Turmeric is called the Golden Spice not just for its hue, but for its many properties. The turmeric plant, botanically called Curcuma longa (from the ginger family of plants), has many properties. Its roots, its paste, its powder and its oil, all find widespread use in the kitchen and in healthcare. The focus here would be turmeric essential oil for skin lightening and skincare.
Turmeric has been used in traditional medicinal uses since time immemorial. Its health-related benefits make it indispensable. The uses of turmeric and its oil are not just limited to skincare, hair care and stomach-related ailments. The benefits of turmeric extend beyond its raw root and powder. The essential oil extracted from the plant has the same benefits.
Turmeric essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the roots or rhizomes of turmeric plants. The yellowish fluid from the process has a strong spicy scent, which when diffused in small quantities is reminiscent of turmeric. The oil has many properties.
The journal Phytotherapy Research published a study in 2016 that investigated the effects of turmeric oil on the skin (3). The research found that the oil has many positive effects on the skin. (The oil has good effects when applied on the scalp including stopping hair loss, itchy scalp and dandruff.) So, let’s find out how turmeric essential oil is useful in skincare.
Beauty Benefits of Turmeric Essential Oil For Skin
Turmeric Essential Oil For Skin Lightening
The essential oil of turmeric gives a glow to the skin. Turmeric has long been considered a skin lightening agent. Even today, several marriage ceremonies involve applying turmeric paste on the bride and groom to give them an instant glow for their special day.
SUMMARY
Applying diluted essential oil to your face will lighten the skin tone and it will soothe the skin.
Turmeric Essential Oil Treats Skin Infections
The oil has powerful characteristics. These properties of the oil help in the treatment of rashes and skin infections. It moisturizes the skin and hence deals with dryness. A thin layer of turmeric oil diluted with coconut oil or olive oil can be applied on the infected skin.
Turmeric Essential Oil For Acne Outbreaks
Turmeric has health-related properties that can clear the skin. Several studies have found that the compound curcumin present in turmeric has strong properties that act against acne vulgaris.
Turmeric Essential Oil For Dark Circles
One of the prevalent issues affecting the skin is dark circles. It can happen due to stress, long hours in front of the computer screen, unhealthy eating or sleeplessness. Hyperpigmentation can also result in under-eye dark circles. The skin lightening effect of turmeric oil is a boon for those with dark circles. The oil not only lightens the skin, but also reduces the puffiness around the eyes.
Turmeric Essential Oil Skin Moisturizer
Dry skin is a common skin type. The winter season also wreaks havoc on the skin’s hydration, which makes the skin look dull and of course dehydrated. But not to worry, topical application of turmeric oil on the face helps hydrate the skin and keeps the moisture trapped in the skin.
There are several cosmetic products that use turmeric oil as an ingredient. These products include face masks, creams and lotions. Natural homemade face masks can also be made with turmeric oil to moisturize skin.
How To Use Turmeric Essential Oil for Skin Lightening?
(DIY Recipes with Turmeric Oil For Skin)
Face Masks with Turmeric Essential Oil
Face masks with turmeric and turmeric oil as an ingredient are easily available online and in physical stores. However, face masks can be made at home with all natural ingredients and it removes blemish just as well as store bought products. Here’s a list of ingredients needed for a turmeric face mask for blemish-free skin.
Ingredients
- 3 drops of turmeric essential oil or 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil or 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Half teaspoon of lemon juice
- A bowl
- Some water
Instructions
- Mix the essential oils or powders together in the bowl.
- Add lemon juice to the mix. A drop of lemon essential oil may be used.
- Add honey to the bowl and keep mixing. If the powders are used then more thorough mixing needs to be done.
- Add water as needed; but, make sure the mixture is sticky.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Use your fingers to apply the mix uniformly to your face.
- Leave it on the face for 30 minutes
- Rinse the mask with water.
- Apply a moisturizer.
Face Cleanser with Turmeric Essential Oil For Skin
Turmeric oil cleanser prepared at home is used to take care of dark spots and prevent acne. Face cleanser will help remove the dirt. Here’s how to make a homemade face cleanser.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of turmeric essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of chickpea or besan powder.
- Milk as required
- Bowl
Instruction
- Add the chickpea powder and essential oil into a bowl.
- Mix it well
- Add a few drops of milk.
- Ensure that the mixture is a paste and not loose fluid.
- Use your fingers and apply the paste evenly.
- Allow it to sit on the face for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water
Turmeric Essential Oil and Carrier Oil For Face Care
A few drops of turmeric essential oil mixed with suitable carrier oil would suffice for an everyday face care routine..
Ingredients
- 5 drops of turmeric essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of any carrier oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil or extra virgin olive oil)
Instructions
- Mix the essential oil and carrier oil together.
- Apply it on the face with a cotton ball.
- Massage the face.
- Allow it on the face for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Wash off with fresh water and a face wash.
One can substitute turmeric oil with turmeric powder. The benefit of using turmeric powder is that it can be used internally as well. However, turmeric oil must never be used internally.
Risks Associated With Turmeric Oil For Skin
- Turmeric essential oil is a concentrated product. If it is directly applied on the skin it may cause side effects including rashes and redness. A small skin patch test should be done the first time using turmeric essential oil.
- The bioavailability of turmeric oil is less, which means that the body does not absorb much of the turmeric and burns it quickly.
- Using high doses of turmeric and turmeric oil will prove detrimental especially if someone is on medications. It might cause reactions with certain medications. Consult with a doctor before taking essential oils.
- Using too much turmeric on the skin can leave the skin yellowish. This is normal; however, it must be used with care.
Conclusion
Turmeric oil is an essential oil extracted from the roots of a turmeric plant and is in concentrated form. This oil has several health benefits. It can be applied on the skin to improve the health and appearance of skin..
