The Ancient Healing Power of Turmeric

If you’ve ever cooked Indian food, you’re probably used to seeing turmeric on an ingredients list. It’s that finely ground spice that gives curry its yellowish orange color. But you may not have know that it’s been used medicinally to treat anything from small wounds to rheumatoid arthritis since as early as 8th century BC.

And, like most of the plants and spices we’ve written about over the years, turmeric also has an incredible array of benefits when used in skincare.

Powerful Antioxidant

Turmeric may be one of the most multifaceted spices in existence. What gives turmeric its dynamic healing abilities is its active ingredient: curcumin.

Curcumin is an extremely potent antioxidant which means its effective in combating the processes which cause signs of aging. Oxidation caused by ultra violet radiation from sun exposure, free radicals in the air, and the dirt/debris you encounter every day slowly break down the structure of your skin by chipping away at your collagen on a cellular level.

Antioxidants actively stop that process and prevent it from continuing, therefore slowing the decay of collagen and preventing signs of aging.

Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Curcumin is also known for it’s ability to soothe inflammation, hence its use in treating arthritis. But it’s calming abilities are undeniably powerful when used to treat puffy or discolored skin.

Inflammation is caused when your body detects foreign substances and releases white blood cells to the affected areas. In general, it’s a good thing but, when it becomes a chronic problem and your body starts attacking itself without reason, it needs to be treated with an anti-inflammatory.

Curcumin is as effective as some prescription anti-inflammatory drugs so it is incredibly capable when it comes to soothing problem areas of your skin.

Wound Healing

Due in equal measures to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric is a perfect wound healer.

Anything from troublesome acne scarring to recovery from a peel, turmeric will not only keep the affected areas clean and clear of bacteria, its antioxidant abilities will increase the speed and efficiency of the healing process.

Skin Brightening

This may seem odd due to turmeric’s yellow tint, but it’s actually a fantastic way to even out dark splotches on your skin.

By utilizing its anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to stimulate circulation, turmeric is known for its ability to lessen under-eye darkness and puffiness.

SKINCARE RECOMMENDATIONS

The BIO Hydrating Mineral Masque

Turmeric is the key ingredient in this Aestheticians’ Choice Award-winning treatment. Combined with colloidal gold and silver, minerals like zinc, copper and magnesium, and Indian Pennywort, this hydrating masque is the absolute best way to both restore your skin’s health while giving it a hydrated glow. Also, with it’s potent anti-inflammatory properties, it was formulated with dry, hypersensitive skin in mind.

Find it here

The BB Conceal Line

These three concealers (Rose, Clover and Marigold) use the power of turmeric to not only cover up potential skin issues, but simultaneously work to correct them. Each concealer brings a unique advantage to the table:

Rose conceals dark spots and pigment by brightening skin for a healthy glow.

Clover conceals redness from rosacea, inflammation, breakouts and sun exposure.

Marigold conceals under-eye circles, bruising and various types of hyperpigmentation.

Find them here

Final Thoughts

With all of the incredible benefits turmeric offers in one ingredient, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes as ubiquitous within the skincare world as it already is within the culinary world.