Glowysy

Glowing skin is due to the skin being smooth enough to reflect light while dull skin is attributed to the fact when skin becomes rough due to the dead skin cells piling up; it results in diffusion of light. It is an established fact that skin in case of children and teenagers glow more easily. This is because, on an average, their skin cells get renewed almost every 28 days. With progression of age, this process of renewal of the skin cells increasingly slows down apart from the fact that the overall health state, diet, quality of sleep, medication or hormonal changes that can impede cell turnover up to a few months, also has a significant role to play. Resultantly, our skin becomes duller and loses some of its reflective qualities. However, there are ways to maintain or keep that glow for a longer time. Turmeric, the humble spice, works as an effective and natural beauty ingredient to tackle skin troubles.

Here are a few simple but effective ways in which you can use turmeric powder for maintaining skin health:

Blackheads - Turmeric acts as a great exfoliate and has been used potently to great effect. Blend coriander leaves with two teaspoons of turmeric powder to make a fine paste. Apply this paste on the face and keep overnight. Wash it off the next morning with cold water. Follow this routine at least twice a week and this should help to get rid of blackheads easily.

Scars - Due to its antiseptic qualities, since times immemorial, turmeric is known to be effective in reducing scarring as well as healing wounds faster. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of besan  (gram flour). Apply it on the affected area and let the paste dry for at least 25 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.

Sun protection  - It is well known and also advocated that turmeric prevents damage to the skin by sun due to its ability to inhibit an increase in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). MMP-2 is an enzyme whose concentration gets enhanced by sun radiation and when activated, it degrades the collagen between the outer and middle layers of the skin. A paste made of a pinch of turmeric, lemon juice and raw milk is recommended to be applied all over the affected area. Wait till it dries and then wash it off with cold water. 

Skin types -Turmeric contains fatty acids and phytoserols, which have the ability to reduce excess skin oils which are formed by the sebaceous glands. This can lead to acne, cysts and other woeful skin conditions. Combine 2 teaspoons of gram flour with 1 teaspoon of yogurt and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and apply on the face for 20-25 mins. Wash to remove the excess oil. The antioxidants inherently present in turmeric help revive the skin which impart brightness. When applied on dry skin, it enhances the process of removing dead skin cells and thus, protects the skin cells from further damage.  Mix 1 teaspoon of rose water with 2 teaspoons of thick milk cream and add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. Apply and leave it for some time. Wash once dried.

 It should be ensured that we buy pure and good quality turmeric as adulteration with synthetic colors is common. Needless to say, this may stain and harm the skin. Leading a healthy lifestyle, which should include a daily skin care regimen, are the best ways to keep the skin smooth and radiant for that priceless beautiful glow.