If you’ve been reading about turmeric, you may understand that it has anti-inflammatory properties and are now wondering Does Turmeric Help With Acne? There are limited studies on humans, but in vitro, turmeric has been shown to be anti-bacterial which includes P. Acnes bacteria, the kind of bacteria linked to acne.
Such studies also indicate that turmeric is an anti-fungal, having the ability to kill Candida yeasts (although it is not as effective as anti-fungal drugs). Finally, turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties which is a strong indicator for why Does Turmeric Help With Acne. Since most of the research has been done in test tubes, however, it’s difficult to determine exactly how Does Turmeric Help With Acne.
Does Turmeric Help With Acne? | In Vivo, Probably
This literature review looked at 234 articles on turmeric and skin health and concluded that both topical and oral administration of turmeric / curcumin may offer therapeutic benefits for the skin. Notably in humans, turmeric has been demonstrated to help with the symptoms of psoriasis even more than prescription drugs. And though psoriasis isn’t acne, the keratolytic effects demonstrated in this human study can be applied to acne which gives us more of an understanding of how exactly Does Turmeric Help With Acne.
Does Turmeric Help With Acne? Other Benefits
While the answer to the question Does Turmeric Help With Acne isn’t exactly straight forward, there are some indirect benefits of turmeric that indicate how exactly Does Turmeric Help With Acne. These include turmeric’s ability to reduce insulin and inflammation. Turmeric is being currently researched for its potential to treat diabetes by improving insulin resistance.
Since insulin is a cornerstone hormone in the formation of acne, any property that helps reduce insulin is also likely to help most adults who suffer acne symptoms. And, since people with acne typically have more inflammation and lower antioxidant levels than clean skinned people, anything that reduces inflammation and lessens oxidative stress can help alleviate acne. Also, the curcumin in turmeric has the possibility to inhibit mTor-pathway, a major problem molecule when it comes to acne. So, even though there is little direct evidence to support how exactly Does Turmeric Help With Acne or not, there is plenty of reason to believe that, at least indirectly, it can be helpful.
Does Turmeric Help With Acne? | The Takeaway
Overall it seems that turmeric can help with acne. When applied topically it can kill bacteria and reduce irritating acne-related inflammation. And oral turmeric supplements may provide some preventative measures against developing acne. The best way to know if turmeric will help you with your acne is to use it and see how it works for you. Keep in mind however the bright orange-yellow color of turmeric. So, if you are doing at-home DIY remedies for acne, set aside time and resources for minimizing the mess and clean up. Turmeric can even dye your skin yellow, so be aware of this possibility. Staining from turmeric isn’t a big problem, but it’s something to be aware of if you use turmeric to treat your acne or other skin conditions.
Want to learn more about turmeric and it’s uses? Read our article to learn more!
