Turmeric is the secret beauty spice you need

Turmeric is not only great for spicing your food, but it's also amazing for your skin care. Scientists have found that its active ingredient, curcumin, has many amazing beauty benefits.

The golden yellow spice, which hails from India, has also been used in Ayurvedic treatments for centuries.

Here are some of the main reasons why you need to add it to your beauty care regimen:

Curcumin has properties that aid in skin regeneration and healing. A study published in the journal Biofactors reported that curcumin protects skin by reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals which can cause cell damage.

Curcumin also regulates proteins involved in the healing process of wounds and influences enzymes involved in skin regeneration.

Your skin protects you from elements such as the sun, wind and cold. However, this exposure to elements -especially UVA and UVB sun rays- can damage the skin and lead to premature ageing.

Turmeric has powerful antioxidants which are essential for protecting the integrity of the skin by preventing free radicals from destroying its texture and elasticity. Elastase, a key enzyme in turmeric, reduces the thickening of skin when exposed to the sun, reduces skin elasticity, and prevents the formation of wrinkles- all related to ageing skin.

Thanks to its anti-oxidant properties, turmeric can help prevent the formation of cancerous skin cells from both exposures to UVA and UVB rays and harmful chemicals.

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It has also been reported that the application of ointments containing curcumin relieves itching and odour caused by skin cancers. Curcumin also slows down the progression of skin cancer.

Worried that turmeric might be too harsh for your sensitive skin? Worry no more. Turmeric is great for all skin types, even the supersensitive ones. However, go for pure organic turmeric from credible brands.

Some generic turmeric brands might contain dyes that can stain your skin. Rinse it off thoroughly after the prescribed application time. If you want to take it in supplement form, consult a doctor as large doses might have side effects such as digestive problems, lower blood sugar, and blood thinning.