Turmeric
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Moisturizers, creams, serums, tablets
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC ?
The active ingredient of turmeric is diferuloylmethane, which has numerous anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and potentially anti-cancer effects on the body. Therefore, turmeric may be beneficial for a wide variety of skin diseases.
Here are some examples:
- Itch: Randomized controlled trials of both oral and topical forms of turmeric indicate that turmeric can reduce itching. In one double-blinded randomized trial of patients with end-stage renal disease, turmeric significantly reduced pruritus score and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a biomarker of itch.
- Acne: An open-label study of 120 patients using topical turmeric-based compounds showed that 79% and 72% showed either reduction or no new appearance of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Turmeric can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause acne. Turmeric can also regulate sebum production and prevent scarring.
- Psoriasis: Several clinical studies of both oral and topical forms of turmeric indicate that turmeric can modulate the immune system and inhibit the growth of skin cells that cause psoriasis. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of patients with scalp psoriasis, turmeric tonic significantly reduced the erythema, scaling and induration of lesions (PASI score), and also improved the patients’ quality of life.
- Aging: Several small studies of turmeric-based compounds suggest that turmeric can protect the skin from oxidative stress and collagen degradation. It can also improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
- Wounds: Multiple in-vitro studies demonstrate that turmeric can accelerate wound healing by enhancing granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization. It can also prevent infection and reduce inflammation and pain. Turmeric also improved pain and erythema in small clinical studies of patients with radiodermatitis.
Oral ingestion of turmeric has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, and decreased rates of obesity and diabetes.
WHAT IS TURMERIC ?
Turmeric is a spice found in India that has a characteristic yellow hue. It is a staple of Indian cooking, and is also used frequently in religious and cultural ceremonies. Turmeric has also been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic therapies for thousands of years. Turmeric can be applied directly on to the skin or ingested.
IS TURMERIC SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Yes, turmeric is safe for use in patients of all skin tones. However, the deep yellow hue of turmeric can often stain the skin with a yellowish hue and cause permanent discoloration of clothing. Therefore, it is important to handle the compound with care. Although rare, contact dermatitis reactions to turmeric have been reported, and patients with hypersensitivity to turmeric should avoid using this product. The optimal dosing, delivery and formulation of turmeric is still under investigation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Oral ingestion of turmeric has been associated with hepatotoxicity in certain patients. Patients with a history of liver disease should avoid ingesting excess amounts of turmeric, however the specific threshold for toxicity is unknown at this time.
Sources:
- Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):1243-64.
- Barbalho SM, de Sousa Gonzaga HF, de Souza GA, de Alvares Goulart R, de Sousa Gonzaga ML, de Alvarez Rezende B. Dermatological effects of Curcuma species: a systematic review. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 Jul;46(5):825-833.
- Unlu A, Nayir E, Dogukan Kalenderoglu M, Kirca O, Ozdogan M. Curcumin (Turmeric) and cancer. J BUON. 2016 Sept-Oct;21(5):1050-1060.
- Menniti-Ippolito F, Ippoliti I, Pastorelli AA, Altieri I, Scalise F, De Santis B, Debegnach F, Brera C, Pacifici R, Pichini S, Pellegrini M, Rotolo MC, Graziano S, Palazzino G, Multari G, Gallo FR, Neri B, Giannetti L, Russo K, Fedrizzi G, Bonan S, Mazzanti G, Moro PA, Salvi E, Firenzuoli F, Valeri A, Moretti U, Traversa G, Silano M, Stacchini P, Boniglia C. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) food supplements and hepatotoxicity: an integrated evaluation approach. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2020 Oct-Dec;56(4):462-469.
- Rajaiah Yogesh H, Gajjar T, Patel N, Kumawat R. Clinical study to assess efficacy and safety of Purifying Neem Face Wash in prevention and reduction of acne in healthy adults. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul;21(7):2849-2858. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14486.
- Nguyen JK, Masub N, Jagdeo J. Bioactive ingredients in Korean cosmeceuticals: Trends and research evidence. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jul;19(7):1555-1569.
