RECAP: Turmeric for Skin Whitening

The ozone depletion or the hole in the sky is yielding many skin infections and cancer nowadays. As this hole is unable to prevent the ultraviolet rays coming from the sun, so you need to protect yourself and your loved ones by practicing the natural solution. Turmeric is a pinned spice of every Indian plate, finds a unique standing in Indian weddings, and is gaining global recognition! It is one of the essential skin-whitening ingredients cited in Ayurveda. It reduces dark patches and imparts glossy skin. In fact, it’s one of the most prevalent spices in India and throughout Southeast Asia. Although turmeric is often associated with food, it has been a beauty agent for centuries. Its bright yellow color comes from curcumin, an active ingredient found in turmeric root that delivers potent anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties when consumed or applied topically on the skin.

In this blog, you’ll be convinced enough to throw your toxin-laden skin-whitening creams because the universal hero turmeric is there for you with full of antioxidants like Gluthathione!

How Turmeric Whitens Your Skin Naturally: 6 Miraculous Benefits!

1. Allay Pigmentation

Generally, pigmentation is the darkening of the skin due to the build-up of melanin, produced when the body has more pigment than it needs to protect itself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The most ordinary reason for pigmentation is sun damage, which causes a reduction in melanin levels and contributes to skin aging.

A 2012 study of Phytotherapy, the vibrant blend in turmeric may decrease melanin synthesis. This compound, called curcumin, functions by interfering with tyrosinase. This stops the power of melanocytes from creating more melanin.

Another factor that causes pigmentation is hormones, particularly during puberty and pregnancy, when estrogen levels increase dramatically. Genetic factors also contribute to increased pigmentation and certain medications, such as beta-blockers or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

2. Fights Free Radicals

Do you know free radicles (pollutants, smoke, etc.) in various forms cause oxidative stress? Oxidative stress further results in the formation of wrinkles and premature aging, leading to a reduction in skin collagen.

Did you know that turmeric is actually a powerful antioxidant? Not only does it have the mastery to fight free radical damage, but it also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant agent that helps your body absorb iron and produce collagen. Adding turmeric to your diet will help wrinkles, skin elasticity, and overall health.

3. An excellent Exfoliator

Turmeric is an excellent exfoliator for the skin. Since it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it also has the added benefit of reducing redness and irritation while using it.

EXFOLIATION

What: The removal of dead skin cells.

How: Gently massage the turmeric exfoliator onto your skin in a circular motion to remove the dead skin cells. The most effortless way to exfoliate is in the shower.

Where: Face, legs, arms, and tummy. Everywhere.

Why:

• Radiant Skin – Removing dead skin cells uncovers fresh and healthy skin.
• Smaller Pores – Dead skin cells dig up your pores and will someday make your pores larger.
• Hydrated Skin – Removing dead cells lowers the chance of oil getting trapped and jamming your face.

When: Relying on how your skin reacts, you can increase the amount twice weekly.

How do you exfoliate with turmeric?

Instructions

1. First, clean your face to clear pollutants or makeup.
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsps cosmetic turmeric powder and 4 tbsps chickpea flour and mix until thoroughly blended.
3. Apply a small part of the scrub to the skin that has been moistened with 4-5 tbsps milk or water.
4. Use gentle circular motions to scrub the face.
5. Rinse the scrub off and pat dry.

4. It hydrates your skin

Turmeric milk is a great way to hydrate your skin. Unlike many other skin whitening products, it has no side effects and can be made at home. Boil turmeric for 20 minutes or until the water turns golden yellow. Then strain, add honey or sugar (optional), and drink warm milk before bedtime.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened milk (i.e., Almond milk, Coconut milk, Oat milk, Soy milk, Rice milk)
• 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
• 1 tsp of ginger powder( For antibacterial & antiviral infections)
• 1/3 tsp of cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp of freshly crushed black pepper ( For curcumin absorption)
• 1/4 tsp desi ghee(cow ghee) or copra oil ( For Joint Lubrication)
• 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

Add 1/2 cup milk into a saucepan. Allow it to boil, and add all ingredients. Bring to a boil for a maximum of ten minutes. Reduce the temperature and simmer until fragrant and flavorful. Switch off the flame. Serve and enjoy! Strain the drink via a strainer into a cup and top with a piece of cinnamon.

5. Improved blood circulation results in Skin Whitening

Turmeric is also suitable for improving blood circulation due to its blood-thinning effect that yields fresh and glowing skin and makes your skin white. This means it can help reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. And since it’s a potent anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric can also help to vanish the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Alternately packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, turmeric has been proven beneficial for the skin in various ways.

6. It relieves inflammation-linked skin conditions

The turmeric root has incredibly deserved hype, so don’t hesitate to try it! As you can see, turmeric can work wonders for your health and spice up your daily skincare routines. Having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that help fix inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, turmeric may even inhibit the movement of PhK, a psoriasis-linked protein.

Turmeric contains curcumin—a robust anti-inflammatory agent that can help people with rosacea. This makes the spice an excellent choice for keeping your skin healthy and skin whitening.

How to use turmeric for skin whitening

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp gram flour
• 1 tbsp. curd
• 1 tbsp. fresh aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp. wild turmeric powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• potato juice ( peel one potato, and grate it for fresh juice. Squeeze the potato to obtain fresh juice)

DIRECTIONS:

Firstly, mix gram flour and curd in a bowl to make a thick paste. Now add aloe gel and mix again. Pour the potato juice into the paste you’ve made. Press half a lemon into it. Whisk it well. Add a tsp of cosmetic turmeric powder. Blend well. The paste is ready for application. You may apply it on your face, toned skin, uneven body parts, or body daily. You’ll experience instant results within a week.

FINAL WORDS

To cut a long story short, turmeric can be a skin-healthy and foolproof complement to your skincare routine if you struggle with hyperpigmentation or desire to stem dark spots from forming in the first place. Hence, this spice is effective at skin whitening, lightening dark spots, and improving overall skin tone. So if you have sensitive skin, make sure not to use it too frequently, as it can irritate some people’s faces, causing redness or dryness. Along with turmeric-based remedies, protect yourself against sunburn. Minimize sun exposure during noontime(10 am to 4 pm). Wear sunglasses, a hat with a wide beak, and protective clothing with a tight weave. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. To be securer, 30 is more reasonable.

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References

Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27213821/ Phytother Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):1243-64. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5640. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27213821.

Tu CX, Lin M, Lu SS, Qi XY, Zhang RX, Zhang YY. Curcumin inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21584871/ Phytother Res. 2012 Feb;26(2):174-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3517. Epub 2011 May 17. PMID: 21584871.

Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM. Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29552273/ J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;11(2):28-37. Epub 2018 Feb 1. PMID: 29552273; PMCID: PMC5843359.

Qian W, Liu W, Zhu D, Cao Y, Tang A, Gong G, Su H. Natural skin-whitening compounds for the treatment of melanogenesis (Review). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271691/ Exp Ther Med. 2020 Jul;20(1):173-185. doi: 10.3892/etm.2020.8687. Epub 2020 Apr 24. PMID: 32509007; PMCID: PMC7271691.

Mata IRD, Mata SRD, Menezes RCR, Faccioli LS, Bandeira KK, Bosco SMD. Benefits of turmeric supplementation for skin health in chronic diseases: a systematic review.  Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(20):3421-3435. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1798353. Epub 2020 Jul 27. PMID: 32713186.

Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R, Iacovelli F, Dika E, Terracciano C, Bianchi L, Campione E. Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31509968/ Nutrients. 2019 Sep 10;11(9):2169. doi: 10.3390/nu11092169. PMID: 31509968; PMCID: PMC6770633.

Khiljee S, Rehman N, Khiljee T, Loebenberg R, Ahmad RS. Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26639477/ Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Nov;28(6):2001-7. PMID: 26639477.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]