New trend: turmeric in beauty
New trend: turmeric in beauty
Turmeric in beauty? Turmeric has long been used among athletes to treat joint aches and pains, but it has recently found another platform on which to shine. Yup, we’ll forgive you for thinking it’s not an obvious choice. But, thanks to its key component, curcumin, turmeric’s use in beauty is booming.
‘Turmeric is currently the most researched and most promising health-boosting food ingredient,’ explains nutritionist, anti-ageing specialist and cosmetic formulator, Georgios Tzenichristos. ‘Already 10,147 studies have been conducted about curcumin, it’s most important constituent, and more and more studies are being published every single week.’ Most of these studies focus on curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-fibrotic and lipolytic actions, all of which positively affect our overall health. But skin health is a particular area of interest.
So how does it work? Curcumin is antibacterial and antiseptic, which helps it fight blemish-inducing bacteria. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it neutralises certain enzymes that cause irritation and inflammation (which can manifest in conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea). Another benefit is its antioxidant properties which mean it can fight free radicals and limit their damage. In cooking we use it to add warmth or spice, but turmeric is actually incredibly soothing when it comes to our skin. Intrigued? Add a little of this beaut to your skincare regime with these turmeric-infused beauty products.
Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask
If anyone knows what’s right for our skin, it’s Kiehl’s. Which is why we believed them when they told us this was a facial in a pot (spoiler: they were right). The bi-weekly mask energises and brightens a fatigued complexion with an invigorating mix of cranberry and turmeric. The crushed cranberry seeds even gently exfoliate to keep skin supple and smooth.
£29, kiehls.co.uk
Oskia Skincare Restoration Oil
Oskia’s floral fragranced Restoration Oil sees turmeric star alongside an exotic mix of high-tech active ingredients, including lupin, sea fennel and rose hip seed. Suitable for all skin types and effortlessly absorbed – no mean feat for an oil – it’s the bedtime treat your skin deserves.
£62, oskiaskincare.com
May Lindstrom Skin’s The Clean Dirt
Cleaning your face with dirt may not seem like the smartest thing to do for your skin, but if ex-model turned skin specialist May Lindstrom says it is, we’re on board. The Clean Dirt is made with a mix of clays – the most noteworthy of which is white Halloysite Clay and Red Moroccan Clay – healing salts and warming spices (cue, turmeric) to cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
£68, cultbeauty.co.uk
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Face Mask
Dr. Andrew Weil, the Harvard-trained physician and leader in holistic health, pairs the golden spice with Reishi mushrooms and ginger for a penetrating mask that reduces redness and deeply moisturises. Ideal for replenshing skin after exposure to stresses like excessive sun, windburn and waxing.
£38, origins.co.uk
Juara Clove Flower and Turmeric Anti-Aging Serum
This vegan, cruelty-free and all natural power serum has – you guessed it – turmeric to thank for its ability to reverse the signs of ageing. Combined with clove flower and goji berry, over time it reduces fine lines, increases firmness and adds luminosity.
£52.25, skinstore.com
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