There is a reason turmeric is a core ingredient in beauty rituals and medicinal regimes all the way from Japan and Indonesia to Sri Lanka and India.
Multiple reasons, actually: This yellow-colored spice is a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and detoxifier. It keeps skin soft and smooth, makes it glow, tackles acne and helps bust hyper-pigmentation.
Turmeric paste is also prescribed in Indian medicine for various skincare issues, like puffiness, wrinkles and eczema.
Besides this, it is used for cuts and burns due to its antiseptic effect and ability to promote healing.
In addition, turmeric boosts liver detoxification, so that pesticides and other environmental chemicals are safely removed from the body.
And it can help to decrease muscle soreness after an intense workout. In fact, turmeric is currently even being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer’s, cancer and arthritis.
Surprise: Turmeric doesn’t always stain your skin!
Many of us balk at putting turmeric on our skin for fear of looking like a character out of The Simpsons.
I resisted it for quite some time as well — right until I attended an Indian wedding, where the bride was covered from head-to-toe in a mixture of turmeric, gram flour, sandalwood powder and mustard oil.
It turned out this is an ancient bridal ritual to deep cleanse the body and impart a radiant glow.
A similar tradition is held sacred in the palaces of Indonesia, where brides-to-be rub a mixture of turmeric and gram flour on their bodies on the morning of their wedding to give their skin a golden glow.
Which led me to think: brides wouldn’t risk turning yellow hours before their wedding, would they?
So, does turmeric stain the skin?
Turns out, turmeric has got an unfair reputation. Pure, organic turmeric doesn’t leave a permanent yellow stain; rather, it’s the artificial dyes added to the supermarket stuff that stains skin with the unflattering hue that won’t scrub away for days.
If you want to be extra careful, look for kasturi turmeric (curcuma aromatica), which is intrinsically non-staining and is superb at clearing acne, inhibiting facial hair growth and brightening the complexion. However, it is not edible and should only be used externally.
Even if you can’t find kasturi turmeric, don’t worry. Just make sure there is a fair amount of milk in your beauty ritual — this cancels out the staining.
And absolute worse case situation, mix some water with sugar and scrub your face with the solution. This will leave your skin super-clean and stain-free!
Now, with that sorted, it’s time to remember that this potent ingredient is even cropping up in leading skincare products like Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme and DDF Anti-Ageing Restorative Advanced Firming Cream.
So, it’s definitely worth a try in the natural form! Just note: whole turmeric (which you grind into a paste with a little water) trumps powder; and organic powder trumps the non-organic version in potency.
Turmeric as a deep cleanser
Mix chickpea (or rice) flour with turmeric powder in equal proportions. Add just enough raw milk or plain yogurt to make a paste. Apply evenly to the face and leave on for about 10-15 minutes; wash off with warm water.
Turmeric for acne
Mix one tablespoon of turmeric with a few drops of milk. Apply on skin for 15-20 minutes and then wash off with plain water. This will both reduce active acne and lighten the scars.
Turmeric as a skin brightener
Mix 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder, a pinch of turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon juice. Add enough milk to make a paste. Apply this mask on your face and neck; wash off with warm water once dry.
Turmeric as a face mask for oily skin
Add 1½ tablespoons sandalwood powder and a pinch of ground turmeric to 3 tablespoons of orange juice and apply the paste to your face. Leave on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Turmeric as a wrinkle buster
Mix turmeric powder and rice powder with equal amounts of raw milk and tomato juice to make a paste. Apply this paste to face and neck for 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Turmeric for facial hair
Mix kasturi turmeric with chickpea flour. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off in light circular motions.
Turmeric as a body hair remover
Make a paste of turmeric and sugar and apply it all over the skin. Leave on for a couple of hours and then scrub gently. A regular application of this paste discourages hair growth altogether.
Turmeric as scalp saviour
Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to a cup of jojoba, olive or coconut oil. Massage this mixture into your scalp and leave on for 15 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
This is a great deterrent for dandruff and improves the scalp’s overall condition.
Turmeric as ‘longevity tea’
Dr. Andrew Weil notes that people in Okinawa, the Japanese island nation with the world’s longest average life span, drink turmeric tea daily.
To make your own, boil 4 cups of water, add 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, allow to simmer for 10 minutes, strain and add ginger and/or honey to taste.
And finally… the legendary Turmeric Latte
Boil a half-inch piece of turmeric with half a glass of milk. Once the milk has turned yellow, remove from heat, let it cool slightly drink thrice a week, at night. You can add a tablespoon of turmeric powder in place of the turmeric piece.
This will help you gain strength, protect the body against infections and strengthen bones (thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis).
Have you ever used turmeric as a beauty ingredient?
Sarah Jennings says
No wonder ladies in India has a nice silky smooth skin and that is because of the wonders of Turmeric. Thanks for posting really have a good time being here!
anubha says
Hi Sarah, thanks for the compliments 🙂 And I just saw your site – it’s gorgeous! You have explained the benefits and health potential of turmeric better than I ever could!!!! Is this a passion of yours or a vocation?
Jess says
I’ve used shop bought stuff in the past, to get rid off any yellow? I used oil based soap. I had the softest skin and a subtle glow. I’ve bought Tai tumeric root which is very different to other kinds I’ve bought. Though I have found that they use a root inhibitor and this can’t possibly be organic. My supplier hasn’t replied.
Zahra says
Where can you buy organic tumeric?
roy c. says
publix super markets.
priya says
can anyone me know abt turmeric oil and how can it be used?? it would be great help pls do reply
anu says
look every thing has a power when it is used properly ,my suggestion is not to take any turmeric oil. use turmeric as it is ,it works ,believe me ,my sister has soooo much of facial hair n her skin was too dark because of tat , now by using turmeric ,now she looks sooo good without tat hair n darkness
Tamara says
I use Tumeric all the time in my cooking. Never knew though it’s a beauty product too. I’m gonna try it on my face soon. Thanks for sharing.
XoXo,
Tamara
vijay says
its not cooking turmeric,its wild turmeric used externally
Valkyrie says
Can you provide the Latin names? It really helps to avoid confusion.
Renewing Serum says
I thought it was just for cooking. Now that I came across your post and knew it was very a beneficial beauty product, might as well try this tips of yours and see for myself how effective it is. I am really conscious about my skin and as long as I find some good product, natural or not, with a good reviews about it, I make sure to try it as well. Good thing I don’t have a sensitive skin and so far, I don’t feel any allergic reaction to some products I used to try. Thanks for your post anyway. It’s giving me another idea here.
Sarah says
I’m having the hardest finding this type of tumeric. a couple sellers on Amazon have it but the reviews say it’s the cooking time with the dye in it. where on earth can I get this ?
Lynn says
All types of Turmeric are “this kind of turmeric”. You can buy powdered turmeric at most grocery stores. There is no “dye” in Turmeric. Turmeric itself is a natural dye. IT STAINS if you don’t use it carefully. I buy mine at Local Indian Markets. I am lucky enough to live where there are many around, but you really can find it just about anywhere. There are many formulas for making Turmeric Masks that won’t stain skin. You can google it. One that I have used is 1.Turmeric, 2.Ground Oats, 3.Honey, 4.Lemon Juice, and a little bit of 4.grape seed oil or olive oil and make it into a paste. If you don’t make a mask formula that has been proven to not stain your skin, be prepared to have a yellow/orange face for a couple of days<no joke! Keep Turmeric away from the counter and clothing too, it stains and is very difficult to remove, although you can google how to do that too. I have seen benefits on my skin looking brighter and smoother and even small broken capillary improvement as well.
s.t. says
Yes thank you Lynn -Turmeric is naturally yellow an stainy – grate a fresh turmeric root and it can stain anything just like the powder. I know – ive used fresh turmeric root and it stained my nails and hand horribly. There is no artificial dye in turmeric powder. You really shouldn’t go around spreading false information.
Cyana says
How long until it goes away and what can I do about it.
Valkyrie says
A little late but depending on how much you used, how well your skin takes on colours and how long it was left on your skin can be factors in how long the stain stays. Since its usually on my hands which get washed quite a bit the stain usually only lasts me a few days. However, I have used salt/ sugar scrubs to help speed it up. Just make sure if you’re using them on your face you don’t use a comdeogenic oil like coconut oil in the scrub.
fatilove says
Can you apply on your body
Edwin says
Yes you can.
I have applied it on my body to rid inflammed skin. So far, my skin is recovering quite well.
Are you suffering from any ailments?
Cheers
Edwin
buy essays uk says
We have to learn about turmeric beauty benefits and services. Every girl need that kind of services to get more knowledge beauticians. That’s really awesome and interesting to get more opportunities and thank you.
markham salon says
Hi,
Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing write up with readers. i think you want to feel comfortable as possible and you don’t want your skin feeling oily or uncomfortable! Great advice, to take care of your skin from germs, oil and dirt.
Cyana says
I have used Ground Turmeric and my face and hands have slightly gone yellow. Soooooooo – you are wrong about that. 🙁
Preetha says
I really wouldn’t recommend using turmeric on your scalp in any way. Turmeric is used to reduce hair growth, so using it on the scalp is a no-no.
Billy says
Not necessarily. Ubtan is generally used to reduce hair growth only by way of friction. Gently scrubbing the face with a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, oil and chickpea can remove peach fuzz because of the massaging motion. The ingredients themselves can’t reduce hair growth. Using ubtan on the scalp with a similar massaging motion as used on the body and face can actually loosen build-up and excess sebum, thus reducing excess oil production and allowing your roots to breath and fortify growth!
fuzzball says
Hi! Thank you for this lovely post. I suffer from PCOS, and have hair growing all over my body (and I mean in places normal women won’t have). I have tried turmeric and chickpea flour on my body, but have not been too regular, so not the results I expected (mixed it with milk – and it definitely made my skin supple). Has anyone tried the turmeric and sugar paste remedy? If so, can you provide the ingredients with the measurements? Thanks!
Shakti Tripathi says
Wow. I read this blog and really it’s a great ideas for skin care. Can you tell me if i can use shalimar Turmeric powder.
oma says
I have spice supreme turmeric can i use dat one on my face
selena says
Turmeric is best for use ..
Richard Wolfstein says
Also note that turmeric was shown to slash oily skin by 24.76% in one study. That occurred after three months of daily topical application. That’s a huge increase and great for acne as well, because of the reduced clogged pores. And you’re right, turmeric will only turn you yellow if you misuse it.
Devbabbar says
Turmeric is a really a magical ingredient for skin. Its anti-inflammatory property can target your pores and calm the skin. you have shared actually a great and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
olivia says
Hi! Would honey work if I don’t want to use milk, or is the milk needed to minimize staining? Thanks!
Uyama says
Thank you. I use tumeric roots in my meal regularly, and for skin care too in my home-made soap.
Abdul Aziz says
This is an amazing plant! I’m currently working on an organic turmeric farm in Kauai. I had many skin issues that disappeared in a few weeks by just working with it and eating a little bit of it fresh everyday. It’s a miracle worker! Thank you for the article!
Terry carrico says
Thanks for sharing this useful information. Awesome tips.
Madhuri says
Amazing content.
srishti says
Thank You for sharing such a nice and informative article and your blog with us. Turmeric is indeed a beneficial ingredient for a perfect skin. You may want to try a turmeric face mask to help reduce acne and any resulting scars. The anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. Turmeric is also known to reduce scarring. This combination of uses may help your face clear up from acne breakouts.
CBD Lotion says
Thank you for this article! I am very hopeful it will help me. And I will surely share it with my community and pass along your article with them.
Monica says
As an indian, we have an entire wedding ritual dedicated to applying turmeric or Haldi. Turmeric is popularly used to successfully lighten the skin. A lightening face mask can be made by mixing turmeric with lemon juice.I have been following that beauty regime for quite a long time. Also,application of aloe vera pulp with a pinch of turmeric over the heels soothes burning sensation of soles and heals cracked soles.
Cammy White says
Undoubtedly turmeric is ideal ingredient for skin. I suggest never use the ready-made purchased turmeric that is packed in plastic packets. You never know which chemical ingredient the company might have mixed in it! Always buy the raw hard pieces of turmeric and get them powdered at grinding machine. This will give you pure and safe turmeric powder at home. You can safely use this organic turmeric powder in any facial mask recipe you make or even consume it with recipes you cook.
Hope you and your readers like my advice. Thanks for sharing this useful information with us on turmeric.
Keerthi says
I know turmeric is the best one I have dry skin and acne problem, shall I use Kasturi manjal as raw ingredients or soap, because I saw some herbal products on Flipkart like secular organic Kasturi manjal soap, jobha, tabiyat, I am so much confused about buying., Kindly recommend a good product.
Jesse says
Thanks for sharing. I use Tumeric all the time in my cooking. Never knew though it’s a beauty product too. I’m gonna try it on my face soon. I have learnt few recipes that are enriched with therapeutical herbs and spices from iahas.com but this one looks really tasty and healthy.
Jesse says
Thanks for sharing. Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medication). I use Tumeric all the time in my cooking. Never knew though it’s a beauty product too. I learned about turmeric from iahas.com, and since then, I have been a big fan of this spice. I have tried a couple of tea and milk using turmeric. It tastes good, actually. I will add your blog to my list.
Indimedo Medical Services says
We have been using turmeric since ancient times and we use turmeric in different ways. Like turmeric milk benefits and turmeric paste is beneficial for the injured and turmeric benefits our skin.
Yolis says
My husband has recently been suffering from lichen planus. It’s said to be an auto immune disease that causes inflammation instead of healing and created these purple bumps and patches all over the skin, Many online sources say tumeric on the skin could help both relieve symptoms and deal with the bumps and discoloration they leave behind but then don’t have a specific sort of recipe, do you think any of the ones you have listed would work? And when you say milk is it a specific sort of milk or would any milk work?