With its beautiful orange-yellow color and its pronounced taste, turmeric is better known for its use in the kitchen to spice up our oriental dishes than for its beauty. And yet this powdery spice – obtained from the rhizomes (underground parts similar to roots) of Curcuma Longa, a herbaceous plant of the Zingiberaceae family (like ginger) – has non-negligible virtues for beauty and beauty. skin health. But what are they exactly? And how to properly use this spice? Emilie Jolibois, cosmetic ingredients & plant extracts manager at Aroma-Zone, shares her expertise with us.
What are the benefits of turmeric for the skin?
“This spice is characterized by its richness in active ingredients, including curcumin – which gives turmeric its intense color and coloring power – and turmerones”, explains the expert. Here are its virtues in detail.
Turmeric, a major anti-aging ally
“Curcumin and turmerones have antioxidant properties,” explains the expert. This characteristic makes this spice a powerful barrier against free radicals. The epidermis is therefore protected against daily external aggressions such as exposure to UV rays, pollution or even smoking. Intrinsically, the spice prevents premature aging of the skin and the first signs of aging such as wrinkles or pigment spots.
Turmeric helps fight blemishes
This spice is also recognized for “its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, in particular thanks to curcumin”, explains Emilie Jolibois. It therefore helps regulate sebum production, especially for oily or acne-prone skin, and helps fight the appearance of comedones, blackheads and other imperfections.
Turmeric illuminates dull complexions
One of the particularities of turmeric? « Its healthy glow effect thanks to curcumin and its powerful coloring power », explains the expert. With this spice, we say goodbye to dull skin and hello to radiance and a luminous complexion. “Nevertheless, be careful not to abuse it, warns the pro. Its coloring effect is powerful. Turmeric powder is therefore used in small doses”.
How to properly use turmeric?
Turmeric is suitable for all skin types and is used in two main forms: powder and essential oil. The first, “to be chosen organic and 100% pure, without ever using spice mixtures on the skin”, is preferably used as a mask, which is left on before rinsing once a week. As for the second, « not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and epileptics », can be incorporated daily into a cream care or vegetable oil « at the rate of 10 drops for 30 ml ».
Three homemade cosmetic recipes based on turmeric
Mask with healthy glow effect and anti-ageing action
In a bowl, mix half a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with a tablespoon of green clay (for combination to oily skin) or white clay (for dry and/or sensitive skin) and a teaspoon honey. Then add lukewarm water until it forms a paste.
Apply the mask in a thick layer on the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes. « The idea is not to let the mask dry completely to prevent it from pulling, » explains the expert. Then rinse thoroughly. Finish by applying an oil or cream treatment.
Soothing radiance mask for sensitive skin
In a container, mix half a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with a tablespoon of oatmeal powder and half a teaspoon of raspberry vegetable oil. Add lukewarm water to the mixture until it forms a paste.
Apply a thick layer to the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
Anti-wrinkle precious oil
In a bottle, with a dropper pipette or a pump, mix 10 drops of organic turmeric essential oil in 30 ml of rosehip vegetable oil. Shake the mixture to homogenize and it’s all done.
This oil is used morning and evening on previously cleansed skin. Massage a few drops onto the face and neck.
16 face masks to make at home
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