Turmeric’s botanical name is Curcuma longa. The plant reaches barely three feet in height and produces both a flower and a rhizome, or stem that is found underground. The rhizome has an appearance similar to ginger; it is root-like stem that produces the yellow turmeric spice. Though it can now be found throughout the tropics, India has been the largest producer of turmeric since ancient times.

Turmeric has been considered an important part of Indian culture for at least 4000 years. It is regularly used as a spice for traditional dishes, as a medicine, and as a dye that offers a beautiful yellow-orange color.

Modern medicine has embraced Turmeric, with over 3,000 publications dealing with the root over the past 25 years. Some of the most recent studies have involved turmeric’s affects on the skin. In addition to scientific evidence, we have other clues as to how turmeric may help us to look younger.

Anti-Aging Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, which are excellent for anti-aging. It will help improve skin elasticity, making skin appear more youthful, and it helps stimulate new cell growth. Additionally, turmeric minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Protects from sun damage Studies have shown when applied turmeric extract to skin that had been damaged by long-term, low-dose ultraviolet radiation. They found that it protected the skin from UV rays, prevented the formation of wrinkles, helped retain skin elasticity, and reduced the appearance of dark spots. Wow.

Helps reduce acne and acne scaring  - Turmeric Root Oil Reduces blemishes and scaring. Being a powerful antimicrobial turmeric essential oil makes an

excellent acne fighter. The oil helps to naturally dry out pimples and prevent future breakouts

Anti-Bacterial Properties One of turmeric’s longest uses is that of an anti-bacterial agent for small cuts and burns. Its anti-bacterial properties can also prevent infection. Turmeric can help reduce localized pain, speed up the healing process, and prevent scarring.

Calms Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea and Other Skin Diseases While the causes of these skin conditions are different, they each involve inflammation of the skin. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that also improves collagen production while fighting free radicals. Since it is a healing agent as well, dryness, rashes, swelling, irritation, etc can be repaired in the process. Curcumin has a natural anti-inflammatory action, which we now know can help treat the symptoms of psoriasis.

Fades hyperpigmentation - Curcumin is to be able to affect melanin, which is the substance in skin responsible for pigmentation. If you have melasma, you have too much melanin on your cheeks, chin, and forehead. Age spots are also created by too much melanin in one place. The curcumin in turmeric seems to block the activation of proteins that increase and regulate melanin production. In a 2009 study, researchers found that curcumin extract not only protected from UV rays, but also prevented the formation of pigmentation caused by UV radiation.