Turmeric soap hailed as secret to getting clear, ‘glass skin’

Fashion & Beauty

by Adriana Diaz

The secret to your clear, glowing “glass” skin may be the dust that collects in your spice rack.

Although most people don't have a sauna or infrared therapy light installed in their home, there's a very good chance that you have a container of bright yellow turmeric hidden somewhere in your pantry.

Commonly used in Indian curries and traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the health benefits of this spice have been known for generations.

But lately, many TikTok girls and beauty gurus have been touting turmeric soaps and face masks as part of their skincare routines, touting natural remedies as the key to better epidermis. TikTok hashtags #turmeric soap It already has 238.5 million views.

Is the hype valid? Here's what you need to know:

What is “glass skin”?

Glass skin is ideal skin that resembles glass, glowing, smooth, transparent, and poreless.

The skincare trend originated in the Korean beauty scene and has been popular among certain demographics for years. This cosmetic product continues to gain popularity as the K-beauty market becomes global and makeup trends require long-lasting skin care rather than layering foundation.

What are the benefits of turmeric soap?

We spoke to experts to get candid about the real-world benefits.

It turns out that the key to turmeric's benefits for the face is curcumin, a bioactive component of the plant that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

“Curcumin helps soothe the skin by calming inflammation and reducing redness.” Joseph Cavasso, president of skin care brand Mario Badescuhe told the Post.

This ingredient helps revitalize skin tissue and collagen, polishing your natural glow.

Skin care experts explained that turmeric's powerful antioxidant properties protect skin from environmental stressors and neutralize free radicals.

“Additionally, curcumin's natural antibacterial properties make it effective against certain bacteria, which can help with skin concerns such as acne,” Cavasso says, adding that curcumin can help treat common skin problems such as blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. It has been shown to be helpful in managing many types of acne.

Common spices also reduce hyperpigmentation and other coloring issues.

“It also helps regulate melanin production, making skin tone more even and reducing the appearance of age spots,” Cavasso said.

Curcumin also aids in wound healing by reducing inflammation and oxidation.

As the wound heals, the scarring will be reduced and the unwanted marks will disappear from the skin.

Although there is not enough evidence to vouch for its benefits, turmeric may also help fight other skin conditions such as scabies, psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia.

What are the possible risks of using turmeric?

People all over the world regularly consume turmeric through their diet, but large amounts of this bright yellow-orange product can stain skin and clothing when applied topically.

As with any product you add to your skin care routine, experts advise testing for allergies by starting with a small patch of skin.