Turmeric is an exotic southern plant, somewhat similar to reeds, and has been valued by people as worth its weight in gold since ancient times. Caravans with oriental silk, spices and gems had great difficulty reaching the markets of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, where spices and incense were considered a truly royal gift.
So, it was spices that became part of the legendary wealth of King Solomon “And all the kings on earth sought to see Solomon... and they brought him... weapons and incense.” And the first beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad himself was the rich widow of a merchant who traded in spices.
So, what is the value of Indian saffron, the glory of which has not faded for several millennia, why turmeric is so useful for the human body, why women used the plant in home cosmetology back in the era of the greatness of Babylon, and how to prepare healing anti-aging masks from turmeric with your own hands for all types facial skin – we will talk about all this in detail in this article.
Some interesting facts from the history of turmeric
Southeast India is considered the birthplace of turmeric, but over time the crop began to be grown in other countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
According to legend, the great traveler Marco Polo, having first seen turmeric in Southern China, wrote in his notes: “A vegetable also grows here that has all the properties of real saffron, such as smell and color, and yet it is not real saffron.”
However, soon Indian saffron, as turmeric was often called, gradually replaced the “king of spices” in everyday life, becoming widespread in cosmetology, cooking and medicine.
In addition, in its homeland, turmeric is considered a sacred plant that protects a person from all kinds of evil spirits and carries the energy of goodness, purity and harmony. “Yellow root” is used in numerous religious rites associated with creating a family, purification and fertility (for example, before prayer, a symbolic figure of the deity Ganesha is sculpted from turmeric paste, scattered in front of the bride and groom at a wedding, presented as an engagement gift and to pregnant women ).
Interestingly, the bright yellow robes of Buddhist monks were originally dyed with turmeric. And to this day, on many religious holidays, believers rub their bodies with turmeric powder as a sign of cleansing and enlightenment.
Description of seasoning
Since any acquaintance begins with an introduction procedure, we will not deviate from generally accepted rules and tell you about the main features of turmeric. The spice is obtained through a complex processing process from the roots of a tropical perennial plant, which in appearance resembles our reeds. Historians claim that spice was so highly valued in ancient times that it was often used as a means of payment in interstate transactions. There is information that part of the legendary wealth of King Solomon was spices. It is also known that during the greatness of Babylon, rich women prepared anti-aging compositions based on turmeric.
Today, Indian saffron, as this spice is also called, is successfully cultivated in Southeast Asia and South America. Therefore, you can purchase this valuable product without any problems in any store.
How is turmeric beneficial for the human body?
In ancient times, Eastern medicine considered turmeric almost a panacea for many serious diseases. The fact is that Indian saffron has excellent wound-healing and antibacterial properties. In other words, this is the strongest natural antibiotic that can destroy almost any infection without disturbing the normal microflora.
The plant owes its characteristic yellow color to a special coloring substance – curcumin. This pigment is rightly called “liquid gold”, because Mother Nature has endowed it with unique antitumor properties.
Thus, turmeric is one of the few plants that can stop the growth of malignant cells in almost any type of cancer and stop the development of tuberculosis.
In addition, the “yellow root” improves blood circulation, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract and helps get rid of parasites.
Possible side effects
Undesirable reactions in the form of staining and irritation occur when the rules for using turmeric are ignored and the skin is prone to dryness. The use of spice-based products is not recommended in the following cases:
- allergy to the components included in the mask;
- violation of the integrity of the facial skin;
- lactation and pregnancy.
Attention! If burning or other unpleasant sensations occur, the mask should be immediately washed off with running water.
Turmeric in cosmetology: the benefits of Indian saffron for facial skin
The use of turmeric in home cosmetics is primarily due to its strong antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Thus, numerous facial recipes are effective in the fight against acne, acne and skin inflammation of various etiologies.
At the same time, turmeric has several beneficial effects on the skin of the face:
- Destroys pathogenic microorganisms;
- Promotes rapid healing of wounds and restoration of the skin;
- Saturates the skin with essential vitamins and microelements;
- Increases local immunity.
In addition, the ability of turmeric to effectively suppress the “aging enzyme” elastase is simply invaluable for aging skin after 50 years, because with its help you can partially get rid of wrinkles and restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Turmeric contains a complex of vitamins and microelements necessary for skin health:
- B vitamins – B1, B2, B6, B9, which are necessary for healthy color and elasticity of the skin, as well as its ability to withstand aggressive environmental influences.
- Vitamin C, known as the “beauty vitamin”;
- Vitamins E, K and PP;
- As well as calcium, magnesium, potassium and other microelements necessary for the skin.
Turmeric also has strong whitening properties, so regular use of homemade cosmetics with Indian saffron helps get rid of excess pigmentation and freckles on the skin.
As part of cleansers, turmeric penetrates deep into the pores and cleanses the face of excess sebum and other impurities.
In addition, turmeric masks help get rid of unwanted facial hair, promote rapid treatment of ulcers, healing of scratches, acne scars and post-acne.
And finally, masks with turmeric are a powerful tool for skin rejuvenation. Despite the “penny price”, such regular care returns healthy color and radiance to the skin, eliminates premature wrinkles, improves turgor and blood circulation, and also serves as an excellent protectant against most skin infections.
Contraindications
Considering the complex composition of the spice and the presence of highly active components in it, masks using it are not recommended for those who have:
- severe peeling of the dermis;
- tendency to allergies to spices;
- too sensitive skin.
Note! In addition, when performing home cosmetic procedures, you should strictly adhere to the technique of applying masks and not exceed the dosage suggested by the recipe.
Golden face mask with turmeric: recipes for all skin types
To begin with, we offer you several basic recipes for a “golden mask” for facial care at home.
Please note that the product cannot be used for open wounds on the skin, as well as individual intolerance to the components - before applying any mask, we recommend that you conduct a standard allergy test on your wrist.
Anti-wrinkle mask with turmeric and cream
To prepare the product you will need:
- Heavy cream (preferably homemade) – 2 tablespoons. spoons;
- Yellow root powder – 1 teaspoon.
Mix everything well and apply to the face for 25-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Honey and Turmeric Brightening Mask
- Natural flower honey -1 tsp;
- Indian saffron – 1 tsp;
- Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon.
Prepare a homogeneous mixture and apply to the skin of the face. The duration of the procedure is no more than 15 minutes.
It is recommended to make this mask once a week. The result is lightening of age spots, healthy color and radiance of the skin.
Moisturizing treatment mask made from yogurt and turmeric
To relieve inflammation, restore tone and improve the appearance of the skin, you can prepare a soft, nourishing turmeric mask.
- 1-2 table. spoons of natural yogurt;
- 1 tsp Indian saffron powder
Mix the ingredients and apply to previously cleansed skin for 15-20 minutes, then wash with warm water or pat your face with sanitary napkins.
Toning mask of honey and turmeric
To deeply cleanse the skin and fight acne and inflammation you will need:
- ½ tsp each turmeric and saffron;
- ½ tsp. fresh lemon juice;
- 3 table. spoons of fresh carrot juice;
- ½ tsp each almond butter and homemade cottage cheese;
- 3 tsp fresh aloe juice;
- 1 tsp glycerin;
- And 2 tsp. natural honey.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and apply to face and décolleté for 15-20 minutes.
Classic golden mask made of turmeric and sour cream
To improve your complexion and fight pigmentation, you can make a simple base mask:
- 1 part powdered turmeric;
- 3 parts homemade sour cream
Grind until smooth and apply to facial skin for a quarter of an hour.
This mask effectively softens the skin and gives it a healthy shine and radiance.
Recipes with turmeric powder
There are various recipes for turmeric-based cosmetic compositions. You need to choose “yours” taking into account your existing skin problems.
With cosmetic clay
These compositions effectively rejuvenate and cleanse. For preparation, it is recommended to use black or blue clay. Prepare the composition by mixing three parts clay with one part turmeric powder. Now you need to dilute the prepared dry mixture with warm water. You need to pour in enough water to get a mass similar in thickness to sour cream.
With dry cream
This composition effectively moisturizes and smoothes wrinkles well. For preparation, you will need to purchase dry cream (powder) and turmeric powder, and you will need to take twice as much cream. Dilute the finished dry mixture with warm water.
With rose water
An aqueous solution of rose ether can be purchased at a pharmacy. To prepare a cosmetic composition, you need to mix a spoonful of wheat flour with a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder. Then pour a little milk and a teaspoon of rose water into the mixture. This composition gives the face an even and beautiful color.
With oatmeal
Today, many supermarkets offer customers oatmeal or oatmeal. But even if you don’t find these products, oatmeal is definitely on sale. Simply grind them in a blender or coffee grinder to get oatmeal.
To prepare a rejuvenating and cleansing composition, mix four parts of oatmeal with one part of turmeric powder. Pour the mixture with hot water and let it brew for a while. Apply to the skin while warm.
With peas
This version of the mask is similar to the previous one, only it is prepared not with oatmeal, but with pea flour. Grind dry peas (it is better to take split grains) and mix them with turmeric powder in a ratio of four to one. Dilute the mixture with hot water and cool slightly. Apply a thick layer to the face. This composition perfectly rejuvenates and cleanses pores.
With tea tree ether
This antiseptic composition is not applied to the entire face. It is used when inflammation occurs on the skin in a targeted manner. You need to dilute a little turmeric powder with essential oil to make a paste. Apply with a cotton swab to the area of inflammation for a quarter of an hour.
With coconut oil
Coconut oil has excellent anti-aging properties, and the addition of turmeric powder further enhances the effect.
You need to take two tablespoons of oil (the product hardens at room temperature) and heat it up a little. Pour a quarter teaspoon of yellow spice into the liquid warm oil and stir well. Apply with a brush while warm.
Multicomponent
This composition includes several components, each of which “works” to rejuvenate the skin. Preparation:
- Grind or rub 50 grams of fresh fatty cottage cheese through a sieve;
- add to the cottage cheese a teaspoon of liquid (or melted in a water bath) honey, aloe juice, glycerin, lemon juice. We rub everything;
- pour two teaspoons of almond or grape seed oil into the mixture;
- then add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder;
- Grind everything again to make the mass homogeneous.
Yogurt with honey
For this composition you need to take natural yogurt, but you can use any other fermented milk product with a fat content above 3% and without additives.
Mix a quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric powder with honey (you need to take a full teaspoon). After the ingredients are well mixed, add two tablespoons of fermented milk product and beat everything again.
Sugar scrub
The following composition will help cleanse the skin of dead cells:
- Mix 100 grams of granulated sugar with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder;
- add a pinch of vanillin (not vanilla sugar!) and 4 drops of blood orange, grapefruit or lemon ether;
- at the last stage, pour in 50 ml of linseed or olive oil;
- stir quickly;
- Apply in a circular motion along the massage lines;
- leave on the skin for a quarter of an hour and wash off.
Whitening face masks with turmeric: TOP 3 home recipes for age spots
To lighten and improve skin color, you can use the following recipes.
Mask with turmeric essential oil
- Mask base – 1 tsp. face gel;
- ½ tsp. face milk;
- Essential oils of lemon, parsley and turmeric - 1-2 drops each.
Mix everything and apply to your face for a quarter of an hour, then wash with warm water.
Turmeric and almond recipe.
- Almonds – 6 large grains.
- Indian saffron powder - 1/2 tsp.
Soak almonds in warm boiled water for 6-8 hours, then grind them into powder and mix with turmeric.
Gently massage the mixture into the skin of the face, paying attention to problem areas, and leave for 50-60 minutes. After the procedure, wash thoroughly with warm water.
Home Recipe for Skin Lightening
- ½ tsp. “yellow root” powder;
- ½ table. spoons of flour;
- 1 tsp olive oil;
- 2 table. tablespoons lime juice (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon boiled water)
The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.
Recipes with turmeric oil
Using turmeric oil, you can prepare effective anti-aging compositions.
Banana
This is a composition that includes both turmeric powder and oil. You need to take a ripe banana and mash it until it becomes a smooth puree. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, as well as four drops of essential oil from this plant. Supplement the composition with the same amount of sesame seed oil.
With aloe juice
To prepare the composition, you will need fresh aloe juice, which you can prepare yourself from the lower leaves of the plant. In order for the biological activity of the juice to be higher, you need to keep the cut leaves for a week in a dark, cold place (you can wrap them in paper and place them in the refrigerator).
Mix a teaspoon of juice with a tablespoon of sour cream with a fat content of 20-25%. Add black cumin oil (3 drops) and turmeric oil (five drops) to the mixture, stir. Apply with a brush and wash off after twenty-five minutes.
The best turmeric masks for acne
For problematic skin, combating acne, blackheads on the face and rashes, you can use a one-component turmeric base mask. To do this, Indian saffron powder should be diluted with water to a paste consistency and applied directly to problem areas of the skin.
Keep this mask until the mixture dries completely, then wash thoroughly with clean water.
Acne mask made from curd and turmeric
- ½ tsp. turmeric powder;
- 1 tsp sandalwood powder;
- 2 table. spoons of cottage cheese.
Duration of the procedure – 15-20 minutes
Mask with cream for acne and acne on the face
- ½ table. spoons of “yellow root” powder;
- 1 table. spoon of pea flour;
- 2 table. spoons of homemade cream.
The procedure time is 20 minutes. This mask also effectively helps get rid of scars and acne scars.
Clay and turmeric masks
To get rid of acne and prevent new breakouts, mix:
- 2 table. spoons of white or blue clay;
- ½ tsp. turmeric;
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil.
Apply the mixture to pre-steamed facial skin for 20 minutes.
Another mask option for sensitive skin:
- 2 table. spoons of white clay;
- 2 table. spoons of homemade kefir (or milk);
- ½ tsp. Indian saffron powder;
- 4 drops each of almond and lavender oil.
The duration of the procedure is about half an hour.
Expert opinion
Useful advice from the editor
Kefir is one of the most valuable ingredients in homemade masks for brightening and rejuvenating facial skin - read our selection of recipes for kefir masks for dry and problematic skin
A recipe with black clay is also effective:
- 1 part black clay powder;
- 1 part turmeric powder.
Dilute the mixture with warm water and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes.
As an express remedy for acne, you can use a paste of 1 tsp. turmeric powder with the addition of jojoba or coconut oil, which should be applied directly to pimples and left on the face overnight.
Masks for the delicate area around the eyes
The main problem that worries not only mature women, but also young women, is the area around the eyes. This is a very sensitive area of the skin, on which, like in a mirror, all the negative consequences of modern life are reflected. Stress, lack of sleep, and excessive stress instantly turn into circles under the eyes or swelling. It is in this area that the first wrinkles appear, betraying age. But with the skillful use of oriental spice compounds, this common problem can be easily solved. Here are a few recipes that have proven their effectiveness in practice.
Soda mask with turmeric
In a duet with baking soda, turmeric works more productively. It eliminates facial wrinkles, removes dark circles under the eyes, and stimulates cell renewal. To perform the procedure, you will first need to freeze cubes of ordinary mineral water. Then soda is mixed with turmeric in a 2:1 ratio, and an ice cube is placed in the center of the resulting mixture. When the ice has completely melted, the mask is applied to the lower eyelid area. If the swelling is too pronounced, you can supplement the nutritional mixture with five drops of lemon juice.
Banana mask with turmeric
This is a gentle method that is ideal for dry skin. The nutritional mixture includes:
- sesame oil – 5 drops;
- turmeric – ½ tsp;
- half a banana.
Due to the presence of oil in the composition, the procedure has a softening effect, which is extremely useful for the skin around the eyes due to its special sensitivity. The tropical fruit must first be mashed, then the remaining ingredients must be added to the resulting puree. The exposure time of the mask is 10 -15 minutes. The composition is washed off with warm water.
Important point ! The compositions should be applied to the skin around the eyes with light movements. You cannot massage or rub them into the skin. To prevent the composition from accidentally spreading over the surface of the face, it is better to lie down while the mask is in effect.
Healthy recipes for dry skin
As a basis for preparing masks for dry skin of the face and area around the eyes, it is worth using softening and moisturizing components. Milk, honey, essential and olive oils, as well as fruit juices go well with turmeric.
The simplest recipe for such a mask is turmeric mixed with natural flower honey in a 1:2 ratio (you should get a homogeneous viscous paste).
In the same ratio (1 teaspoon of dry “yellow root” powder per 1 tablespoon of base), you can dilute turmeric with full-fat homemade milk, peach and olive oil. (You can learn about the sensations and effectiveness of such a mask from the review at the end of this article).
Such masks effectively moisturize and nourish dry facial skin, while you can combine the components of the foundation while maintaining the basic proportions.
To obtain the effect of a soft scrub, you can add sugar or coffee grounds to the oil base:
- 2 tbsp. vegetable (olive) oil;
- 5-6 tbsp. dark sugar;
- 2 tsp Indian saffron powder;
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Or another option for an exfoliating mask
- 2 tbsp. coffee grounds;
- 1 tbsp. olive oil;
- 1 tsp. yellow root powder, cinnamon and salt.
This mask should be applied with gentle massaging movements, and after the procedure, do not forget to use a nourishing cream.
Rules for preparation and application
- To prepare the mask, use only natural turmeric without dyes or food additives.
- To apply the solution, wear disposable gloves or use a brush.
- Before applying the solution, cleanse the skin on your face: wash off your makeup and use a scrub .
- Use only fresh ingredients as specified in the recipes.
- Apply the mask to your face immediately after preparation and use it only once.
- Do not apply the turmeric solution to the skin around the eyes, but cover it with a thin layer of baby cream before applying the mask.
- Strictly follow the instructions given in the recipe.
- After removing the mixture from your face, do not expose yourself to sunlight for about 3-4 hours .
- After removing the mask, be sure to use a toner or your usual nourishing cream.
- To achieve the most positive result, alternate masks with each other and do not forget to take breaks so that the skin on your face rests a little.
Turmeric has a strong coloring property, so don’t be surprised if after using the mask your skin turns red and takes on a yellowish tint. A turmeric face mask is best done in the evening before bed, as the natural complexion will be restored only after 3-4 hours.
Anti-wrinkle masks with turmeric for skin rejuvenation
To rejuvenate the skin after 50 years, it is good to use masks made from honey and milk with the addition of components that have a soft lifting effect.
Clay, fruit juices, oatmeal or rice flour, essential oils and freshly squeezed agave juice can be used as such natural “additives”.
So, for dry skin after 50 years, a creamy honey mask is perfect, for the preparation of which you need to mix 1 tsp. natural honey, cream and yellow root powder. If desired, cream can be replaced with homemade milk.
The recipe for a lifting mask with ginger root is also interesting:
- ½ tbsp. grated ginger bark;
- ½ tbsp. Indian saffron powder;
- 1 tbsp. pomegranate juice.
A course of 10 such procedures (it is recommended to do a mask 2 times a week) helps to partially get rid of wrinkles and significantly improves the condition of mature skin.
Composition and properties of turmeric
The popularity of the spice all over the world is no coincidence. The rich composition of turmeric root (namely, this bright yellow powder is made from it) determines its beneficial effect on the human body.
Composition of turmeric
Vitamins | Minerals | Other substances |
Groups B: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B4 (choline), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid). Vitamins C, E, K, PP | Potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, zinc, iron. | Essential oils, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, flavonoids and curcumin - a biologically active natural dye. |
Half the pharmacy is made up of one spice! Therefore, turmeric is a strong natural antibiotic and antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal agent. It rejuvenates the body and restores proper liver function. Warm milk with a pinch of seasoning before bedtime cleanses the intestines. The spice is used to boost immunity and even prevent cancer.
Turmeric in home cosmetology: real reviews
This was my first time using turmeric for cosmetic purposes, although I had heard a lot about its positive effect on the skin before. The recipe for this face mask is as simple as possible, and everyone has the ingredients for it at home. The preparation process also does not take much time: just mix milk with turmeric and – voila – the miracle mask is ready.
The consistency of the mixture is similar to liquid sour cream, or thick kefir. The composition has a rich yellow color. Easy to apply to the face. You need to leave the mask on your face for 15 minutes. Towards the end of the procedure, a not very pleasant feeling of skin tightness appears, and you want to wash your face as quickly as possible. And here comes the most unpleasant moment of the whole process... Please note that when you wash off the mixture, the entire sink, all the nails in the cuticle area will turn yellow. You will have to make an effort to wash everything. But I think the effect of the mask is worth it.
The skin becomes smooth because the spice grains act like a scrub, but at the same time very delicate. The complexion is really evened out, the skin looks fresh and rested. Visibly tightens pores. By the way, after washing off the composition, the feeling of tightness remains until the cream is applied. I was not able to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect, since I did not have any rashes. I think this mask is not entirely suitable for women with dry skin, but I will probably use it from time to time.
Rules of application
For turmeric to have the desired effect, it must be used correctly. To do this, you should follow these recommendations:
- Fair-skinned girls do not need to use such compositions. Also, do not apply the substance to your hair, as this may cause a change in its shade.
- Turmeric can cause staining of clothing, skin and nails. Therefore, for application it is worth using a special brush. Before carrying out the procedure, you should wear rubber gloves.
- It is strictly forbidden to exceed the duration of the procedure. If this does happen, after washing off the composition, you should apply a whitening mask.
- After using the spice, the skin may turn red. This is a completely normal condition that will go away on its own in 2-3 hours.
- During the manufacture of the composition, the proportions must be strictly observed.
- Before applying the substance, the skin is cleansed of excess fat and cosmetics.
- The spice has a warming effect. Therefore, products with this substance should be applied before bedtime. After washing your face, wipe it with toner. This substance will help narrow pores.
- At the end of the manipulation, the face is certainly covered with moisturizing cream.
- When applying the composition, you should avoid the eyelid area. This area is highly sensitive.
- When choosing a spice, you should read the information on the packaging. It is important that the product has a natural composition and does not contain coloring additives or flavorings.
- Before the procedure, you need to do an allergy test.
The spice can be used in the form of ready-made cosmetics or you can make them yourself at home. Turmeric face cream is highly effective. It perfectly moisturizes the dermis and saturates it with nutrients. In addition, the product has a whitening effect and eliminates inflammatory lesions. It successfully deals with acne.
In most cases, the spice is added to creams and sun protection products. They all have a characteristic yellow tint.
Aasha herbals face cream with turmeric is considered a particularly effective composition. In addition to this spice, the composition contains sandalwood. The combination of these powerful components has a pronounced cleansing effect.