Turmeric Mask

Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Zingiberaceae family. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. Native to South-East Asia, particularly India, it is grown in tropical regions. The plant measures between 1 and 1.5 metres in height and has broad, oblong leaves. The most commonly used part is the rhizome, a bright orange underground root which is dried and ground to produce turmeric powder.

Turmeric has many properties that are ideal for gently caring for your skin. A powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory, it calms inflammation and combats premature ageing of skin cells and external aggressors. It brightens, cleanses, reduces blemishes, helps healing, purifies, unclogs pores, reduces dark circles, fights acne and helps restore elasticity and bounce to your skin. Above all, Turmeric is suitable for all skin types and their problems: dry, oily, young, mature, acne-prone, with eczema or psoriasis, irritated, combination, dull, etc. It ensures optimum skin health.

Turmeric has a number of interesting properties for caring for your skin:

• Antioxidant

Turmeric's powerful antioxidant properties give it a protective role against the free radicals responsible for premature ageing of skin cells and against the external aggressions of everyday life. Tobacco, UV rays, pollution, climate, irritating products, an unbalanced diet, etc. It is also an ideal anti-ageing ingredient thanks to the curcumin it contains, which slows the appearance of signs of skin ageing and wrinkles.

• Anti-inflammatory, relieves eczema and psoriasis

Turmeric is an antibacterial but above all a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, thanks in particular to its high curcuminoid content. Applied as a mask, it can soothe and promote the healing of skin conditions such as irritation, itching, redness, acne, dryness, etc. It is refreshing, soothing and promotes healing. It is also a good natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis. A study published in 2016* highlighted curcumin's inhibitory action on phosphorylase kinase (Phk), a protein molecule associated with psoriasis.

• Brightening, illuminating, anti-dark spot

When applied regularly as a mask, Turmeric brightens and evens out dull or tired complexions. The powerful curcumin pigments give your complexion an immediate burst of radiance after application. It decongests, soothes and calms the skin for a smooth, radiant complexion. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and brightening properties prevent hyperpigmentation spots on the skin, notably by regulating melanin production. Turmeric also reduces all marks on the skin, whether linked to age, sun exposure, hormonal changes or scars.

• Reduces dark circles

Turmeric is renowned for its natural action against dark circles. Applied as a mask under the eyes, it reduces the intensity of dark circles, decongests puffiness, brightens and smoothes the skin. It also stimulates blood micro-circulation, especially if you gently massage your fingertips under your eyes in circular motions. Of course, be careful not to get any in your eyes, and always check your skin's tolerance before applying, by doing a test in the crease of your elbow to make sure there are no allergic reactions. Thanks to turmeric masks, say goodbye to tired eyes.

• Healing

Turmeric's healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties enable it to speed up the healing of minor skin conditions such as irritations, small superficial wounds, eczema, acne, psoriasis, etc.

• Fights blackheads, cleanses impurities

Thanks to its antibacterial, purifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, Turmeric helps regulate sebum production, eliminates impurities from the skin, deeply cleanses pores and fights the proliferation of bacteria. It gently eliminates blackheads (or open comedones). Used as a cleansing mask, it helps to gently unclog pores, preserving the skin's hydrolipidic film.

• Treats acne

The antiseptic, purifying, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties of curcuminoids contained in Turmeric give it the power to effectively combat acne and other types of pimples. It regulates the production of sebum, limits the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation when a pimple is already present, relieves swelling and accelerates healing. It is effective on inflammatory acne as well as cystic or retentional acne. Used regularly, it also prevents the scarring that acne can leave on the skin.

A spice with a thousand virtues, Turmeric powder is an essential part of the ayurvedic tradition and is now well known for its many benefits and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ethically sourced from small-scale producers in southern India, this high-quality organic Turmeric powder will enhance your dishes thanks to its characteristic flavour and magnificent golden colour. An excellent ally in anti-inflammatory diets thanks to its curcuminoid content, this superfood promotes good digestion. Ideal for cooking, Turmeric powder can easily be added to your wellness drinks, such as golden lotion, for a healthy, antioxidant diet!

Before applying your Turmeric mask, we recommend that you cleanse your face thoroughly, removing make-up if necessary and rinsing with warm water so that your pores are dilated and ready to receive the treatment. Apply your mask evenly over your face, taking care to avoid the eye area. If you have dark circles or puffiness under the eyes, you can apply the mask gently to benefit from Turmeric's boosting and brightening properties. But be careful not to get any in your eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

You can apply a mask as often as your skin needs it. We recommend applying it once a week.

Given the strong colouring of Turmeric pigments, it is possible that your skin or fingers may retain a few yellow spots. If this happens, don't panic, just wash your face and hands thoroughly with mild soap and lukewarm water, then rinse. When applying the product, you can use a brush to avoid any risk of streaks on your fingers. As a precaution, remember to put on an apron or an old T-shirt before applying your mask to avoid staining your clothes!

Finally, always carry out a test in the crease of the elbow to check that no unpleasant reactions occur.

To make your own homemade Turmeric masks, you can use our Aroma-Zone ORGANIC Turmeric powder and add other ingredients with beneficial properties for your skin. Here are a few recipes:

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (certified by the FENA), a wellness massage and lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a personal development coach. She is passionate about alternative medicine and practices a holistic approach to health.