Turmeric is a popular Indian spice that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicinal remedies. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that provides numerous benefits for skin health and whitening. However, not all turmeric products are created equal when it comes to efficacy for skin lightening. This article will examine the different types of turmeric available and provide recommendations on which turmeric is best for achieving glowing, brighter skin tone.
How Does Turmeric Help With Skin Whitening?
The curcumin in turmeric is able to inhibit melanin production, which is responsible for skin pigmentation and dark spots. Curcumin helps reduce excess melanin formation and prevent it from reaching the surface of the skin. This helps even out skin tone and gradually lighten dark patches over time.
In addition, turmeric contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals break down collagen and cause fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and uneven tone. The antioxidants in turmeric neutralize these free radicals and support healthy, youthful skin.
Turmeric also has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can cause increased pigment production, so turmeric is able to prevent this by calming inflammation. Less inflammation means less melanin and lighter skin.
Types of Turmeric for Skin Whitening
Raw Turmeric Root
Fresh raw turmeric is the most natural form, straight from the earth. It contains the highest concentration of curcumin compared to other forms of turmeric. Raw turmeric can be juiced or blended into face masks and skin treatments for maximum medicinal benefits. Using raw turmeric daily can gradually even out skin tone.
Ground Turmeric Powder
This is made by drying and grinding the raw turmeric root into a fine yellow powder. It is the most accessible and common form of turmeric. The only downside is that some of the beneficial curcumin may be lost in the drying process. However, using turmeric powder on a daily basis can still be effective for skin lightening.
Turmeric Supplements
Turmeric supplements, usually in capsule form, provide a concentrated dose of curcumin. Many contain bioavailability-enhancing agents like piperine to improve absorption in the body. High quality turmeric supplements may provide more targeted skin benefits compared to ground turmeric powder. However, supplements alone may not match the efficacy of also applying turmeric topically.
Hydrophilic Turmeric Powder
This new enhanced form of turmeric powder uses nanoemulsion technology to reduce particle size, which significantly improves absorption and bioavailability. Hydrophilic turmeric has been shown to have 46 times higher absorption compared to regular turmeric powder. The dramatically increased bioavailability provides superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Hydrophilic turmeric is ideal for oral and topical use to maximize skin brightening effects.
How to Use Turmeric for Skin
There are a few effective methods for using turmeric to achieve a brighter, more even complexion:
Turmeric Face Mask
Mix turmeric powder or raw turmeric paste with a little water or yogurt to form a smooth mask. Apply to face, avoiding eye area, and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. The turmeric will gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Use 2-3 times per week.
Turmeric Spot Treatment
Rub raw turmeric or a paste of turmeric powder onto any dark spots for a few minutes before washing off. The curcumin will work to fade hyperpigmentation. Do this daily focusing on problem areas to see improvements.
Turmeric Toner
Add 2 tsp turmeric powder or raw turmeric paste into 1 cup of water. Mix thoroughly and apply the liquid to face with a cotton ball after cleansing. Let dry. The turmeric acts as a natural toner to tighten pores and even skin texture and tone.
Turmeric Oil
Steep 1 Tbsp of turmeric powder in 1 cup of sesame, olive or coconut oil for 1 week. The oil will take on the skin nourishing properties of the turmeric. Gently massage the oil into the skin to hydrate and lighten.
Oral Turmeric Supplement
Take a turmeric supplement containing at least 500 mg turmeric daily. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties will work from within to reduce excess melanin formation. Just be sure to also use turmeric topically for enhanced benefits.
What to Look for in a Turmeric Supplement
If adding a turmeric supplement to your regimen, here are some key things to look for:
– Curcumin concentration – at least 500 mg per capsule
– Black pepper or BioPerine – improves curcumin absorption by up to 2000%
– Third party tested – ensures potency and purity
– Enhanced absorption – formats like liquid softgels or nanoemulsions
– Organic ingredients
Avoid supplements with unnecessary fillers, additives or preservatives.
Best Organic Turmeric Powders
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Simply Organic Turmeric Powder | – USDA organic – Non-GMO – Gluten free – No additives |
| Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Turmeric Powder | – USDA certified organic – Vegan – No GMO – Steamed and sun-dried |
| Pride of India Organic Turmeric Powder | – 100% USDA certified – Triple color sorted – Non-irradiated – No artificial colors or preservatives |
Best Hydrophilic Turmeric Powders
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| New Roots Turmeric Powder | – 46x absorption – Ultra-pure extract – No additives – Vegan |
| OMG! Organics Hydro Turmeric | – Nano-particle size – Organic – Improved bioavailability – Non-GMO |
| Herbal Goodness Hydro Turmeric | – Water dispersible – Gluten free – Pure and natural – Rich in curcuminoids |
Best Turmeric Supplements
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin | – 500 mg curcuminoids – Black pepper for absorption – No artificial colors or flavors |
| Qunol Turmeric Complex | – 1000 mg turmeric – Enhanced absorption – Ultra high antioxidant capacity – No unnecessary additives |
| Doctor’s Best Curcumin from Turmeric Root | – Potent Antioxidant Protection – Supports Joint Mobility – Promotes Healthy Inflammatory Response – Gluten Free |
Conclusion
When shopping for the best turmeric for skin lightening benefits, look for 100% pure organic powders or enhanced delivery supplements with black pepper. Raw turmeric can also be very effective for topical use.
Consistently using turmeric, both orally and on the skin, can gradually reduce excess melanin, improve skin tone and texture, diminish dark spots, and reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion. Make sure to use high quality turmeric products and give them time to reveal their skin brightening magic.