1.
Protects
from sun damage
Turmeric
has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries due to its
beneficial effects on a wide range of diseases and conditions. It has been
shown to possess strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and laboratory studies suggest that turmeric can help protect
the epidermal skin cells from the damage caused by ultraviolet B radiation (UB radiation).
2.
Helps reduce
acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that
affect millions of people worldwide. Inflammatory acne can ruin one’s
appearance and can affect work and social life. Home remedies using turmeric
can benefit acne. There are pastes and masks using turmeric, which when applied
to acne affected areas can provide relief.
Turmeric has the potential to kill the acnes bacteria that cause
acne and reduce the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. Specifically, turmeric
mixed with glycerin
or vitamin E and applied overnight on the acne has shown to dramatically reduce
the size of the same. The scientific reason shown behind acne
reducing action of turmeric is its antioxidant property. It reduces the amount
of sebum secretion, controls the microbial growth on the skin, cleans up the pores and combats the
reactive oxygen species that harm the skin.
3.
Reduces risk
of skin cancer
Here’s
another reason manufacturers would be wise to add turmeric to sunscreens—it has
anti-cancer activity. Several factors such as UV rays, chemicals and genetics
affect the occurrence of this disorder that starts in the top epidermal layer
of the skin and spreads in the underlying layer.
Cancer of the skin not just affects the inner skin makeup but also
deteriorates the appearance. The skin is affected by lesions
and inflammation. Turmeric has been shown to provide relief not just on the
outside of the skin in the affected area but also helps reduce the tumor on the
inside. Turmeric has powerful antioxidant activities which helps reduce the growth of
tumor cells of the skin.
4.
Helps heal
wounds
Turmeric
has a long history of being a wound-healer. Whether one was to suffer a bruise,
insect bite, infected wound, or even mouth inflammation, a turmeric salve or
paste is the answer.
It has anti-bacterial properties that help treat wounds and
hasten healing, therefore preventing spread of infection.
5.
Helps treat
psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder in which the immune system dysfunctions and causes skin lesions with white colored patches. It occurs majorly on the elbows, knees, scalp, back of the ears and neck but can occur in any area of the body.
Oral consumption of turmeric has been scientifically proven to control the psoriasis
causing T-lymphocyte autoimmune proliferation. Controlling these cells helps
reduce their attack on the skin.
Applying
turmeric as oils,
masks and creams on psoriasis affected skin can help reduce inflammation and scaling. Those with psoriasis can ensure they add
turmeric in their daily cooking. This can be in tea, milk, curries, stews,
roast vegetables, eggs or as a general seasoning.
6.
Delays the
appearance of aging
Studies have shown
that curcumin helps in both reversing and preventing photo-aging. Curcumin
is also a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals that are produced in
our skin due to exposure to UV rays of the sun, pollution, harsh chemicals,
etc.
7.
Fades
hyperpigmentation
Tired of age spots and melasma? Turmeric may help.
The spice seems to be able to affect melanin, which is
the substance in skin responsible for pigmentation. If you have melasma, you
have too much melanin on your cheeks, chin, and forehead. Age spots are also
created by too much melanin in one place.
The curcumin in turmeric seems to block the activation of
proteins that increase and regulate melanin production.