The year might be coming to an end, but that’s not to say 2019’s biggest beauty trend is going anywhere. The obsession with natural beauty isn’t slowing down, and skincare buffs across the land are still on the hunt for the best natural powerhouse ingredients out there. We’ve seen the rise and rise of countless natural ingredients such as bakuchiol, pineapple and marshmallow, so what’s next? Just take a look inside your coffee cup for a clue.
That’s right, besides being a frankly delicious addition to your morning latte, it turns out turmeric is also a seriously powerful skincare ingredient too. Rebecca Bennett, Neutrogena® Skin Expert reveals: “Turmeric is a big trend in the beauty industry right now and a buzzword. Already embraced by foodies and health experts, it’s a must-have ingredient featured in drinks, supplements – and now skincare.”
So what exactly does turmeric do, and how can it be used to help our skin? Well, unlike some previous natural skincare trends that have later been ruled little more than a gimmick by experts, turmeric is a critically-acclaimed ingredient. Intrigued? Here’s a rundown of what turmeric can do for you and your complexion…
What is it?
In its natural form, turmeric is a spice plant that belongs to the same family as ginger. Similarly to ginger, the roots of the plant itself are regularly used in cooking, but in the case of turmeric, the root is usually ground into a powder form. Besides being a way of adding spice to food, turmeric has also been used for years in Ayurvedic medicine as a way to treat inflammation.
What are the skincare benefits?
Above anything else, thanks to bio-active component curcumin, turmeric is considered a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. As an anti-inflammatory, it means turmeric has the ability to deal with an array of skin issues, from redness to irritation and puffiness to scarring. On top of that, curcumin also has antioxidant properties which contribute to achieving serious radiance and glow.
How can it be used in your beauty regime?
As it grows in popularity, turmeric is finding its way into all sorts of products. From cleansers to toners and moisturisers to masks, you can get your turmeric kick in whichever way you like. Our method of a choice? To really see the benefits that your skin can reap from turmeric, a face mask can’t be beaten. Expect instant glowy, radiant results.
Is there such thing as too much?
Technically using an abundance of turmeric in your skincare regime shouldn’t be a problem, but as with everything we advise you give it a test before you go full steam ahead. However, while there are no serious side effects, it’s worth noting that turmeric in its natural form has a tendency to stain the skin an orangey/yellow colour, so always follow instructions.
Sound like something you can get on board with? Here’s our round-up of the best turmeric beauty products out there…