Turmeric makes food tasty. It also brightens your skin and works against acne, uneven skin tone and on fine wrinkles.
For centuries, this humble spice with amazing natural ingredients has been used as a skin care ingredient to tackle skin trouble, heal cracked feet, get rid of dandruff. Turmeric is the most powerful herb on the planet and has played a role in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 10,000 years to treat stomach ailments, improve blood circulation, and heal skin wound.
Now that the festival season will begin, you can take some tips from beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.
The herb is also a wonderful source of fibre, potassium, Vitamin B6, magnesium and Vitamin C. The magic herb is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral powerhouse which offers a viable treatment and preventative for a variety of medical conditions like treatment of pancreatic cancer, delay the onset of diabetes, reducing pain and inflammation.
Apart from many healing properties, turmeric helps to strengthen the supportive tissues and helps the skin remain firm. It also protects the youthful properties of the skin and helps in reducing redness from blemishes, eczema and rosacea.
As far as cosmetic care is concerned, turmeric is actually a part of our traditional beauty aids and has been in use for centuries. It is added to body packs or ‘ubtan’ due to its skin beautifying and purifying properties. Turmeric not only has antiseptic and germicidal properties, but also helps to soften and brighten the skin.
Used over a period of time, it helps to remove tan and lighten skin colour. A pre-bath cream for body care containing lemon and turmeric protects the skin from the drying effects of chlorinated water. The skin becomes softer, smoother and brighter. Turmeric can easily be used for home beauty care.
To remove tan: Add a pinch of turmeric to yogurt and apply daily on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. Moisturising cream containing turmeric had the ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots caused by sun damage.
You can use turmeric face mask for fighting acne, tan and sunburn. Mix four tablespoons of flour, two teaspoons of turmeric, six tablespoons of milk and a few drops of honey and prepare paste of all these ingredients. Apply the paste on face, arms and feet and wash with clean fresh water after 15 minutes.
Turmeric can also be mixed with aloe vera gel to soothe and moisturise the skin.
Body pack: Mix besan (gram flour) with yogurt and a pinch of turmeric into a paste. Apply on the arms and legs three times a week. Wash it off after half an hour with clean fresh water.
For facial hair: Apply a paste of turmeric powder and milk and rub this on the skin with a circular motion. It is said to discourage facial hair over a period of time but it may leave a slight yellowish colour on the skin.
To minimise stretch marks: First apply olive oil and massage it on the areas. Then mix besan, yogurt and turmeric (body pack given above) and apply on the area. Wash it off after half an hour.
Mix ground almonds with yogurt and pinch of turmeric to make a face and body scrub. Apply and rub gently on the skin with small circular movements. Wash off with water.
Turmeric is excellent for acne because it is a natural antiseptic and helps to keep bacteria from spreading. It’s especially effective when combined with apple cider vinegar which has astringent properties.
It also stimulates circulation, which can help reduce puffiness and under-eye darkness caused by poor circulation.
