12 Beauty Tips Using Turmeric
Turmeric has been known for centuries as the wonder herb that has a humongous number of benefits for skin, hair, and overall health, apart from its culinary uses. Although turmeric is an herb that is widely known for bestowing that golden yellow color to delicious curries, it has found several uses even outside of the pan, an important one being skin and hair care. Here are some techniques that could be fruitfully used to get this magical yellow powder to work on that glowing skin and flowing hair you always wanted.
1. Pigmentation
Dark spots and uneven pigmentation can make you want to reach out for that concealer in your purse more often that you would like to. The good news is that you can prevent pigmentation on the skin by using a simple face mask by mixing turmeric powder, lemon, and honey in equal quantities. For best results, rinse the mask off after 15 minutes, and apply some Argon Oil for spot-free, glowing skin.
2. Acne
Turmeric’s naturally available antibacterial and antifungal properties can treat those ugly breakouts on your face in a simple way. All you need to do is apply a mix of 4-5 tablespoons of turmeric powder with equal amounts of honey, and a couple of tablespoons of milk, on the acne, after taking a hot shower. Leave it overnight, and wash off with water in the morning. Be sure to apply toner after the rinse for smoothening the skin and removing the yellow color.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition typically caused by immune system imbalances. It usually results in rashes, flaking, and inflammation on the skin. Apart from resorting to a healthy diet that balances the immune system, you could also take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Be sure to use pure turmeric powder made into a paste by adding the right amount of water for this purpose. Apply the paste on the lesions, and leave it overnight covered with thin, breathable fabric. Wash your face with warm water the next morning.
4. Teeth Whitening
Artificial teeth whiteners were a rage even a couple of decades ago, but with more research on using natural and healthy alternatives, you can safely turn to the same yellow powder, which has so many other benefits above the ones already explained. The next time you want to brush your teeth, dip your wet toothbrush in turmeric powder, brush as usual but without spitting, and leave your teeth undisturbed for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly followed by brushing with your regular toothpaste. Once you follow this process regularly, you will never use a teeth whitener again.
5. Aging
Another gem that this magic herb possesses is a family of antioxidants called curcuminoids. They are known to reduce oxidative stress, which is a common cause of cell death and contributes to aging. Make a paste of turmeric powder, jojoba oil, lime juice, milk, and gram flour, and apply on your skin for 10-15 minutes. Wash away with warm water. Regular usage of this mask can visibly reduce the effects of aging, resulting in ‘forever young’ skin.
6. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are some of the leading causes of depression post pregnancy. Most women are left clueless as to how to get rid of these marks and have natural-looking skin again. Well, here is your solution. Apply a paste of turmeric and yogurt on your stretch marks for about 20 minutes before taking a bath. The curcumin present in turmeric can change the properties of cell membranes, thus curing stretch marks.
7. Dandruff Care
If you are frustrated with trying out all the expensive dandruff care products out there, take a step back and look inside your kitchen cabinet. Yes, it is the same cure-all turmeric to the rescue again. The remedy is to apply a mix of half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil on your hair and wash off with your regular shampoo. Use the mask regularly, and see the magic for yourself.
8. Dark Circles
Dark circles can be an honest nightmare, especially for people who are overworked and do not get sufficient amounts of sleep. Turmeric can save the day for you if you are struggling with these nuisances. Apply a paste of turmeric powder mixed with pineapple juice on the dark circles. Let it do its work for 10 minutes, and then wipe off with a warm, wet cloth.
9. Lighten Your Lips
Just as turmeric helps with uneven pigmentation on your face, it can work wonders on your lips, too. To get lighter lips naturally, apply equal amounts of turmeric and honey mixed with a pinch of sugar, on your lips. Wipe off after about 15 minutes, and follow up with a natural lip balm.
10. Cracked Heels
Whether it is a result of walking around without socks, or continue living in dry, cold climes, cracked heels can be extremely painful if not treated on time. Thankfully, turmeric has just the right balance of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help heal those fissures below your ankles. Mix neem oil with turmeric, and make a paste using rose oil and milk. Apply on your cracked heels, and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash thoroughly with warm water. Include this process in your daily routine to heal faster.
11. Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a condition where there is an excessive growth of facial hair. Before exposing your unwanted ‘mustache’ to harmful chemicals, try the simple trick of applying raw turmeric directly on the skin. Works wonders!
12. Blackheads
Blackheads can be extremely annoying and are known not to relent to most kinds of skin treatment. If you have already tried everything at your disposal, and those cunning little outgrowths persist, try one more thing, which is turmeric. A mixture of equal amounts of turmeric and yogurt with a pinch of cinnamon is known to clear off blackheads faster than you expect. Simply apply the paste on the blackheads, and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.