Are turmeric face masks worth the hype? While many of us know turmeric as a staple spice in the kitchen, it may also hold promise as a skin care ingredient. With its vibrant yellow hue, turmeric has gained a glowing reputation in the beauty world, and you've likely seen recommendations for turmeric face masks popping up on your social media feeds. But are they worth trying?

If you’ve only ever imagined reaching for this spice for your culinary escapades, think again. From brightening dark undereye circles to creating an invigorated, glowing complexion, you may be surprised at how a turmeric face mask benefits your skin. 

Turmeric Face Mask Benefits | DIY Turmeric Face Masks | How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment | Video: How To Apply The Turmeric Energizing Treatment | Turmeric Face Mask FAQs | The Bottom Line

Turmeric Face Mask Benefits

What are the Benefits of Turmeric?

Turmeric owes its anti-inflammatory and pigment-inhibiting properties to its active compounds, collectively referred to as curcuminoids. Among these, curcumin stands out as the most important, providing potent anti-inflammatory effects and effectively inhibiting tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for activating pigment production. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-everything properties, turmeric skin care is the way to go if you want to achieve head-to-toe radiance.

Here are some turmeric fast facts around its benefits for the skin.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, significantly lowers levels of inflammatory markers in the body. “Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial — these properties help tighten pores and improve skin tone and pH balance,” says Dr. Taz Bhatia MD, Integrative Health Expert, and Founder and Medical Director of CentrespringMD. 

2. Helps To Treat Acne

This spice’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties can improve scarring and dark spots left behind by acne, while decreasing redness and soothing irritated skin. As Dr. Bhatia explains, “In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was also mixed with yogurt to lessen acne.”

Additionally, turmeric’s antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent clogged pores and breakouts or reduce existing ones.

3. Brightens Undereyes

If you’re concerned with dark eye circles, turmeric’s properties help to brighten dark undereye circles and bring out your natural glow. Turmeric also works well to reduce any puffiness in your eye area.

4. Reduces Signs Of Aging

This golden root helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles, keeps skin supple and improves skin’s elasticity. You might be thinking that turmeric seems like a magical ingredient! We certainly think so. So, how exactly should you be using turmeric in your skin care routine? Turmeric face masks are extremely popular, but there is a difference between a DIY turmeric face mask and a professional treatment. 

DIY Turmeric Face Masks

We know what you’re thinking — can’t I just create a DIY turmeric face mask at home by mixing turmeric and apple cider vinegar together? The idea of mixing a mask up in the kitchen is very appealing and is frequently touted as a great solution on social media. However, a professional skin care product will provide you with safety and real results that you can’t achieve with a DIY mask. 

You've probably come across the most common turmeric DIY face mask recipe combining yogurt, honey, turmeric powder and apple cider vinegar. This DIY concoction found across many beauty blogs and social media platforms is attractive because of its "ease" of preparation and the natural properties of its ingredients — turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits, honey's antibacterial qualities and yogurt's soothing effects — but it may not be as effective or safe as many hope. Despite its popularity, making a DIY mask is messy, time-consuming and, without proper formulation, the mask may lead to skin irritation or not work at all. 

It comes down to the formula, concentration level and ingredients that you’ll find in professional skin care companies’ products. Formulas made by beauty chemists eliminate this issue. 

Product Picks

Turmeric Energizing Treatment

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Our Turmeric Mask Energizing Treatment blends turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, designed to exfoliate and enliven your skin. Kaolin clay cleanses deeply and brings out impurities in the skin without stripping moisture. Paprika is included in the mix, resulting in a vibrant, glowing complexion. Zeolite works to exfoliate, smooth and tighten the skin, while the treatment's unique powder-to-mousse texture creates a stimulating and refreshing experience. This multi-functional mask serves as a 3-in-1 treatment, acting as a stimulant, exfoliant and mask to awaken the skin and eliminate impurities. As the mask dries, the kaolin clay purifies the skin for a truly invigorating treatment.

As our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, explains: “This treatment is fantastic for dull or congested skin, and it can also add positivity into your routine thanks to the powerful effects of citrine gemstones.” 

How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment 

Are you ready to enliven your complexion with the Turmeric Energizing Treatment? All you have to do is dispense one small scoop of powder (about 1 teaspoon) into the outer cap. Gradually stir in a few drops of water until the texture looks like mousse. The recommended ratio is 4 parts powder to 3 parts water. Next, apply a thin layer to the entire face, extending to the neck and décolleté.

You can let it dry for 10 - 30 minutes. Rinse with tepid water, massaging gently to exfoliate. Don't be alarmed, as a hot tingling sensation can last for a few minutes and is an intended effect of this product. For a milder effect, dilute with more water.

To learn more about this turmeric face mask and how best to apply it, watch Natalie in this In The Mix video.

Turmeric Face Mask FAQs

Is Turmeric Good For A Face Mask?

Yes, turmeric is a good ingredient in a face mask as it exfoliates and awakens the skin so that it looks reinvigorated and clear. 

Will A Turmeric Face Mask Stain My Skin?

While turmeric on its own may leave a yellow stain on the skin, this is not an issue when it is professionally formulated into skin care products. We recommend avoiding DIY turmeric face masks and instead recommend using our own expertly formulated skin care products.

What Does Turmeric Do For Your Face?

Turmeric supports skin health to reduce breakouts and contains anti-inflammatory properties to improve skin tone. It also improves acne scarring and brightens dark undereye circles.

Does A Turmeric Mask Reduce The Signs Of Aging?

Turmeric can minimize the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin supple and improving the skin’s elasticity.

Does Turmeric Make Your Skin Clear?

Yes, turmeric can make the skin appear clearer and smooth due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It calms the look of inflamed skin and is known to minimize scarring. 

The Bottom Line

While turmeric is a celebrated ingredient in the kitchen, its prowess clearly extends beautifully into skin care. It’s a go-to for face masks thanks to its anti-inflammatory and energizing properties which help enliven a dull complexion. But the real effectiveness comes from how turmeric is formulated. While DIY turmeric masks are popular, they often lack the proper formulation to be truly effective and can even lead to skin irritation. In contrast, professionally formulated turmeric treatments, like our Turmeric Energizing Treatment, are designed to deliver maximum benefits safely and effectively. 

Connect with your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about the benefits of turmeric and our Turmeric Energizing Treatment with citrine gemstones.

This article was first written in October 2020.