Turmeric for Acne
Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD
Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that is purported to clear up acne and treat acne scars.
This golden spice that gives flavor to curry and other foods is generally very safe to use and is found in many various skincare products on the market today. Turmeric has been used for millennia in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, but modern science is inconclusive on these specific benefits.
This article discusses the potential benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of turmeric, based on current scientific evidence.
What Is Turmeric?
Curcuma longa, as turmeric is botanically known, is a plant that is native to Asia. It's a relative of ginger, and it has a distinctive spicy smoky flavor.
The root is dried and powdered to produce the bright golden yellow to orange spice. It's widely used in Indian cuisine, and you can find it in the spice aisle (and supplement aisle) of your local grocery store.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a vast array of health concerns. Traditionally, it's used for anything from indigestion to arthritis. It's also been used in folk medicine as a treatment for skin issues like diaper rash, psoriasis, and acne.
With more people becoming interested in natural remedies as a whole, it's not surprising that turmeric is getting a second look.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Although there are more than 300 components in turmeric that have been identified, curcumin is the most widely studied. Curcumin seems to be the active component that's primarily responsible for the health benefits of turmeric. Research studies have shown some possible benefits of turmeric for:
Inflammation
Arthritis
Metabolic syndrome
Mood disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Dementia
Degenerative eye conditions
Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol in the blood)
Muscle soreness after exercise
Kidney health
Researchers are also studying turmeric for its anti-cancer properties.
Antibacterial Effects
As far as acne treatment is concerned, turmeric does have some qualities that make it worth a closer look. Turmeric is credited as being an anti-ager and a powerful antioxidant.
Both topical and oral turmeric have been studied, and, even though turmeric is one of the most widely researched herbal remedies, experts still have very limited definitive information as of yet. Of special interest is that some research suggests curcumin kills acne-causing bacteria, at least in a lab setting.
Inflammatory acne is, in part, caused by bacteria called Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes). This bacterium is a normal resident of the skin; it doesn't mean you're unclean or unhygienic in any way.
This bacterium is becoming more resistant to antibiotics that have been used to treat acne for decades. So, there's been interest in finding other antimicrobial agents to replace antibiotic treatments.
Studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric, combined with blue light therapy, effectively kills P. acnes, making it a potential future treatment to replace resistant antibiotics.
This study was done in vitro (in a test tube in a lab) and also tested on pig skin, not human skin. Simply because it works in a lab doesn't mean it will work the same on human skin.
So, while more research needs to be done in this area, it's a good start.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Probably the most well-known and well-studied benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. There's some indication that turmeric may help reduce the inflammation of acne, either when taken orally or used topically.
However, no large clinical trials have been done yet, so we don't know for sure what (if any) effect turmeric has on the inflammation of acne in people.
Acne Scarring
As for acne scarring, a few sources claim turmeric helps fade hyperpigmentation, so it may help topically to fade dark acne marks. However, it isn't known how long it would take to remove dark spots, and there's no scientific evidence showing turmeric has an effect on pitted or depressed acne scars.
Although there are enough interesting findings to keep researchers looking into this herbal remedy, turmeric has not been proven to treat acne or acne scars. Although turmeric, and its constituent curcumin, have shown some promise, as of yet it hasn't been proven to affect any dermatological issue.
Side Effects and Other Considerations
It's important to be aware that turmeric can cause a type of allergic reaction in some people, called contact dermatitis.
Some people develop redness, itching, and blisters after applying turmeric directly to the skin. Remember, just because turmeric is a natural substance doesn't guarantee it's effective, or even safe, for your skin.
Another drawback to turmeric is its ability to impart its color on everything it touches. It's used as a dye in many cultures due to this very fact.
So before you go and whip up a turmeric mask, know that the bright yellow spice can stain your skin, clothes, countertops, washcloths, towels, and anything else it comes in contact with.
Adding Turmeric to Your Acne Skin Care Routine
After weighing the pros and cons, you may decide to add turmeric to your acne treatment routine. In general, turmeric is a very safe herbal remedy. You have multiple options for adding it:
Cook With It
The easiest, and without a doubt most delicious, way to get your dose of turmeric is to add it to your diet.
Add it to curries, soups and stews, rice, or steamed vegetables. It's a versatile spice that you can use in a variety of ways.
Drink Turmeric Tea
Another way to up your turmeric intake is to drink it in tea.
Many prepackaged teas that contain turmeric are available, or you can simply make your own by steeping the dried root or powder in hot water.
Take Turmeric or Curcumin Supplements
Curcumin/turmeric supplements are another option. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Although they're generally recognized as safe, large doses of turmeric/curcumin can cause an upset stomach and, in extreme cases, ulcers.
Also, you'll want to talk with your healthcare provider first before starting any supplements to ensure it's safe for you to do so. Curcumin can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric and people who have diabetes, gallstones, or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their healthcare provider before taking turmeric.
Use a Turmeric Mask or Soap
Rather get your turmeric topically? There are some over-the-counter skincare products that contain turmeric (how much of the spice they actually contain though is debatable).
If you decide to use a DIY turmeric mask, test to make sure you won't have a reaction to the spice before you use it on your face. You can do a patch test by applying a bit of your DIY concoction to the crook of your elbow on your inner arm. Let it sit there for a few minutes, then rinse off.
To make a turmeric face mask, you can combine turmeric powder or extract with a variety of thickeners to make a paste, such as:
Warm water and honey
Yogurt and lemon juice
Aloe vera gel
Water and almond or rice flour
Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply your usual moisturizers.
Monitor your skin for redness, irritation, or rash for the next 24 hours. Not reacting on your arm doesn't guarantee you won't react on your face, but if your arm does become irritated, you will know unequivocally to not use it on your face.
The patch test will also show you exactly how much staining you'll get from that particular recipe. You'll be able to practice your stain removal technique if the turmeric does turn your skin orange.
Know that you can develop a sensitivity to turmeric over time, so it's possible to have a reaction even if you've previously used the spice on your skin without a problem.
Turmeric can be drying to the skin, so take care if your skin is already feeling dry.
Ask your dermatologist before trying any turmeric products, whether homemade or store-bought.
Summary
Although turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that has been studied as a treatment for a variety of health conditions, its purported benefits in reducing acne and treating acne scars have not been proven.
If you decide to use turmeric, keep in mind it is not a replacement for proven acne medications and treatment. If you need help with treatment, talk with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine the best acne treatment option for you.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
