SKINTASTIC: INDIA'S BEST KEPT SECRET

Sometimes the best-kept beauty secrets are found right in your local grocery store or spice market. Turmeric, also known as India saffron, is a spice commonly used in India, Indonesia and China. It gives curry dishes its yellow color. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that has been used in Eastern medicine for a variety of ailments including cancer, indigestion, inflammation, muscle pain, respiratory diseases and fever amongst many others. It is even used in common foods such as cheese, butter and mustard for coloring purposes. Perhaps, the most pervasive used of turmeric is to treat various skin conditions. While Indian and Chinese women have used turmeric for hundreds of years, it is more recently becoming popular in the U.S. for skin conditions and beauty treatments. Curcumin, as an antioxidant, works to destroy free radicals in the body, which can cause cellular damage and even cell death. Additionally, curcumin reduces the levels of two enzymes, which are known to cause inflammation. Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, there are a number of skin conditions for which it can be used.

10 Skin Beautifying Benefits of Turmeric

Acne - Turmeric helps alleviate the symptoms of acne by reducing inflammation and redness along with removing excess oil and destroying the bacteria that cause acne.
Dark Marks - This "magic" spice is also known to lighten dark marks and treat hyperpigmentation. Try a mixture of turmeric powder and milk for a skin-lightening mask. Apply to a clean, dry face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. The mask will lighten unsightly marks over time. Due to its yellow color, turmeric may stain clothing, so be careful with the application.
Anti-aging - The high concentration of antioxidants provide anti-aging benefits by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dryness. A mixture of turmeric powder and milk can also work wonderfully as an exfoliate to slough off dead skin cells and reveal healthy, glowing skin.
Cuts and Burns - It also acts as an anti-bacterial. Many use turmeric as a treatment for wounds, scars, cuts and burns.
Facial hair - Indian women traditionally use turmeric as a facial-hair remover. When used daily, it can reduce the thickness and amount of facial hair over time.
Oily skin - A combination of lemon or orange juice and turmeric helps to absorb excessive amounts of oil without over drying.
Dry skin - Conversely, turmeric can also help seal in moisture if applied along with olive oil, egg whites and rose water.
Cracked heels - Turmeric and a few drops of coconut, castor or olive oil can alleviate dry, cracked heels due to the healing properties of the herb.
Eczema - The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the curcumin in turmeric can help heal and soothe the symptoms of eczema, which can include dry, flaky and itchy skin. Mix turmeric and milk to a paste-like consistency and apply to affected areas.
Rosacea - Turmeric can also be used to alleviate the redness that comes along with rosacea, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Combine the spice with water, milk, yogurt or honey and leave mask on for 15-20 minutes.