Face Time Friday: Fight Aging, Acne, Stretch Marks, and Much More with Turmeric Masks

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Turmeric has been used to heal many ailments for centuries. It is an ancient Indian secret, and boy were they smart to utilize such a beneficial spice. So what exactly is turmeric?

Turmeric is derived from the rhizome of plants from the ginger family. It is used for a variety of things, from cooking to curing several diseases. It has antiseptic, anti - inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities, to name the least. Several studies have been performed in which turmeric was found to have the power to cure diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. The power of this very inexpensive spice is a thousand - fold. However, since today is Face Time Friday, let's talk about what it does for the money maker: our beautiful visage. 


As I stated previously, turmeric is an antiseptic, anti - inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant agent. By using it on our skin, the anti - inflammatory qualities fight redness, blemishes, rosacea, and the tenderness under our eyes that cause bags and dark circles. It's antibacterial and antioxidant qualities disinfect the skin of all the dirt and residual "gunk" we expose it to on a daily basis. This allows for the prevention of acne. Turmeric is also a natural exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells to reveal a more brightened skin tone. 


In addition to the turmeric, the mask that I will tell you about has four other other key ingredients: milk, yogurt, gram flour, and honey.  Milk has lactic acid, which serves to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin cells. It also contains many vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E. These vitamins, together, provide the skin with hydration and moisture, which leaves your skin feeling like that of a baby. Yogurt, another dairy product, has some extra benefits than milk does. Yogurt is a substance full of proteins, zinc, and enzymes. These work together to provide a clearer complexion as yogurt is a lightening agent. It also has antioxidant properties that protect your skin, thus preventing acne. Yogurt also helps balance your pH level, which is vital for keeping your skin healthy and young! Yogurt also has soothing qualities, so it can be used to alleviate the pain from burns, while it heals them as well. Another very beneficial ingredient is honey. Honey is also an antibacterial agent, thus it disinfects the skin. Raw honey, which is what we will be using, also moisturizes the skin and restores pH levels as well. Honey also replenishes lost nutrients. Last but not least, gram flour is a common substance found in the kitchens of many Asians. When used on skin, gram flour tightens the skin, reducing wrinkles and stretch marks. It also removes dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin. It is also a whitening agent. It clears the complexion and evens out your skin tone. It also lightens hair. So, it lessens the appearance of facial hair when used in face masks. 


Fun fact, for these reasons, turmeric has been used for beauty/cosmetic purposes in the form of a mask for brides and grooms before their weddings in Southeast Asia.

(Yes, I know I look creepy lol, but it is all in the name of beauty haha)

Now, let's get to the fun stuff.

How to make this mask.


1. Wash your face thoroughly, removing all makeup and any other products on your skin. Gently pat skin dry, but make sure to leave it a little moist. 


2. In a glass bowl, add 1.5 tbsp of turmeric, 1 tbsp of honey, 0.5 tbsp of milk, 0.5 tbsp of yogurt, and 0.5 tbsp of gram flour.  Make sure the honey that you use is raw (unpasteurized) and has a semi - liquid consistency. If it is hard, microwave the jar for about 10 seconds. The honey I use is Himalyan raw honey from Trader Joe's. 


3. Mix all the ingredients until the consistency of the mask is that of a paste. 


4. Using a clean foundation brush or the back of your mixing spoon, apply the face mask to your skin. Make sure the application of the mask is thick overall. Start from your chin. Apply it in circular motions, moving upwards. By applying it going up, you are prompting the skin to be lifted, which is ideal for the prevention of aging, sagging skin. 


5. Allow for the paste to harden, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Rinse your face using the same technique as the application, moving in circular motions going upward. Once the face mask is off, wash your face off with a gentle cleanser. I use Cetaphil.


6. Once your face is completely washed off, use a washcloth to gently PAT your skin dry. 


I usually apply this face mask twice a week at night. I then follow with a toner and moisturizer. By putting this on at night, it will allow for all the nutrients to be absorbed and the chance for your skin to rejuvenate itself. 


Now, a couple of disclaimers:


I am not a professional. All the information I have acquired is from my own research and what my mother/grandmothers have told me as I grew up. Many of the secrets that I have shared with you are commonly talked about and known in Southeast Asia. Also, there is a chance that turmeric and the other substances might not be suitable for your skin. If you know that these ingredients will not negatively affect you, then GREAT, continue as you were. However, if it is the first time that you are using these ingredients. Test it out on a very small portion of your hand to see how your skin reacts to it. Lastly, turmeric has very HIGH staining capabilities. That is why you should use a glass bowl when making the mask. Also, make sure to have your hair pulled back, and wear clothes that you wouldn't getting dirty when applying this, just in case of any spills. In case the mask does fall anywhere, immediately clean that area. 


So next time you are on the search of materials to help your skin, look no further than your kitchen. Remember, beauty is very simple. 



Comment below if you tried this out, and don't forget to share it!



XOXO S

3 comments

  1. i heard that this mask can remove facial hair ,is it true?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am not an expert on that, but from my research and personal experience, I know it doesn't necessarily remove facial hair, but it does clear out the hair follicles. So, over time, you will see a reduction in hair growth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A few meds, especially a few anti-infection Cate Blanchett Anti Aging Products agents can cause spots and utilizing especially oily oil-based makeup.

    ReplyDelete

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