Turmeric is probably familiar to you as a common ingredient in many Indian dishes. This spice adds color and flavor, and can also be used as a fabric dye. It's also a commonly used medicinal herb, says the website for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Before starting to use turmeric medicinally, ask the advice of your health care provider.
Acne Explained
MayoClinic.com says three factors must be in place for acne to occur. The shedding of skin cells irritates the hair follicles, then the skin overproduces oil. When a buildup of bacteria is added, acne breaks out. That's when the hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells and too much oil. They can get red and swell into pimples or turn into blackheads or whiteheads. It takes effective, yet gentle skin care to improve acne, and turmeric may be part of that solution.
Turmeric Uses
According to the NCCAM website, turmeric has been a part of the Chinese and Ayervedic systems of healing for many centuries. It's made into a paste and applied directly to the skin to treat skin ailments, or added to lotions or creams for use on the skin. The U.S. National Library of Medicine, or USNLM, site adds that turmeric is often also used as a treatment for heartburn, prevention of blood clots, high cholesterol, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, certain liver conditions, stomach ulcers and viral infections.
Research
An article on PubMed.gov describes recent research to find the most effective natural ingredients in skin care products. They were rated to determine how effective they are in treating various skin conditions. Turmeric was among the ingredients listed as the most effective. The NCCAM is also currently funding studies to find out how effective turmeric is for preventing some forms of cancer, and for its antioxidant properties.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may be allergic to turmeric, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, website. Watch for hives or a rash when you use turmeric. If they occur, stop using turmeric. The NCCAM site reports that when used on the skin, turmeric is generally considered safe.
Forms Used
Turmeric powder is usually made when the roots of the plant are dried and ground up. According to the NCCAM site, making this powder into a paste and applying it to the skin is one easy way to use it. Another way to use turmeric to treat your acne is to either buy skin care products containing it or add it to the products you use.
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