Turmeric for Skin Care, Acne and Psoriasis

Turmeric is used to treat a number of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, dermatitis, hives, dandruff and bruising.

Turmeric exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that are thought to support skin health.

Topical application of turmeric is used to reduce inflammation, diminish redness, alleviate itching, improve skin elasticity and decrease free radical damage. It can be taken orally as a dietary supplement or applied directly to the skin and face.

Turmeric is a well-known spice commonly used in cooking (it is one of the spices that gives curry its distinctive yellow color). Turmeric is made from the roots, bulbs and rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, a relative of ginger. The roots of the plant are boiled and dried to produce turmeric.

Although it is well known in the culinary world, turmeric also has a long history of medicinal use. It has been reportedly used for nearly 4,000 years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Using turmeric for skin is based on this historical use and is also supported by modern research studies.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Turmeric Supplements for the Skin

Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are thought to support skin health and alleviate certain ailments.

It can be used both orally and topically for skin conditions, but is commonly applied directly to the affected area in the form of a poultice – a paste made by mixing turmeric with water.

Turmeric is also added to ointments, creams, lotions, soaps and other commercial products. Additionally, you can add raw turmeric rhizomes to your salads, stews, soups and other foods to increase your consumption. Finally, tea, milk and other beverages are also available as well as liposomal liquid formulations.

When buying turmeric supplements and skin creams, it is important to know that the difference between turmeric and curcumin. Curcumin is the active constituent of turmeric and is naturally found in concentrations between 2 and 5% in the rhizomes and roots.

This compound is a curcuminoid (a natural phenol) that has been observed to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both turmeric and curcumin are available in capsule forms for oral consumption. A good quality curcumin supplement will be standardized to contain a specific concentration of curcuminoids.

Skin Health Overview

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is also the body’s first line of defense against environmental toxins, irritants and pathogens.

The skin also plays important roles in maintaining good health: it is the site of Vitamin D synthesis and plays a key role in regulating body temperature. But our skin is also subject to disease and often is the first organ to show signs of aging.

The skin is subjected to a number of environmental stressors, including ultraviolet rays, harsh weather conditions, chemical pollutants, bacteria and fungi on a regular basis. Additionally, the skin can be affected by periods of prolonged stress and other internal health conditions.

Using Turmeric for Skin Conditions

When applied topically as a poultice, turmeric is used to reduce swelling, pain and other symptoms of inflammation. When taken orally, turmeric is used to support wound healing.

This supplement is also sometimes used for skin lightening, whitening and improving dark pigmentation in skin tone.

In laboratory and animal experiments, turmeric has exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are still investigating to what extent these properties manifest in the human body.

In animal tests, turmeric was observed to reduce skin damage caused by UVB (ultra violet B) exposure. It was also observed to slow melanin synthesis and increase skin thickness.

Turmeric has been observed to increase collagen synthesis, collagen cross-linking and the formation of health skin cells. These effects may support wound healing and anti-aging benefits.

Using turmeric for improving the skin also works by enhancing the expression of TGF-beta-1, a hydrophobic protein with strong adhesive properties. TGF-beta-1 mRNA expression is also significantly increased in wound bed macrophages. Also, by reducing NOS (nitric oxide synthase) levels, turmeric and curcumin effectively reduce inflammation at wound sites.

Turmeric for Acne

There is anecdotal evidence that turmeric may help to reduce the appearance of acne and pimples. Inflammatory acne is caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. A number of medicinal acne treatments work by inhibiting the growth of this bacteria on the skin.

The curcumin found in turmeric is known to have antimicrobial properties. In research studies, curcumin was found to prevent the P. acnes bacteria from proliferating, which could help in reducing symptoms of acne vulgaris.

Research studies have so far only examined the effects of curcumin on laboratory settings; human research trials are needed to determine efficacy.

In the trials that have been conducted so far, oral curcumin supplements are typically used. These supplements often combine curcumin with lipid sources to improve bioavailability of the ingredient. According to a number of user reviews, this supplement may also be effective when applied topically to the skin.

Turmeric for Treating Psoriasis

The red, itchy and scaly skin lesions that result from psoriasis are caused by an autoimmune disorder. Individuals who suffer from psoriasis have skin cells that multiply at up to 10 times their normal proliferation rate.

As subdermal skin cells raise to the surface, the cells already on the surface die off. The excessive numbers of dying surface cells causes pronounced red plaques that are covered with white patches.

Psoriasis normally affects the elbows, knees and scalp, but may also present on the bottom of the feet, the torso and/or the palms. Extreme cases of psoriasis may also affect the bones and joints.

Taking turmeric orally for skin health may help modulate the proliferation of the T-lymphocyte cells that cause psoriasis. T-lymphocytes are cells that are part of the immune system. By limiting their numbers, their attacks on the skin may be reduced.

To make a poultice for the treatment of psoriasis, add a little water to 1 tsp of turmeric powder and apply directly to the affected area three times a day. [1]

Conclusions

Turmeric is generally well tolerated. Side effects of oral consumption may include bloating, digestive upset and diarrhea. Speak with your doctor or dermatologist before using turmeric on the skin or for medicinal purposes.

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