Turmeric is an indispensable herb in Indian foods and medicines. It has been one of the widely used ingredients for treating a number of ailments, over many centuries. This yellow root also has a rich history in treating many skin disorders, especially pimples. Using Turmeric for acne is a well-known home remedy in India, thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It even works on stubborn pimples and offers instant relief from the ugly blemishes, dark spots and even redness.
In this article, we shall learn the amazing benefits of Turmeric for pimples, along with some best ways to use it on our skin.
Why Is Turmeric Good for Acne?
Before we talk about Turmeric benefits for acne, we should understand why pimples are caused in the first place. Pimples or zits are a result of clogged skin pores due to excess oil, dirt and even bacterial infections. Unlike the OTC medications which only dry up a pimple, Turmeric works by addressing the root cause. Here are the many ways Turmeric can eliminate pimples on our skin:
- Anti-Oxidant Rich: Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, particularly a compound called Curcumin. This agent can fight free radicals which cause oxidative damage at the cellular level. It also renews skin cells to bring back its lost glory.
- Antiseptic Properties: Turmeric is a powerful germicidal agent which can fight infection causing microbes. It helps in clearing up your pores by reducing the pus cells.
- Anti-Inflammatory Agent: The anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric can reduce skin inflammation, along with redness and irritation.
- Controls Excess Sebum: Turmeric absorbs excess oil on your skin and makes you feel fresh
How Long Does Turmeric Take to Work On Acne?
The healing time with Turmeric depends on the condition and severity of acne. Also, the purity of turmeric can also make a key difference. If you are using the best quality, you can notice the zits getting dried up in two or three applications. The key is to be patient and regularly use, instead of sporadic treatments.
How To Use Turmeric for Acne?
There are many ways to use Turmeric or Haldi for acne. You can either use Turmeric paste or go for turmeric products like soaps, creams or lotions readily available in the market. However, using the purest form of organic turmeric can give you faster and effective results. By combining with certain agents, you can also increase its efficiency in treating acne.
Here are some of the best home remedies with Haldi for pimples:
1. Turmeric Paste for Acne:
To get the maximum benefits of Turmeric, you must make of the curcuminoids present in it. Turmeric paste made with pure turmeric roots ensure these ingredients are in their active forms. Applying it on the affected areas can give you visible results in just a few applications.
Ingredients:
- Ground Turmeric Powder – 2 tbsp
- Water – 2tbsp
Time To Prepare: 2 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Mix water in Turmeric powder to make a smooth paste.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: Turmeric paste can stain your clothes and skin. Apply it with caution and use a cleanser to wash off the colour well.
2. Honey and Turmeric for Acne:
Another way to use turmeric powder for acne is to combine it with honey. Honey offers soothing relief from the itchy and irritating symptoms of acne. It can moisture your skin and keep it soft and supple. The combination of Turmeric and Honey can work as a fast remedy for treating the inflammatory conditions of acne.
Ingredients:
- Ground Turmeric Powder – 2 tbsp
- Honey – 1 tbsp
- Water – 2tbsp
Time To Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Mix water in Turmeric powder to make a smooth paste.
- Add honey to this mixture.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Honey may irritate sensitive skin. Apply it with caution.
See more: Honey for Pimples
3. Yoghurt and Turmeric:
Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid, which is a natural exfoliator. It works by dissolving the dead cells which cause acne. The cooling sensation of Yoghurt can give alleviate symptoms of irritation and redness of the skin. Adding Turmeric to Yoghurt can reduce the inflammation and relieve you from bacterial infections. Here’s how to prepare a Yoghurt Turmeric mask for acne.
Ingredients:
- Yoghurt – 2 tbsp
- Turmeric – 1 tbsp
Time To Prepare: 2 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Add Yoghurt to turmeric powder.
- Mix well to form a smooth paste.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Yoghurt may not suit very oily or greasy skin.
4. Aloe vera and Turmeric:
The benefits of Aloe vera to the skin are well known to the beauty world. Apart from reducing the inflammation on the skin, aloe vera also fights bacterial growth in the skin. IT deep cleans your pores and reduces blemishes and scars caused due to acne. Adding turmeric can enhance the benefits of Aloe vera and help you get faster relief. Here’s how to use Turmeric for acne scars:
Ingredients:
- Freshly squeezed Aloe vera gel – 1tbsp
- Turmeric – 1 or 2 Pinches
Time To Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Add Turmeric to Aloe vera gel.
- Mix well for good consistency.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: There are no known side effects of this remedy.
5. Turmeric With Olive Oil:
Olive oil, also called “Liquid Gold” is laden with many vital nutrients to make the healing process faster. It has many phenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants to reduce cell damage. Being a non-comedogenic agent by nature, olive oil clears your pores. Adding Turmeric to olive oil can help you get the benefits of both the worlds.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric powder– 1 tbsp
- Virgin Olive Oil – 5-8 drops
Time To Prepare: 2 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Mix Olive oil in turmeric powder.
- Blend well to get a smooth consistency.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? You can do this every day.
Precautions: There are no known side effects of this remedy.
6. Neem Leaves and Turmeric:
Neem leaves are the best way to remove even stubborn acne from your skin. It is a high power antiseptic agent, which kills microbes instantly. It also prevents the development of new acne breakouts. The combination of Neem leaves and turmeric for acne is a deadly duo for even the toughest bacterium.
Ingredients:
- Neem Leaves – 1 Cup
- Turmeric Powder – 1 tbsp
- Water
Time To Prepare: 10 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Boil neem leaves in water until they get soft.
- Make a paste out of these leaves.
- Add Turmeric powder and mix well.
How To Apply?
- Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
- Leave it for 10minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How Often Should You Do This? Once or Twice a week.
Precautions: The strong smell of neem leaves can be unpleasant.
Additional Tips to Use Turmeric for Pimples:
Here are a few points to note before using Turmeric for acne:
- Although turmeric is largely safe for topical applications, it is advisable to do a patch test and wait for 24 hours before applying it on larger areas.
- Turmeric can stain your skin and turn it into yellow. This can be easily removed with a mild cleanser.
- Never leave turmeric on your skin overnight, as it can be extremely drying. You will wake up with patchy skin.
- Drinking turmeric tea can also heal your body internally and flush out the toxins.
- Don’t use Turmeric infused products or supplements, as they are laden with chemicals and can outweigh the potential benefits of this ingredient.
The benefits of Turmeric for acne need no special mention. However, many people are unaware of the different ways to use it for different purposes. The home remedies make the best use of natural ingredients to give you customised treatment for your skin condition. Besides treating acne, it also improves your complexion and renders a natural glow. Do try them out and let us know which remedy worked well for you!
