Also known as the golden spice of life, turmeric is a powerful skin friendly ingredient that can be applied topically for glowing skin!

This Ayurvedic beauty face mask was used for centuries in India especially for brides to brighten their skin, leaving it radiant and glowing. It has extraordinary anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-aging properties that make it an excellent face mask ingredient.

Nutrient

Benefits for Skin

Calcium 

Composes the uppermost layer of skin. Heals dry withered skin.  

Vitamin C 

Helps build up collagen and maintain skin tautness and elasticity. 

Vitamin B6 

Necessary for new skin cell formation. Keeps skin moisturised and healthy.  

Potassium 

Solves dry skin by moisturising and hydrating skin cells 

Magnesium 

For youthful radiant skin. Slows down the ageing process of the skin. 

I found out about Turmeric from my go to skin and hair care shop in Abuja, DevaPetals. It was difficult starting a skin care regime, as I’d normally use my body soap to cleanse my face and Vaseline to moisturise. Started using the product last summer and I glowed. I ran out of my stash by autumn until my friend Chiny got some for me last month.

Just before we went off to Italy I made a super indulgent mask for us and she could tell the effect on her skin straight away.

Here are some of the ways I use Turmeric on my face. Honestly, sometimes I leave it on for an hour while I go about doing chores or reading. All ingredients can typically be found in your fridge (or your breakfast bowl).

1. Turmeric Yoghurt Face Mask

I use this amazing face mask once a week to give yourself a royal beauty treatment. Yoghurt, rich in b-vitamins and zinc will ward off acne, blackheads and pustules, lubricate skin and deep cleanse pores. While lemon, a natural astringent (tightens large pores), contains antibacterial properties that kill off bacteria responsible for acne, pimples and white heads. Great skin toner for oily skin, leaving the skin clearer and glowing.

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (a pinch) 
• 1 tablespoon yoghurt  
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

• Gently wash your face with warm water
• Soak a washcloth in hot water. As hot as you can stand, as it cools quickly.
• Apply the hot washcloth onto your face, this will open your pores for a better cleansing.
• Remove the cloth when completely cooled and wash your face with a warm washcloth.
• Mix the above ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Using clean fingertips or brush, slather a thin amount of the turmeric face mask onto your face and neck. 
• Sit for 20 to 30 minutes or until the face mask dries up completely. 
• Rinse off with cool water and a mild facial cleanser.

2. Turmeric Avocado/Oatmeal Face Mask

Avocado is an all time super food that tightens skin pores, nourishes skin and hydrates dry skin cells. Also very good for the hair and a very yummy snack.

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (a pinch) 
• 1 tablespoon avocado (mashed) 
• 1 tablespoon oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon water

3. Turmeric Lemon Honey Face Mask

My favourite of all 3. Most times I add sugar and make a scrub out of it. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder  
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice  
• 1 tablespoon honey  
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Top Tips

• Excess face mask mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it starts smelling weird, don't use it but toss it in the trash. 
• To all of the above recipes you can add essential oils. My favourite are castor oil and palm kernel oil.
• Too much lemon juice may burn or irritate your skin.
• When my face gets really bad I add mint and salicylic acid to the mask.