Acne can make you feel insecure and self-conscious. It can also be a painful condition. Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles on the skin. When the follicles become blocked by an oily substance known as sebum, dead skin cells, or bacteria, red bumps and pimples develop. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage acne. One of the more natural treatments is using turmeric for acne.
Yes, you read that right. The delicious spice turmeric, often used in Asian dishes, can help treat acne! Regular facials can help. Using antibacterial and anti-inflammatory skincare products can help. But one of the most natural and easy ways to manage acne may be found in this incredible spice!
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant belonging to the ginger family. The stem of turmeric is made of curcumin, which has been used for years in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, and Chinese medicine. Curcumin has long been used to treat skin disorders, joint disorders, digestive disorders, and respiratory disorders. Turmeric is commonly found in South Asian dishes, such as curry. You’ll recognize it by its bright yellow color.
Turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory, helping your body to fend off inflammation caused by infections and diseases. In fact, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric are so promising that it is being studied as a potential cancer treatment and antiviral treatment.
In addition to being a known anti-inflammatory, turmeric boasts anti-bacterial and anti-microbial benefits. This means that turmeric can help fight underlying causes of breakouts.
How to Use Turmeric for Acne
There are several ways that you can use turmeric for acne. These include the following:
- Using skincare products that contain turmeric
- Taking turmeric supplements
- Eating foods or drinking tea with turmeric
Skincare Products That Contain Turmeric
Skin care products that contain turmeric range from serums to spot treatments, masks, and energizing treatments. Recently a panel of dermatologists weighed in on the value of turmeric-infused skincare products, citing not only a reduction in redness and inflammation but the potential to decrease UV damage as well. As an alternative to products containing salicylic acid, which can dry the skin, skincare products that contain turmeric may promote luminosity while helping to prevent breakouts.
Turmeric Supplements for Healthy Skin
Turmeric supplements provide an easy way to infuse your body with the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of turmeric. The optimal dose of turmeric is typically 500 milligrams twice daily. Please remember to speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements.
Foods and Teas That Contain Turmeric
To include turmeric in your diet, simply add the spice to daily dishes. You may include a bit in homemade salad dressings, sprinkle it on rice or veggies, or add it to smoothies. Turmeric is not spicy on its own, so you can add it to scrambled eggs, soups, fish, and countless other meals.
To get turmeric in a tea form, either buy it or make your own. To make turmeric tea, simply steep ground, sliced, or grated turmeric in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
Incidentally, turmeric also offers beneficial vitamins such as B3, B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc!
Holistic Skin Care Treatments in Newport Beach
Using turmeric for acne can help reduce redness, swelling, irritation, and infection. However, to best treat acne, you’ll want professional help. At Swiss Clinique, our licensed skincare experts can help with acne treatments, products, and guidance for reducing breakouts and for putting your best, healthiest face forward. To schedule an acne treatment consultation in Newport Beach, contact us today.