If you're a lover of Indian cuisine, you may be familiar with the vibrant, orange-hued spice, turmeric. In addition to lending beautiful color and flavor to food, turmeric has been revered for centuries for its healing properties. While turmeric is a popular ingredient in cooking and tea, it is also a fantastic exfoliator. So grab that jar of sun-colored goodness, it's time for some pampering.

Benefits of exfoliating

Exfoliating removes dead cells from the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells are regularly shed from our bodies, but many believe that helping the process along can improve the look and feel of your skin. Here are a few of the benefits many people experience:

• Glowing Skin – Removing dead skin cells exposes the fresh and healthy skin cells underneath
• Smaller Pores – Dead skin cells can gunk up your pores and make your pores larger
• Hydrated Skin – Removing dead cells enables the new skin cells below to receive moisturizer and other skin care products.

There are two methods of exfoliation:

• Mechanical – By hand or with a tool
• Chemical – Using a product to dissolve dead skin cells

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using caution when exfoliating at home, as skin can easily be damaged or irritated¹. Being gentle is key, which is why we love turmeric.

Benefits of turmeric

Turmeric, in its natural form looks a bit like ginger. They are, in fact, related and both rhizomes. Turmeric is commonly dried and then ground into a fine powder for use. Turmeric's rich benefits come from curcumin, a naturally-occurring compound that gives it its color and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties².

Anti-inflammatories help reduce swelling and redness in skin. Antioxidants help protect skin from free radicals, which can cause damage. Free radicals from pollution and UV rays are common offenders that can contribute to signs of aging and disease.

While research is on-going, studies suggest that when applied topically, turmeric may provide therapeutic benefits to skin³. 

How to exfoliate skin

As with anything you apply to your skin, a large and sensitive organ, apply a test first. We recommend the inside of your forearm to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity.

If you don't regularly exfoliate, try once a week to start. Depending on how your skin reacts, you can increase the amount to twice a week.

Massage in a circular motion to slough off the dead skin cells. Your entire body can benefit from exfoliating—especially your face, legs, arms, and stomach. 

Turmeric exfoliator recipe

Now for our super easy homemade turmeric exfoliator recipe! 

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Turmeric Powder
• 4 Tbsp. Chickpea Flour
• 4-5 Tbsp. Milk or Water

Supplies

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder with chickpea flour and mix until completely combined.
2. Wash face to remove impurities and makeup. Try our Homemade Aloe Vera Face Wash to cleanse face.
3. Apply a small amount of turmeric scrub to skin that has been wetted with milk or water.
4. Use gentle circular motions to scrub the face.
5. Rinse the scrub off and pat dry

Notes

• This recipe should be prepared just before use, not in advance or kept for use later.
• Be careful not to get scrub in or near eyes.
• Wash off immediately and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
• If you’ve ever cooked with turmeric, you know it infamously stains everything yellow. It is possible it could stain your skin, but it is temporary. We recommend using the turmeric scrub before bed.

We hope you enjoy this recipe. We are big believers in taking time for you and are thrilled to be part of your humble self-care journey. 

 

Want more? Try our other homemade exfoliator recipes:

Honey Exfoliator
Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub
Coconut Honey Face Mask

 

Disclaimer: All information provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as, medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and Humble Brands products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you have regarding your health. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, Humble Brands accepts no responsibility or liability.