Turmeric has become a popular (dare I say trendy?) ingredient lately in health and beauty. For good reason! Along with a number of health benefits (improved sleep, reduced anxiety) you often hear the word ‘glowing’ associated with turmeric. And who doesn’t want glowing skin, right? Here are two ways to get turmeric’s acne-fighting and skin-improving benefits, inside and out.

Skin-Improving Turmeric Acne Mask

Naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, turmeric and honey soothe inflamed skin and acne.

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

Apply vinegar to a cotton ball and swipe all over the skin. Wait about five 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 the mask 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 mask twice a week.

Adapted from celebrity aesthetician Susan Ciminelli

Glowing Skin Turmeric Smoothie

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

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

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

117