Turmeric: The Super Ingredient You Need in Your Skincare Regimen
For thousands of years, turmeric has been a prized botanical in Ayurveda - ancient Indian medical science. In recent years, turmeric has come to the forefront of western health and skincare consciousness as a super ingredient with sites like Goop and Oprah.com singing its praises.
A plant rich with antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes, turmeric is linked to a wide range of health benefits such as improved brain function and a lowered risk of heart disease and diabetes. Turmeric has many dietary benefits, as well as its wondrous effects on hair and skin.
At AVYA, we have long recognized the unique power of turmeric and its intrinsic ability to heal and nourish the skin and body. Our signature microencapsulated complex, which can be found in our core products, contains turmeric, peony, and neem. We strive for balance in all of our skincare products and that is why we incorporate the highest quality botanical ingredients combined with medical-grade actives to create skincare that is nutrient-rich and healing.
We are passionate about the power that Ayurveda and ayurvedic ingredients can bring to your skincare regimen, so we’d like to share more with you about this “super spice” and why we’ve decided to incorporate it in the products we create.
Turmeric’s Healing History
Turmeric has been widely used in India and in Ayurvedic science for thousands of years. It is known as “the golden spice”, a name that not only refers to its deep yellow color, but also to the value of its many uses. Our founder, Deepika Vyas, recalls that her grandmother would use the spice as a natural healing salve for wounds, “We never used band-aids as children. Any time we experienced a cut or burn, my grandmother would make a paste with turmeric to cover and heal the wound.”
Turmeric plants originate in India. They produce a beautiful red flower and are now cultivated around the world. Curcumin is the bioactive compound found in the root of the turmeric plant that gives the botanical a potent blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. Turmeric is beneficial both topically and internally as it can also be consumed and used to treat ailments such as arthritis, cancer, and diabetes, as well as skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Turmeric and Skincare
Turmeric has several uses when it comes to skincare including:
- Healing wounds and diminishing scars
- Lessening active breakouts
- Preventing future breakouts
- Reducing acne scarring
- Anti-aging properties
- Fighting free radicals and sun damage
- Brightening dark circles
- Reducing melasma
- Evening out skin tone for a glowing complexion
Turmeric and Acne
Acne can have negative effects on our skin and our emotional health. Breakouts can often leave unwanted scars or hyperpigmentation that can be difficult to treat. Luckily, turmeric is a great ingredient for diminishing unwanted blemishes and dark spots left by acne. Its antibacterial properties are great for preventing new breakouts from happening. Turmeric is also soothing to the skin and can help subdue inflammation and redness. Choosing a gentle cleanser or cream that contains turmeric is a great way to combat acne and breakouts whether you’re a teenager or an adult.
Turmeric for Anti-Aging
Using products that contain turmeric as an ingredient can help fight off signs of aging due to its inherent ability to combat free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that contain unpaired electrons that when combined with other cells create a reaction called oxidative stress. This reaction is what causes skin cells to age prematurely. Antioxidants are important because they are stable enough to donate an electron to free radicals thus neutralizing them and preventing damage.
It is extremely important to incorporate products into your daily or nightly routine that contain antioxidants. AVYA’s Anti-Aging Power Serum contains turmeric, Vitamin C, and other beneficial antioxidants that are necessary to keep skin youthful. Turmeric is also great for evening out skin tone to give you a radiant complexion and for preventing dark circles that can age your appearance. Look for an eye cream, like our Eye Bright Cream, that contains turmeric to help brighten the under-eye area and prevent fine lines.