How to Make a Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing and Acne-Free Skin

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting more than 50 million people annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

This chronic, inflammatory condition can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Some of the causes include genetics, hormonal changes in the body, puberty, emotional stress and medications.

Every teenager and adult wants glowing and acne-free skin. Acne-ridden skin can easily hinder one’s self-confidence, whereas glowing and acne-free skin boosts confidence and helps one stand out in a crowd.

Beauty regimens for glowing and acne-free skin have been present in most cultures for ages. So, skip the chemical-based cosmetic products and switch to homemade face masks for healthy skin.

Turmeric is one of the most common ingredients in homemade masks. The compound curcumin in turmeric has antimicrobial activity that inhibits P. acnes bacteria that cause acne, according to a 2013 study published in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Plus, curcumin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that help promote healthy and glowing skin.

Other ingredients for making the face masks include yogurt, gram flour, lemon and neem leaves.

Yogurt contains lactic acid that helps get rid of dead skin cells and reduces aging signs like wrinkles. It even helps balance the skin’s pH level to give it a glowing appearance.

Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour, helps cleanse the skin and absorb excess oil, which in turn prevents acne breakouts.

Neem, also known as Indian lilac, helps keep skin healthy and flawless due to its antiseptic, antioxidant and other healing properties.

According to a 2013 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, neem is good for treating chronic skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm and warts.

Lemon is also good for acne-prone skin, but do not use lemon if you have sensitive skin. Test beforehand to see if your skin is sensitive to lemon juice.

The L-ascorbic acid in lemon works as a natural astringent that helps dry out acne. In addition, its antibacterial properties help fight acne-producing bacteria.

Here are two recipes for turmeric face masks for glowing and acne-free skin.

Recipe #1: Homemade Turmeric Face Mask with Gram Flour
Recipe #2: Homemade Turmeric Face Mask with Neem Powder

Homemade Turmeric Face Mask with Gram Flour

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
• Plain yogurt – 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Gram flour – 2 teaspoons
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Measuring spoons

Steps

1. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt in a mixing bowl. Make sure the yogurt is free from whey.

2. Add 2 teaspoons of gram flour to the bowl.

3. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. It is recommended to use organic turmeric powder for the best results.

4. Mix the contents of the bowl thoroughly until you get a smooth consistency.

5. Optionally, you can add a little lemon juice to the paste. Mix it in thoroughly.

Your turmeric face mask is ready.

Apply it on your face with a makeup brush for an even application. Allow it to dry completely, then scrub it off with your dampened fingers. Finally, rinse your face. You can use this turmeric and gram four mask once a week.

Homemade Turmeric Face Mask with Neem Powder

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder – 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Yogurt – 1 tablespoon
• Neem powder – 1 tablespoon / A handful of neem leaves to prepare the powder
• Fresh lemon juice – extracted from ½ of a lemon
• Pan
• Grinder
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl and spoon

Steps

1. Dry roast neem leaves in a pan on a stove, stirring regularly. Alternatively, you can dry the neem leaves in a microwave.

2. Put the leaves in your regular grinder and grind them into a powder.

3. Put 1 tablespoon of the neem powder into a mixing bowl.

4. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder to the bowl.

5. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt as well. Separate the whey from the yogurt prior to use.

6. Now, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the bowl.

7. Mix the ingredients thoroughly into a thick paste. Your turmeric face mask is ready for use.

You can spread this turmeric and neem face mask on your face and neck, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Use it once or twice a week.

Additional Tips

• Make sure that your skin is free of any cosmetics, lotion or cream before applying the face mask.
• When making face masks at home, use organic products whenever possible and if easily available.
• To separate the whey from the yogurt, put the yogurt in a thin muslin cloth and tie it properly. Keep it hanging above a bowl for 3 to 4 hours to allow the whey to drain out.
• If you have some time on your hands, dry neem leaves naturally in the shade. It will usually take 2 to 3 days to dry completely, depending upon the weather.
• You can use raw milk as an alternative for yogurt.
• When it comes to lemon juice, avoid the bottled versions.
• Skip adding lemon juice to the face mask if you have any cuts or wounds on your skin. Being acidic, it might burn.
• Instead of lemon juice, you can use rose water.
• Turmeric may stain your skin temporarily. To get rid of the yellow stain, apply a some cold milk on your skin for about 5 minutes, then rinse it off. It will also leave your skin soft and smooth.

Resources:

https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb/61/4/61_c12-01043/_article
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3695574/