Everything You Need To Know About Turmeric
Getting to The Root

Everything You Need To Know About Turmeric

Turmeric: The Skin Superfood

As often is the case, new knowledge sheds light on old wisdom. Turmeric is quickly becoming recognized as the “new” superfood for your skin. Known to brighten dull skin, supply micronutrients, lighten facial hair, fade dark spots, and even heal acne and diminish acne scars. The western skincare industry is just coming to realize what many cultures have known for centuries – that turmeric packs some serious power. It’s a little root with a big history and it’s the cornerstone of all our natural skincare products for good reason. 

What is turmeric?

You probably know turmeric (curcuma longa) as a spice. Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma Longa (similar to ginger) that grows most commonly in India, as well as other parts of Asia. The powder is made by boiling the plant's rhizomes (root stalks), drying them in the sun, and then grinding up the roots. That said, turmeric is much more than a simple root. 

Did you know?

The Sanskrit language has about 55 synonyms for this little root to cover all of its uses. 

Some 3000 years ago, turmeric became an important part of Ayurveda, the world’s oldest holistic healing system..But its usage can be traced as far back as 6000 years. Its main appeal was – and is – that its active ingredient, curcumin, is a potent and effective anti-inflammatory used both externally on the skin and internally as a digestive aid. 

Turmeric and Its Traditional Uses

Turmeric’s long history extends beyond medical uses. It’s used as a dye for Buddhist robes and is a sacred symbol in Indian weddings. 

The Haldi Ceremony

A centuries-old wedding tradition in India and other parts of South Asia, the Haldi (or Haloud) Ceremony is a rite of passage where turmeric is combined with oils and region-specific rosewater to make a paste. This paste is applied to the face, neck, hands, and feet of the soon-to-be-wed couple and their loved ones. More than a vibrant day of fun, this ceremony symbolizes new beginnings and is thought to bless the couple with peace and prosperity. The paste is also known to purify the body and ensure their skin is bright and glowing—just like their future. Over time, many cultures have extended the use of turmeric beyond these formal occasions and have incorporated it into their daily lives with skincare. Turmeric’s long rich history remains important today and as a brand that focuses on the amazing properties of turmeric in skincare we’re proud to be a part of it. 

The Turmeric Skincare Superpower Breakdown

The glowing prestige of Turmeric is due to curcumin, a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant advantages. Let’s break it down: 

Anti-Inflammatory 

Turmeric works to reduce skin redness and inflammation, which helps shrink breakouts at the source and even out your skin’s overall complexion. 

Anti-Microbial

Turmeric prevents unwanted bacteria and germs from growing on your skin. This is really helpful for treating fungal acne! 

Anti-Oxidant

Free radicals speed up the development of fine lines and sunspots—especially if you live in a polluted, urban environment. The Curcumin found in turmeric works to protect your skin from free radical damage. The result is brighter skin, calmed irritation, and smoother fine lines. 

Turmeric is known to help many skin ailments, including psoriasis and acne. It naturally reduces melanin production—that means faded dark spots, dark circles, acne scars and lighten facial hair. The curcumin can even speed up healing (skin pickers, we’re looking at you!).

The Best Skincare Products Use Turmeric. Here's How:

Turmeric in a mask:

A mask is probably the most popular way to incorporate turmeric into your skincare routine. Over time, it’s natural for our skin to look a little dull. Thankfully, the solution is just as natural. Our GLOW DUST facial mask detoxifies pores and evens out skin tone, all while bringing your body’s natural glow back to the surface. We combine kaolin clay, coconut milk, and other skin superfoods with curcumin extracted from organic turmeric. Unlike most turmeric masks ours won’t stain your skin! This mask has been carefully formulated to offer just the right amount of turmeric so you can feel confident that this mask will leave only the benefits of the ingredients and none of the yellow. The result is a gentle yet powerful mask that brightens dark marks and will even lighten facial hair (yes, really!). 

Turmeric in an exfoliator: 

Turmeric is also an effective ingredient in exfoliation. The secret to shrinking breakouts and calming redness isn’t more harsh chemicals, it’s less. That’s why our RED ERASE facial scrub is based on what Ayurveda has known for centuries — that turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. When combined with skin superfoods like chickpea flour and coconut oil, the result is a gentle exfoliant that fades breakouts and redness in as little as one use. 

Turmeric in a face wash: 

Including turmeric in a face wash ensures that you are getting the best results with everyday use. We created our GOLDEN HOUR face wash to be just that. This water-based cleanser hydrates, soothes, and refreshes without irritating your skin’s delicate pH-balance. We use two of nature’s gifts — turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory and pineapple, a natural exfoliator rich in vitamin C and E. Gentle enough to use every day and powerful enough to make your golden hour last all day. 

Turmeric in a serum: 

A serum is a simple, yet effective way, to deliver turmeric and all its micronutrients to your skin. Our STAY GOLD facial elixir combines the most nutrient-rich oils on the planet — frankincense, lavender, and pomegranate — with turmeric, a centuries-long staple of the Ayurveda tradition. This serum is a great addition to any skin care routine as well as a great oil to accompany any facial massages like Gua Sha, Facial cupping and jade rolling. The result is a hydrating serum for your face and neck that protects, revitalizes, and nourishes so that you can focus on what’s important — just glowing. 

Are There Any Side Effects to Turmeric?

The only side effect is purely superficial. As we all know, turmeric can stain fabrics. Luckily we leave those kinds of messes to the kitchen. To avoid colour sticking around on your skin, we have carefully formulated our products to use just the right amount of turmeric combined with other skin food that work to counteract any staining. That said, when using our products, we recommend rinsing well and using a dark towel to pat dry—just in case! 

Another bonus! We use turmeric oil in our leave-on products, like Stay Gold. This oil doesn’t leave any colour behind, meaning you don’t have to worry about staining your clothes— or your pillow at night.

Turmeric’s long rich history remains important today and we at Yellow Beauty are proud to be a part of it.


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