Treatments for Youthful and Glowing Skin
By Gerrie Summers
Turmeric Skin Polisher
This is traditionally used by women in India as a natural cleanser and is used in place of soap, which can strip the skin of much needed moisture. The gram flour not only sloughs off dead skin, it prevents turmeric from staining the skin.
Gram (or chickpea) flour also relieves oiliness. Milk is used to firm the skin and retard the formation of wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon gram flour
- ¼ teaspoon of turmeric
- 2 teaspoons of milk
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and rub onto wet skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Gently wipe off mask with fingertips, and then rinse the face with lukewarm water.
Mix ingredients together and rub onto wet skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Gently wipe off mask with fingertips, and then rinse the face with lukewarm water.
Honey & Turmeric Moisturizing Mask
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat wounds and skin problems. It is also a natural skin hydrator. Be sure to use raw, unprocessed honey. (You can also add raw milk to the mix to help rid of the skin of dead cells and rejuvenate the complexion.)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Directions:
Mix honey and turmeric into a paste and apply to face. Leave on for 15 -20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Skin Brightener
The addition of lemon juice helps fade age spots and hyperpigmentation. Jojoba oil is similar to sebum (our skin’s natural oil) and helps reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. Plus jojoba oil has antibacterial properties making it useful for acne-prone skin.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon gram flour
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Milk (enough to make a paste)
Directions:
Mix ingredients into a paste and apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. This mask can be used 1 to 2 times a week.
Skin Hydrator
Olive oil is great for helping skin retain moisture. It also helps repair damage from sun exposure to bring life to a dull and dehydrated complexion.
Ingredients:
Olive oil is great for helping skin retain moisture. It also helps repair damage from sun exposure to bring life to a dull and dehydrated complexion.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (any plain full fat yogurt can be used)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Directions:
Mix the ingredients together and apply to the face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.
How to Reduce Turmeric Stains
Curcuma aromatica is a non-staining, non-edible form of turmeric that can usually be found in Indian grocery markets or online.
Food grade turmeric is cheaper and more convenient, since you probably already have it in your spice rack, but it will stain the skin, especially if you have a light complexion. To resolve this:
Curcuma aromatica is a non-staining, non-edible form of turmeric that can usually be found in Indian grocery markets or online.
Food grade turmeric is cheaper and more convenient, since you probably already have it in your spice rack, but it will stain the skin, especially if you have a light complexion. To resolve this:
- It’s best to use turmeric-based treatments at night, since the stains will resolve after your morning
- cleanse.
- Gram flour, yogurt and milk usually helps reduce staining.
- If you still have problems with staining, reduce the amount of turmeric used or switch to the non-staining form.
- Use a foundation brush or other applicator to apply turmeric masks to prevent staining fingers.
Also note that turmeric can stain clothing and other items, so you might want to wear an old t-shirt and use a glass or metal bowl to mix ingredients.
