This season, the hottest new beauty product isn't from a drugstore or even a fancy department store — it's from your spice drawer. The Indian spice turmeric has countless beauty benefits that can make you look and feel flawless from head to toe.
When it comes to at-home (read: free) beauty regiments, I'm willing to try just about anything. Especially in the summer, when my skin is at its most vulnerable (thanks, UV rays) I am always looking for new ways to keep myself looking glow-y and fresh.
You may recognize the name of this brownish-yellow Indian powder from mustard and curry recipes, though aside from being delicious it is useful in many, many other ways. The spice contains Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Calcium and Potassium, all of which have their own unique properties that help rejuvenate your skin. When they're combined, the results are pretty incredible. When applied to your skin, turmeric can help increase collagen and build elasticity, while simultaneously moisturizing and evening your skin tone. It helps stimulate new cell growth, which will leave your skin looking healthy and glowing
Are you convinced yet?
Here are seven ways you can use you can use turmeric this summer, (aside from in this delicious Chickpea Stew) to enhance your already beautiful self.
1. To Fight Acne
Looking for an all-natural way to get rid of your zits quickly? Turmeric concoctions are chemical-free and easy to make at home in your own kitchen. The spice has anti-septic and antibacterial properties that help rid your face of oil and dirt that cause breakouts. Mix turmeric powder with sandalwood and lemon juice, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
2. To Get Rid Of Scars
If you didn't hop on the turmeric trend in time to combat acne, there's still hope! You can use turmeric on acne scars to help lighten them. Mix turmeric with warm water and leave on your scars for 15 minutes — it's that easy! This can also be used on other kinds of scars, but is more effective on those closer to the surface (like the ones that come as a result of popping pimples).
3. To Get Rid Of Facial Hair
Even though straight-up shaving with a razor is the new, trendy way to get rid of facial hair, it's definitely not for everyone. If you're looking for something a bit more natural, try mixing 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of gram flower and water. Leave the paste on your face for 15 minutes, and after a month you will start to see a difference in hair growth.
4. To Moisturize Cracked Heels
Considering your feet are constantly exposed in the summer, dealing with dry, cracked heels can be a major pain. For an easy, at home remedy, mix turmeric with coconut oil to create a thick paste, and then apply to your feet. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then wash with soap and warm water. Full disclosure: Your feet may turn yellow, but it will go away after a few days and will be totally worth it because of how smooth they'll be.
5. To Brighten Your Skin
Want a quick pick me up for your skin without having to add an extra step to your morning routine? Put a sprinkle of turmeric in your regular moisturizer. The antioxidant properties in the spice will add an instant glow.
6. To Fight Dandruff
Is your scalp flaky and dry, possibly from spending too much time in oceans and pools? Combine turmeric with olive oil and massage into your scalp, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with natural shampoo to combat dandruff. The mixture increases circulation to your scalp while moisturizing and nourishing hair follicles, which combats signs of dryness.
7. To Fight Wrinkles
Whatever kind of fine lines might be ailing you (though in my opinion, you should be like Chrissy Teigen and simply embrace them all) turmeric can help. The antioxidants found in turmeric can neutralize the free radicals in your skin caused by dead skin cells, which can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. For a line-eliminating mask, combine turmeric, yogurt, and water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and remove with warm water before it dries completely.
8. To Neutralize Sunburns
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help keep your sunburn from swelling. Mix turmeric powder with aloe and apply to your burn to speed up the healing process.
9. To Dye Your Hair
Want to go blonde without all of the pesky chemicals in salon hair dye? Combine turmeric, lemon, chamomile tea, and green tea (full recipe here), massage into your hair, leave for an hour and rinse and condition. Skip out on the shampoo to ensure the color stays in tact.
Images: Getty Images (10)
