Turmeric seems like one of those versatile ingredients that you see everywhere--whether you’re cooking with it, drinking it in a golden latte, taking a supplement, or applying it topically, the benefits of incorporating turmeric into your lifestyle are no longer a secret. But what’s so special about this golden powder? Scientifically known as  Curcuma longa, this gorgeous ingredient has been a revered staple of Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4,000 years.  Stemming from the ginger family, the turmeric root looks similar to a ginger root, but is set apart by its deeply golden hue. The earliest found record of the plant is in an Ayurvedic scientific text which recommends the use of turmeric as a remedy for food poisoning. Its astounding healing and protective properties became so well-known in India that turmeric eventually made its way from mostly medicinal use to being incorporated into Indian cuisine and ultimately into beauty applications.  

What it does

The turmeric root has amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals that combine to provide healing properties for almost every area of the body. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant compounds that boost the healthy functioning of cells, tissues, organs and systems. These compounds include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics as well as a variety of protective, preventative and health-promoting properties that help support the natural functions of the body. Turmeric is also known to be one of the best foods to boost immunity because of its antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Turmeric and Beauty

The main reason turmeric is so beneficial for your skin is found within its anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the problems people have with their skin has to do with inflammation at the root, and turmeric takes on all of that redness, irritation, puffiness, scarring and degeneration by soothing the inflammation.

There are many different ways to incorporate turmeric in your beauty routine, but thankfully we’ve done the hard work for you. Turmeric is most beneficial in cleansing, hydrating, and masking treatments and here’s why:

Cleanse Away Impurities

Cleansing your skin is an important first step in tackling your skin’s health and appearance.  Including turmeric in your daily cleanser is highly beneficial for boosting skin health because it’s antibacterial and antifungal properties kill bacteria while the natural oils in turmeric help soothe redness and maintain hydration. It is essentially both calming and hydrating to sensitized skin and is ideal in a face cleansing routine for these reasons.

 Mask and Glow

The curcumin found in turmeric is responsible for its ability to brighten and lighten up scarring, hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Turmeric naturally exfoliates the skin and when combined with actives such as fruit enzymes as found in our Jaipur mask and/or Glycolic Acid, as found in our Enlighten mask, turmeric’s powerful properties become super-charged! The combination of ingredients in this enzyme treatment work in synergy for an exceptionally glowing payout for your skin.

Firm, Tighten and Hydrate

Turmeric’s anti-aging properties make it ideal for use in a moisturizer or daily skin cream.  The high antioxidants level in turmeric (comparable to that of Vitamins A and E) slow down cell damage and studies show that turmeric inhibits an enzyme called elastase that reduces the production of elastin. Elastin, as we all know, is essential for smooth and pliable skin. Furthermore, the curcumin in turmeric has skin regenerative properties, helps in wound healing and also protects skin by reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

Besides all of these amazing benefits, we also wanted to include turmeric in our Illume face cream because studies are now showing that turmeric effectively protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet B radiation. According to a study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology, turmeric extracts absorbed a significant amount of UVB rays before they could damage the skin and therefore may help prevent DNA damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet B (UV;B) rays, a leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Ayurvedic Synergy for Potent Results

We recommend the use of turmeric holistically. Use it as a supplement, as a skincare staple, and even in your lattes! No matter how you decide to use turmeric in your routine, just remember you’re doing your body and your skin a favor.