Fashion & Beauty
The secret to clear, glowing “glass” skin could be collecting dust in your spice rack.
Most people don’t have a sauna or infrared therapy lights installed in their home, but they do very likely have a container of bright yellow turmeric, tucked away somewhere in the pantry.
Used liberally in Indian curries and since ancient times as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the health benefits of the spice have been known for generations.
But lately, scores of TikTok girlies and beauty gurus have been promoting turmeric soap or face masks as part of your skin care regimen, touting the natural remedy as the key to a more excellent epidermis. The TikTok hashtag #turmericsoap already has a whopping 238.5 million views.
Is the hype valid? Here’s what you need to know.
What is “glass skin”?
Glass skin the ideal complexion that’s glowing, smooth, clear, poreless — resembling glass.
The skincare trend originated within the Korean beauty scene and has been popular in certain circles for years. It has continued to take off as the K-beauty market goes global, along with makeup trends that require lengthy skincare routines, rather than layers of foundation.
What are the benefits of turmeric soap?
For some straight talk on the real benefits, we turned to the experts.
Turns out, the key to turmeric’s facial benefits is curcumin, the bioactive component in the plant that provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
“Curcumin helps soothe the skin by calming inflammation and reducing redness,” Joseph Cabasso, President of skincare brand Mario Badescu, told The Post.
The ingredient helps to revive skin’s tissue and collagen to polish out your natural glow.
The skincare expert explained that the strong antioxidant effects of turmeric protect the skin against environmental stressors and neutralizes free radicals.
“Additionally, curcumin’s natural antimicrobial properties make it effective against certain bacteria, which can be helpful for skin concerns like acne,” Cabasso said, noting that it has been found to help manage common types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads and cysts.
The common spice can also decrease hyperpigmentation and other coloring concerns.
“It also plays a role in regulating melanin production, promoting a more even skin tone, and reducing the appearance of dark spots,” Cabasso shared.
Curcumin can also help to heal wounds by decreasing inflammation and oxidation.
Once your wounds are healed, it will then reduce scarring helping to clear your skin of any unwanted marks.
Although there is not sufficient evidence to guarantee its benefits, turmeric may also be useful to combat other skin conditions such as scabies, psoriasis, eczema and alopecia.
What are the possible risks of using turmeric?
While people around the world consume turmeric regularly through their diets without incident, the bright yellow-orange product can stain your skin and clothing if applied topically in large quantities.
As with adding any product into your skincare routine, experts advise beginning with small patches of your skin to test for allergies.
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Dr. Debi Johnson is a medical expert and health journalist dedicated to promoting well-being. With a background in medicine, she offers evidence-based insights into health trends and wellness practices. Beyond her reporting, Dr. Debi enjoys hiking, yoga, and empowering others to lead healthier lives.
