Well, if there is one thing about health and beauty today, we are beginning to see turmeric everywhere. From turmeric soap to turmeric shots, and from Instagram to even academia, everybody seems to go CUCKOO FOR TURMERIC! But... why?
Simple. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an absolute super-plant. An absolute unit for promoting good health in many aspects, including skin health.
Let's fly further into this hive of information!
May Help With Hyperpigmentation
You may know that turmeric helps with hyperpigmentation, like dark spots, melasma, etc. But no one knows precisely why it's so good at correcting hyperpigmentation. Not until now. If you haven't noticed, we're flying into the hive now. Amino acids are the building blocks of our bodies' many proteins. The pigment melanin results from breaking down and converting the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into something called dihydroxyphenylalanine, or DOPA for short. Then, DOPA is converted by an enzyme called tyrosinase into dopaquinone, which creates melanin upon further manipulation. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric and the reason turmeric is that deep yellow inhibits the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which in turn lowers melanin production. When used on dark spots, it can even out the skin tone in that area. For that same reason, it can also reduce the appearance of scarring due to acne and can calm the skin, which is an excellent segue into the next benefit.
May Help Combat Acne
Acne is usually caused by an overgrowth of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. Although one can use topical antibiotics to treat acne, a study done in 2019 concluded that some species of P. acnes have become resistant to antibiotics, so scientists are investigating curcumin as a treatment for those resistant strains. Curcumin has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which is why it works so well in combating acne.
May Help With Psoriasis
Yes, you read that right. There is evidence that turmeric can inhibit the activity of an enzyme called phosphorylase kinase (AKA, PhK), an enzyme responsible for the production of skin cells. When PhK works a bit too well, it causes an overproduction of skin cells. Curcumin is thought to inhibit PhK, contributing to the quelling of psoriasis flare-ups.
So How Can One Harness the Benefits?
Well, let's not overcomplicate things here. One of the best ways to harness turmeric's true power is through soap. Here's a good choice: "Golden Hour by The Sage Beekeeper" It contains organic turmeric, but it also contains charcoal (a skin detoxifier and gentle exfoliant), organic green tea (has anti-inflammatory properties, high in vitamin B2 and E), and made with delighting oils and butters. Did I mention that it smells fantastic? Imagine this: Rich and floral ylang-ylang combined with serene lavender, it's one you'll truly love. Get yours here!