, curcumin in turmeric has potent chemopreventative properties that can help in skin regeneration and wound healing. It may thus be beneficial to acne scars and lesions.
Be cautious when using turmeric for acne treatment or any other purpose. Although it is not associated with significant side-effects, it is known to be notoriously staining to surfaces and clothes.
How To Use Turmeric For Acne Scars And Pimples On Face
There are many variations of the recipe, but below you will find the basic turmeric face mask recipe. Some people add chickpea flower to thicken the paste or add other ingredients that benefit the skin (see other recipes below).
Ingredients Needed
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of raw organic honey
- 1 teaspoon of natural yogurt (or milk)
Preparation
Put turmeric into a little bowl. Add honey and yogurt (or milk). You can adjust the amount of yogurt (or milk) to adjust the thickness of the turmeric mask, but make sure that it’s a firm paste that will stick to your face. Turmeric is a dye and it can stain anything, so you don’t want it dripping off your face.
Face preparation
Wash your face with running water and remove all makeup. If your hair is long, tie it up at the back. Wear a T-shirt you are not too attached to, in case it gets stained.
Application of the Turmeric Face Mask
Apply the turmeric mask evenly all over your face. A spot you don’t want to miss is under the eyes, as turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the dark circles, which form as a result of vasoconstriction (narrowing of the vessels).
