We love keeping up to date with the latest beauty buzzwords at SkinBase. Yes, we’re pretty sure that nothing beats our microdermabrasion for results, but we’re always championing natural, healthy ways to aid your skin to remain in the best condition. Over the last few weeks, we couldn’t help noticing that one specific root is making headlines for its beauty, skincare and health benefits. Turmeric.
Turmeric, or haldi, as it is otherwise known is a deep orange root from India, where it’s one of the country’s most widely used spices in food and on faces. Fun fact: At Indian weddings, a turmeric paste is ritually applied to the bride from head-to-toe for a radiant glow (thanks Marie Claire)
So what is it exactly that makes Turmeric amazing for your skin? Well according to health professionals and plenty of supporting evidence, this brightly coloured root is not only an anti-oxidant but also antibacterial and importantly, anti-inflammatory.
Those who suffer from the likes of rosacea, acne, eczema will all know that foods with anti-inflammatory properties are important when it comes to minimising and soothing flare ups, plus for acne-sufferers, Turmeric also contains something called Curcumin – something that plays an important part in fighting the bacteria that helps the acne to form in the first place. See why we love it so much?
As an antioxidant, Turmeric helps to fight off free radicals (those nasties that add to ageing skin). If that’s not enough, it’s been said that regular Turmeric intake can protect against the ageing effects of sun-damage UV radiation and the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.
So, it looks like upping our turmeric intake is something we should all do for the sake of our skin, but what are the best (and tastiest) ways to add turmeric to our diets ( let’s be honest, if it doesn’t taste good then it’s a lot harder to keep it up. Here are a couple of easy ways we’ve found to add this magic ingredient…
TOP TIP: Before you start adding turmeric to everything, note that it needs black pepper to be effectively absorbed into our bodies, so be sure to add a little of that to your chosen recipe.
Golden Milk
A favourite across the web – turmeric tea or ‘golden milk’ is pretty delicious when you get the quantities right (we’ve tried it so you can trust us!) There’s a recipe for the tea here on Wellness Mama (see below). It’s also a great alternative winter warmer, which makes it a winner all round.
- 2 cups of milk of choice (almond, pecan, coconut and dairy all work in this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric or Turmeric Spice Mix (where to get it)
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon (where to find it)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
- Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Turmeric root (which you can buy from most spice shops or supermarkets) can also be boiled and made into a tea or the spice itself can be sprinkled onto teas, rice dishes, eggs, and vegetables.
Turmeric can be used externally to improve skin, can help whiten teeth, and in poultices to soothe rashes. Internally, it supports digestion, the liver, and is high in beneficial antioxidants – go on, give it a go!
Do you already add turmeric to your dishes? Have you found any super foods or spices that seem to help your skin problems? We’d love to hear them if so.
Thanks to Wellness Mama and Marie Claire for the extra turmeric info!
SkinBase.
image:istock.com/Wealthylady
