Turmeric Acne Mask + Glowing Skin Smoothie

Turmeric has become a popular (dare I say trendy?) ingredient lately in health and beauty. But this golden-hued spice has actually been around since ancient times, dating back some 4,000 years! It was used for a myriad of medicinal and religious purposes in South Asia, according to research published in the book Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.

Along with its numerous health benefits, you often hear the word “glowing” associated with turmeric. And who doesn’t want glowing skin, right? Here are 2 ways to get turmeric’s acne-fighting and skin-improving benefits, both inside and out.

The Benefits of Turmeric for Skin

Turmeric and its main component, curcumin, are great medicine for treating your body’s largest organ: your skin!

When used topically, turmeric can:

• help soothe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
• calm inflammation
• fade acne scars
• fight premature aging and sun damage
• treat wounds

[source][source]

Needless to say, turmeric is a spice you will certainly want to keep in your kitchen cabinet and your medicine cabinet.

Skin-Enhancing Turmeric Acne Mask

You can easily use turmeric as an ingredient in at-home beauty treatments. This skin-improving turmeric acne mask is a great way to get the soothing effects of turmeric on a regular basis. 

In addition to turmeric, inflamed skin and acne can be treated by the natural antiseptic and antibacterial effects of honey [source]. Meanwhile, raw apple cider vinegar tones the skin and provides a dose of beneficial bacteria.

• Organic apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon of organic, raw honey (preferably Manuka honey)
• Milk, optional

Apply vinegar to a cotton ball and swipe all over the skin. Wait about 5 minutes before you apply the mask.

Mix the turmeric powder with the honey. Use your clean hands to apply the mask, avoiding the eye area. Let sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If the turmeric powder leaves a yellowish tint on the skin, use a milk-soaked cotton ball to go over stained areas. Repeat this mask twice a week.

For more ideas on masks incorporating the healing powers of turmeric, check out this post.

Adapted from celebrity aesthetician Susan Ciminelli.

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

The main compound found in turmeric is called curcumin, a strong antioxidant that contains powerful anti-inflammatory effects that help the skin ward off toxins lurking in the environment and counteract the molecules known to contribute to the body’s failing health, called free radicals [source].

In fact, research has linked lower levels of inflammation [source] to a reduced risk for life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and even cancer [source].

Curcumin has also been shown to improve both memory and mood [source]. One study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that curcumin supplements may be as effective as taking an antidepressant [source].

Glowing Skin Turmeric Smoothie

This smoothie combines hydrating coconut water with skin-loving pineapple and turmeric for a healthy and happy morning wake-up. 

• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse together. Serve immediately, topped with a squeeze of lime.

And if you are not quite ready for a smoothie in the morning but still want to get that turmeric into the early part of your day, check out this golden elixir.

Turmeric Mask FAQ

Can I use almond or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk to remove turmeric stains from skin?

If you don’t have cow’s milk, I recommend pouring a bit of olive oil (or sweet almond, jojoba, or even coconut oil) in your hands and massaging it into your face for about a minute. Then wipe it away with a soft, damp washcloth.

For stubborn turmeric stains, combine 1 tablespoon white sugar with a drizzle of oil and gently massage it into the skin.

Will this turmeric acne mask remove dark spots and hyperpigmentation?

There are few studies on the subject, but a scientific review mentioned that turmeric extract effectively lightened hyperpigmentation by 14% in just 4 weeks [source]. The only way to know for sure is to give it a try—and be patient!

Is it safe to consume turmeric every day?

When eaten in small amounts in food, yes, it’s safe to eat turmeric every day. 

Can turmeric help me lose weight?

While turmeric won’t help you lose weight, per se, it can help tame inflammation in the body, which in turn can improve digestion, aid water retention, and make you feel better overall.

Will turmeric stain my teeth?

No, it shouldn’t! In fact, turmeric may even help whiten teeth and remove stains. 

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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