Turmeric has been used for centuries in Asia to treat a number of ailments, both internally and topically. Its active ingredient, curcumin, purportedly acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing redness and swelling, and as an antiseptic, which may make it an effective treatment for acne. As with any natural treatment or home remedy, be advised that there is no clinical evidence to support turmeric's effectiveness as an acne treatment. You should talk to a doctor before using tumeric to treat any condition, especially if you plan to ingest it.
Active Ingredients
Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and drying properties, all of which may help acne-prone skin. Anti-inflammatories, when applied topically, can help reduce the redness and irritation associated with acne, while antiseptics help rid the skin of the impurities that cause breakouts. If your acne is caused by excessively oily skin, turmeric may help to absorb some of the excess oil.
How to Use It
Turmeric may be applied to the skin topically to treat acne flare-ups and prevent future breakouts. You can buy pure turmeric powder at almost any grocery or natural foods market and make a paste by mixing it with coconut oil. Apply the paste to affected areas once or twice daily after cleansing and gently rub it into the skin.
Evidence
As with many all-natural treatments and home remedies, little evidence has been gathered to prove turmeric's effectiveness as an acne treatment or as treatment for any other condition. According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some research has been conducted in labs and on animals that suggests turmeric's effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory, but these finding have not been tested on humans.
Side Effects
Turmeric, when used topically, has few to no reported side effects. As with any topical substance, if redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not apply to broken skin in order to avoid further irritation of the skin.
Warnings
Turmeric, in addition to being used as a natural healing agent, has also been used as a dye in India for centuries. Keep in mind that it can temporarily leave skin looking yellow if too much is used. It can also stain hair, clothes, and bed sheets, so use caution when applying it.
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