A Celeb Facialist Explains Why You Need Turmeric in Your Skincare Routine
Spice up your skincare regimen with turmeric.
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Turmeric isn't just for your golden milk anymore! This powerful herb features anti-inflammatory properties that work wonders when incorporated into your skincare routine. We chatted with celebrity facialist (and owner of one of our favorite skincare brands) Joanna Vargas to demystify turmeric and get her take on the best way to use it.
"For sensitive skin, turmeric is a great ingredient. It’s anti-inflammatory and is wonderful for calming and hydrating sensitized skin," she says. She also loves it for normal skin, even if you don't suffer from sensitivity, so it’s great for all skin types.
Vargas also shared some of her favorite DIY recipes for those skincare junkies looking to whip up a homemade spa treatment:
Exfoliating Anti-Inflammatory Mask
1 tbsp of coconut oil
1/2 tsp of organic turmeric
1 tbsp of almond meal
"This mask multitasks as a super gentle scrub on the skin with the almond meal," Vargas says. "Mix all ingredients together. Scrub the mask in gently for about one minute. Then leave on for 10 minutes to let the hydrating, anti-inflammatory properties of both coconut oil and turmeric sink in. Remove with a warm cloth."
Triple Action Turmeric Mask
1 tbsp of organic greek yogurt
1 tsp of honey
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp aloe
"I call this a triple-action mask, as it's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and super hydrating. Honey and aloe are natural antiseptics, great for keeping your skin clear," Vargas says. "Turmeric is the anti-inflammatory, while organic greek yogurt will boost your skin with hydration, and it's antibacterial, too! Mix all ingredients together, and leave on for 10 minutes. Remove with a warm cloth."
Anti-Aging and Brightening Mask
1/2 a banana, mashed
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp matcha powder
1 tbsp olive oil
"Both matcha and turmeric have these amazing anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties," Vargas says. "Olive oil boosts your skins elasticity and is another powerful antioxidant. The banana mash will leave your skin feeling firmer, with a radiant glow because of its high content of minerals and vitamins. Mix all ingredients together, and leave on for 10 minutes. Remove with a warm cloth."
Read on for more of her tips, as well as our top picks for turmeric-packed skincare products that'll give you a brighter, tighter complexion.
Best Overall
Our top pick for the best turmeric product is, well, turmeric itself. This organic powder is affordable and can be used in kitchens and bathrooms alike.
"Make sure to only use organic, pure turmeric powder," Vargas told us. "Some brands unfortunately dilute their turmeric powder, and use dyes to give it that orange vibrant color. This can result in your skin temporarily turning a bit orange. This is one DIY ingredient that must be organic!"
If you're looking to get creative and experiment with one of her turmeric mask recipes, you'll need this essential ingredient.
Best Budget Buy
DIY masks not your jam? Grab this super affordable turmeric and gold clay mask instead. Living up to its name, it instantly brightens and illuminates the skin thanks to its quality ingredients like turmeric, gold clay, and vitamin C, which blend together to create a power mask you'll love.
Best Splurge
Dr. Harold Lancer is another skincare expert who loves the benefits of turmeric. His new Omega Hydrating Oil, a water-free facial oil, delivers intense hydration to create supple skin. Tumeric minimizes the look of redness and works with a chlorophyllin-copper complex to help refine pores and improve skin texture.
We're obsessed with Volition Beauty. Not only is this crowd-sourced brand super innovative, but it's devoted to launching quality products that are unlike any other on the market. The Turmeric Brightening Polish earned a permanent spot on our shower shelves after just one use. It mingles turmeric with olive oil and sandalwood to brighten, tighten, and tone. We recommend using it in the shower and leaving it on the skin for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing away. Your skin will appear noticeably smoother instantly!
Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
Kiehl's used turmeric as a hero ingredient before it was cool. This mask, the perfect solution for dullness and uneven texture, is formulated with resveratrol-rich cranberry extract and anti-inflammatory turmeric extract. It also contains micronized cranberry seeds that can be used to exfoliate the skin while washing off the mask, revealing brighter, smoother skin after use.
Infused with pure 24-karat gold, this luxurious cleansing butter melts away makeup and impurities. It's formulated with ultra hydrating chamomile butter and honey to deliver moisture as turmeric soothes the look of dry skin.
Bonus: It's paired with a teardrop-shaped konjac sponge that puffs up when wet to exfoliate the skin.
This priming moisturizer features a potent blend of our favorite ingredients, including wild rose oil, powerful vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and turmeric extract, making it an extremely nourishing power product. This multitasking moisturizer reduces the appearance of fine lines while eliminating shine and decongesting pores. It's a keeper.
Another great turmeric-infused mask, we love this one for its unique jelly texture and refreshing effects. The alcohol-free mask contains vitamin C to brighten, while superfoods ginger and turmeric help calm stressed-out skin.
This popular cream comes highly recommended. "I love CV Skinlabs Skin Balm for spots of eczema," Vargas says. "It contains turmeric, which helps calm inflammation." The turmeric is complemented by Bisabolol and reishi mushroom, which together provide antioxidant and antihistamine benefits to the skin.
If you're into essential oils, turmeric oil should be added to your collection immediately. Not only can you use this therapeutic-grade oil in your DIY skincare pursuits, but you can also add a few drops to existing products like lotions and primers to supercharge them with the benefits of turmeric.
Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
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