Turmeric is an evergreen plant (a plant with green leaves throughout the year) with a wide range of uses. Apart from its extensive use in cooking, turmeric has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries.
Curcumin is a biologically active component in turmeric that imparts medicinal values. The medicinal properties of turmeric include:
- Anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling, redness, and pain)
- Antioxidant (reduces cell damage and slows down the ageing process)
- Anticarcinogenic (prevents the formation of cancer cells in the body)
- Anticoagulant (beneficial in preventing arterial blockage)
- Antidiabetic (balances blood sugar levels and benefits diabetes patients)
- Antimicrobial (strengthens immunity against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections)
- Heart protective (prevents high blood pressure and balances the cholesterol level)
In Ayurveda, turmeric is extensively used as an antiseptic and disinfectant to heal injuries, cuts, and skin irritations. Turmeric has gained tremendous popularity for its use as a face-care product and for addressing common skin problems.
In this article, we will learn about do-it-yourself turmeric face masks and how to make your own at home. We will also take you through the benefits and side effects of the turmeric face pack to help you make the right decision for healthy and glowing skin.
Benefits of Turmeric Face Pack
Rich in antioxidants, essential nutrients, and moisture, turmeric is a perfect remedy for all your skin problems. When applied as a face pack, turmeric penetrates the deep layers of the skin to provide long-term benefits. Let's have a look at the turmeric face pack benefits:
1. Turmeric Face Pack for Cool And Fresh Skin
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, helps soothe the skin and prevent skin irritation. It cools down your face and makes you feel fresh and young at all times.
2. Turmeric Face Pack for Acne Treatment
Acne occurs when the hair pores on the skin get blocked with excessive oil and dead skin cells. Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help reduce skin cell damage, lowering the number of dead skin cells and thus preventing the blockage of hair pores. As per a study, turmeric applied to the skin showed significant improvement in skin conditions such as acne.
3. Turmeric Face Pack for Anti-Ageing
Ageing involves wrinkles and skin spots. Stress, pollution, and inadequate sleep due to the busy lifestyle contribute significantly to ageing. The antioxidant properties of turmeric help reduce the damage of skin cells, nourish them, and prevent premature ageing. As per a study, turmeric plays a vital role in the anti-ageing process with richly moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Turmeric Face Pack for Smooth Facial Skin
Turmeric and its bioactive component curcumin moisturise the facial skin to make it smooth, soft, and fresh.
5. Turmeric Face Pack for Glowing Skin
Extreme environmental conditions put a lot of stress on your face, making it look dry, dull, and unevenly textured. Applying a turmeric face pack nourishes the skin with essential phytonutrients, antioxidants, and moisture, giving the face a glow and fresh look.
6. Turmeric Face Pack for Skin Whitening
Hyperpigmentation is a medical term to denote dark skin patches. It occurs due to excessive production of melanin, a hormone that gives your skin a dark colour. More the melanin, darker the skin. Sun exposure for a long time, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices are a few reasons for excessive and unbalanced melanin production resulting in hyperpigmentation. As per a study, turmeric has the potential to reduce hyperpigmentation by more than 14 per cent.
7. Turmeric Face Pack for Facial Infections
The face is exposed to the external environment and the various bacterial and fungal microbes. Turmeric possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties to help prevent the soft face skin from these infections and skin irritation.
8. Turmeric Face Pack for Dark Circles And Scars
The application of the turmeric face pack helps essential phytonutrients like Curcumin to improve blood circulation and skin nourishment, lightening the dark circles and removing scars.
9. Turmeric Face Pack for Oily Skin
The oil glands below the skin surface may secrete excessive oil, producing disbalance in the face oil content, leading to oily skin. Turmeric nourishes the skin cells, balances the oil on the face and provides long term benefits against oily skin.
Skin Conditions That Turmeric Face Packs May Help
With a wide range of antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties, a turmeric face pack may help with the following skin conditions:
1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that makes your skin itchy and red. As per the American Academy of Dermatology’s research, the most common site of atopic dermatitis is the area around the eyes. As per a study, topical application of turmeric significantly reduced redness, itching, and swelling due to eczema. It may be due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric.
2. Wound Healing
Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in ayurvedic medicine for ages. These properties help turmeric play a significant role in healing skin wounds. As per a study, topical application of turmeric is more effective in healing wounds when compared to oral use of turmeric.
3. Psoriasis of the Face
Curcumin, an active component in turmeric, reduces the activity of the hormone that contributes to facial psoriasis.
4. Skin Cancers
As per studies, turmeric has the ability to prevent the development of cancers of the skin. However, extensive research in this regard still needs to be done and is ongoing.
10 DIY Turmeric Face Packs
Now that we know the turmeric face pack benefits, let's find out the different ways to make them:
1. Gram Flour and Turmeric Face Pack
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to make skin look young and also oil-free due to its high pH level. Gram flour acts as an exfoliating agent to help remove all the dead skin cells, giving the face a natural glow.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice - 1/2 teaspoon
- Gram Flour - 2 teaspoons
- Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
- Water - As per requirement
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix properly
- Add water till the mixture becomes a paste
- Apply the prepared turmeric face pack
- Let the face pack sit for 15 minutes
- Use normal water to wash your face
- You may apply some moisturiser
Preparation Time: 1-2 minutes
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: 15 minutes
Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Benefits:
1. Oil-free skin with natural moisture
2. Natural glow and freshness
3. Prevents acne/relieves acne symptoms
4. Young, smooth skin
5. Prevents facial infections
2. Oatmeal and Turmeric Face Pack
Oatmeal provides nourishment to the skin along with the exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Ingredients:
- Oatmeal - 2 teaspoons
- Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice - a few drops
- Water - As per requirement
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix
- Add water to give the mixture a paste-like consistency
- Apply the oatmeal and turmeric face pack
- When dry, wash your face with normal water
- Apply moisturiser if required
Preparation Time: 1-2 minutes
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: 15-20 minutes (or until dry)
Frequency: 2 times per week
Benefits:
- Soothing skin
- Removes dryness and dullness from the face
- Face skin appears younger
3. Milk and Turmeric Face Pack
Milk nourishes the skin and helps to reduce face tanning and pigmentation.
Ingredients:
- Milk - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2-1 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it for 10 minutes
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: 10 minutes
Frequency: Once or twice a week
Benefits:
- Moisturised skin
- Lighten the skin tone
- Reduces tanning and pigmentation on the face
4. Turmeric and Honey Face Pack
Ingredients:
- Honey - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it for 10 minutes
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: 10 minutes
Frequency: Once or twice a week
Benefits:
- Moisturised skin
- Lighten the skin tone
- Natural glow to the face
5. Turmeric and Curd Face Pack
Turmeric and curd for the face act as a natural skin cleanser, skin moisturiser, and one of the best remedies for dry skin.
Ingredients:
- Curd - 1 cup
- Turmeric powder - 2 teaspoons
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it until dry
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: 15-30 minutes (Tip: until dry)
Frequency: Once or twice a week
Benefits:
- The best remedy for dry skin
- Lighten the skin tone by removing all the skin toxins
- Prevents from any infections of the face
- Natural glowing skin
6. Turmeric and Avocado Face Pack
Avocado rejuvenates the face and heals skin damage.
Ingredients:
- Avocado - 1 (mashed and made into a paste)
- Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
- Yoghurt - 1 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it for 10 minutes
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time To let face pack sit: 10 minutes
Frequency: Once or twice a week
Benefits:
- Skin rejuvenation
- Repair skin damage
- Natural glow to the face by removing dry and dull dead skin cells
7. Turmeric and Neem Face Pack
Ingredients:
- Neem oil - 1/2 teaspoon [Use: Antibacterial and antifungal]
- Turmeric powder - 1-2 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time To let face pack sit: 10-15 minutes
Frequency: Once a week
Benefits:
- Face scar removal
- Lighten the skin tone
- Acne prevention
- Prevention from eczema and other skin infections
8. Turmeric and Mint Face Pack
Ingredients:
- Mint leaves - Paste form [Use: Cools skin and balances the oil on the face]
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave until dry
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 2-5 minutes
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time To let face pack sit: Until dry
Frequency: Once a week
Benefits:
- Removes the excess oil on the face
- The best remedy for oily skin
- Clears the skin and lightens the skin tone
9. Sugarcane Juice and Turmeric Face Pack
Ingredients:
- Sugarcane juice - In proportion with turmeric powder [Use: Sugarcane juice has anti-ageing properties]
- Turmeric powder
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste
- Apply on the face and leave it until dry
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: until dry
Frequency: Once a week
Benefits:
- Removes or reduces the wrinkles
- Lighten the skin tone
- Young and refreshing skin
10. Multani Mitti and Turmeric Face Pack
Multani mitti has a cooling effect on the skin. The Multani mitti and turmeric face pack benefits the skin by reducing scars and lightening the skin tone by clearing out the toxins.
Ingredients:
- Multani mitti - 1 teaspoon
- Curd - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste [Tip: Add a few drops of rose water]
- Apply on the face and leave until dry
- Wash the face with normal water
Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Application Time: 5 minutes
Time to let face pack sit: Until dry
Frequency: Once a week
Benefits:
- Removes the excess oil on the face
- Clears the skin toxins and lightens the face tone
- Adds a natural glow to the skin
- Anti-wrinkles
Potential Side Effects of Turmeric for Face
The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health researched and found turmeric a safe product to be applied on the skin or consumed orally. Turmeric is a natural ingredient that we all use every day to cook food and is generally considered safe. However, some may have allergies or intolerances to turmeric.
Some of the potential side effects that turmeric may have are:
- Contact dermatitis - As per a study, turmeric may cause contact dermatitis in some.
- Skin burning
- Itching of the skin
- Soreness in the skin
- Scaly patches in the skin
Caution: You must perform a patch test before applying a turmeric face pack or turmeric in any form on the face. A patch test means the application of the turmeric face pack first on an area on the hand and waiting for 10-15 minutes. Do not apply the turmeric face pack if you develop any discomfort such as itching, burning, redness, soreness, and swelling.
Other Face Care Tips
To get clean, smooth, and glowing skin, you may follow some of these face care tips:
- Alcohol-free face cleanser: It helps clean the skin dirt and prevents drying of the face.
- Washing the face after exercise/sweating: Every time you sweat, your face becomes a common breeding site for infection-causing microbes every time you sweat. Wash the face thoroughly with water to prevent infections and acne.
- Use moisturiser: If you have dry skin, moisturiser is recommended to maintain the skin’s natural glow.
- Use scrub less frequently: Scrubbing daily may irritate the skin and damage the skin cells resulting in dry and dull skin.
- Do not use harsh chemical-based face products: It may exfoliate the skin cells a bit too much and leave the skin looking dry and dull.
Summing Up on Turmeric Face Packs & Benefits
Turmeric is an easily available solution for all your skin problems with minimal or no side effects. Preparing a turmeric face mask is easy with all ingredients available in your kitchen. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, turmeric leaves you with young, glowing, and acne-free skin.
FAQs
Can I Use a Turmeric Face Pack Daily?
Ideally, you should avoid using a turmeric face pack daily. To maximise the turmeric face pack benefits, apply these once or twice a week to maximise the turmeric face pack benefits. Daily application of turmeric face pack may cause yellowing of your skin. It may also extract excessive oils from your face and leave you with dry and dull skin.
How Long Should I Keep Turmeric on My Face?
It depends on the type of turmeric face pack you are using. However, the minimum time to leave any turmeric face pack on your face is 10 minutes, while the maximum is 30 minutes.
What Happens if We Put Turmeric on Face?
Applying turmeric on the face may help reduce scars, acne, boils, and other facial infections. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant and helps reduce skin cell damage, giving your skin a younger look. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric help heal skin wounds, clean the skin toxins, and leave you with a natural glowing face.
Does Turmeric Help Hyperpigmentation?
Yes, turmeric helps with hyperpigmentation. As per a study, turmeric has the potential to reduce hyperpigmentation by more than 14 per cent. It is possible due to Curcumin, an active ingredient present in turmeric. Curcumin balances the melanin, a hormone responsible for skin darkening and thus reduces dark spots and lightens the skin tone.
References
- Parviz Khajehdehi, April 2012; Turmeric: Reemerging of a neglected Asian traditional remedy - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3886164/
- Jasmine C. Hollinger, Kunal Angra, February 2018; Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843359/
- Sonia Khiljee 1, Nisarur Rehman, November 2015; Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26639477/
