A staple spice in Indian households, turmeric has long served as a panacea for skin-related woes. These natural face masks tap into its varied benefits. By Bayar Jain
FIGHT ACNE with Turmeric Face Masks
What you need
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 3 tablespoons yoghurt
- 2 teaspoons rice flour
Method
Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask on your face and neck evenly, and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Benefits
Curcumin, present in turmeric, is known for its antibacterial properties and alleviates acne. The probiotics in yoghurt and the oil-absorbing nature of rice flour, collectively, reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.
REDUCE BLEMISHES
What you need
- 3 teaspoons turmeric powder
- Half a tomato, deseeded
Method
Mash the tomato, sprinkle the turmeric powder, and mix them well. Apply the paste evenly on your face and neck; let it dry. Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Benefits
The antioxidants present in turmeric lighten dark spots and reduce redness. Vitamin A-rich tomatoes achieve the same results, courtesy of the combination of antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. This paste can also help reduce tanning.
SOOTHE SKIN with Turmeric Face Masks
What you need
- 3 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons fuller’s earth
Method
Mix aloe vera gel and turmeric powder to make a paste. Add fuller’s earth and keep stirring the concoction till a smooth paste is formed. Apply the pack evenly on your face and neck. Let it sit on your skin for 20 minutes before you rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Benefits
Studies suggest that the curcumin in turmeric positively impacts tissue and collagen. On the other hand, fuller’s earth soothes inflamed skin, while the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help in healing rashes. The aloe vera also moisturises the skin.
REPAIR DAMAGE
What you need
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ banana
- ½ tablespoon honey
Method
Mash the banana, then add turmeric powder and honey to it. Mix all the ingredients well. Apply this paste on your face and neck. After 20 minutes, gently wipe your skin with a wet sponge.
Benefits
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, bananas, along with turmeric, repair damaged skin cells and eliminate toxins. Honey works as a natural humectant and leaves the skin deeply nourished.
SOFTEN SKIN with Turmeric Face Masks
What you need
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
Mix the two ingredients and apply the potion to your face. Massage your skin gently in a circular motion before wiping it off with a soft hot towel.
Benefits
Turmeric’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents add glow and lustre to the skin, and its potassium acts as an electrolyte that maintains the skin’s water content. Olive oil is known to balance the skin’s moisture quotient.
REDUCE TANNING
What you need
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ potato
- Raw milk for consistency
Method
Grate half a potato and add to it turmeric powder and raw milk to form a paste. Apply the face mask evenly and let it dry. After 15 minutes, wash it off using lukewarm water.
Benefits
Vitamin C in turmeric promotes collagen synthesis; it also prevents UV rays from further damaging skin cells. On the other hand, potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that is known to lighten blemishes. Raw milk tightens pores and reduces sebum production.
EXFOLIATE with Turmeric Face Masks
What you need
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method
Mix everything to form a paste and apply it to your face. Gently scrub in a circular motion and wash off the sticky paste using lukewarm water.
Benefits
While the antioxidants present in turmeric and honey eliminate impurities, sugar crystals exfoliate dead skin cells. This mixture can also heal sunburn and act on acne and dark circles.
DEEP-CLEANSE
What you need
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons green tea
- 1 tablespoon chickpea flour
Method
Brew some green tea and let it cool. Next, throw in chickpea flour and turmeric, and mix them thoroughly to make a paste. Apply the mask on your skin and let it sit until the pack hardens. Finally, rinse it off with cold water.
Benefits
Turmeric is known to deep-cleanse pores; it removes bacteria and impurities from the epidermis. Vitamin B2 present in green tea facilitates the same while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s collagen levels. The iron and copper present in chickpeas boost blood circulation, which in turn eliminates toxins.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on COVID-19 for all the latest travel guidelines.
Related: Beetroot & Turmeric Spaghetti: Immunity-Boosting Recipe By Chef Abhishek Gupta
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