Unveiling the Magic of Turmeric Soap
Are you a big fan of turmeric lattes? Do you like bright yellow Indian/Middle Eastern curries? If yes, then, this blog post is for you. Because I am going to share some wisdom about turmeric and geared towards Turmeric Soap.
In South Asian culture, turmeric has been used for various medicinal and beauty purposes for centuries. I grew up eating fresh green & yellow turmeric pieces in the wintertime. I don’t remember a single curry to which I didn’t add turmeric. I still recall my mom first introducing me to a turmeric latte when I was suffering from a fever and cold.
In India, turmeric lattes are known as “Turmeric Milk” or “Haldi Doodh.” And I am sure that when I have a kid, I will pass this milk recipe to her/him. It has been used in Indian culture for over a century as a medicinal milk to cure coughing. I remember my first beauty regimen was “Haldi Body Mask.”
So, I have a special connection when it comes to turmeric. For me, as an Indian, I always consider turmeric to be my best friend, whether it is in food or for personal care.
But now, the western beauty industry is incorporating this wonder ingredient into beauty products, as they have also come to recognize all the benefits associated with this miracle herb.
So let’s go deeper first in terms of its benefits, its Ayurvedic significance, and so on. (I have also shared similar blogposts on my blog Glow & Green here: click here)
History of Turmeric
In Indian culture, turmeric symbolizes purification, fertility, and good health. It is an Ayurvedic ingredient with anti-septic properties in it.
The yellow color of turmeric symbolizes a new beginning; therefore, in Indian culture, every wedding ceremony starts with a "Haldi-Ceremony," also known as a "Turmeric Ceremony."
In these ceremonies, turmeric paste (turmeric powder & oil) is rubbed onto the bride and groom's body to brighten their skin for the wedding day.
This ingredient also serves as a medicine, condiment, and flavoring. In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote about his travels in China. He described turmeric in these words:
“There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of the true saffron, as well as the color, and yet it is not really saffron. It is also used as an ingredient in many dishes."
Turmeric has a long history of regular usage in South Asia. Its importance is mentioned in Sanskrit medical dissertations and Ayurvedic books. Susruta's Ayurvedic Compendium from 250 BC recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of food poisoning.
In a nutshell, turmeric is deeply associated with my roots, and I can’t wait to share the science behind it and a few DIY recipes.
The Science Behind Turmeric
Turmeric is a flowering plant from the ginger family. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a natural active ingredient that promotes the healing and brightening of the skin.
Turmeric’s botanical name is Curcuma longa. (referenced) It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall. Its aromatic rhizomes are the central plant part used to make “turmeric powders.”
There are many types of turmeric powders available on the market. While you can easily find this spice in the international aisle of your grocery store, not all turmeric is the same.
Regular turmeric can temporarily stain the skin yellow. Kasturi turmeric (Curcuma aromatic) is non-staining, and it contains the same properties for clearing acne, inhibiting facial hair growth, and brightening the complexion.
Kasturi turmeric is not edible, therefore it is for external use only. In beauty products, if you see the ingredient “Curcuma longa extract,” that means it has edible turmeric inside.
Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which will impart a range of colors from yellow to deep orange. Turmeric contains about 5% volatile oil, resin, and yellow coloring substances known as curcuminoids.
Chemically, turmeric consists of about 50-60% curcumin, which is responsible for the yellow color of the natural colorant. (Formula Botanica) That's why many people call this ingredient Indian Saffron.
The Beauty Benefits of Turmeric
Now that we know the origin and a little bit of the history of turmeric, I want to share how beneficial this ingredient is when it comes to beauty. Turmeric reduces hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and wrinkles, and eliminates dandruff.
As a result of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, turmeric also heals wounds and minimizes pimple scars. (I still remember my mom used to apply a pinch of turmeric when I cut myself). Turmeric powder is also regarded as an excellent antioxidant for your skin.
The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial is because they protect your body from free radicals (I will talk more about free radicals some other time). We all know that UV rays are your skin’s worst enemy.
UV exposure causes sunburn, skin cancer, fine lines, wrinkles, and so on. But turmeric may help you turn back your age clock in a matter of minutes.
A cup of joe can make your brain cells brighter, but when it comes to brightening skin cells, I would call on our hero “turmeric.”
Adding turmeric essential oil into your regular day moisturizing cream or facial oil is a great way to begin a natural skin care regimen. As you know, essential oils tend to penetrate further into your skin cells.
There are so many scientific studies available that explain how turmeric can be used as an essential ingredient to reduce unwanted hair growth. Besides, I have experienced it personally as well.
Growing up in India, my mom used to apply turmeric paste mixed with chickpea flour all over my feet to reduce unwanted hair growth.
By now you can tell that I can go on and on, especially when it comes to the benefits of turmeric. But my goal here is to provide you as much scientific knowledge as possible in the simplest of terms.
And then, to use this knowledge to effectively present my DIY beauty recipes as well as soap forumulations. If you don’t use the proper turmeric type, then the most obvious consequence is skin staining. So make sure you buy the right kind of turmeric for skin care recipes and that it is stabilized.
You surely don’t want to look like yellow Indian curry. Turmeric is a killer of manicures; it stains your nail polish permanently, so wear gloves.
Make sure you are not allergic to turmeric before using it topically. Patch test all these DIY recipes before applying them to your face.
Apply a small portion of the DIY product to your inner arm or wrist. Cover it up for 30-45 min. If you experience any uncomfortable sensation, cleanse the area immediately and stop using it.
In the realm of skincare, few ingredients have stood the test of time as effectively as turmeric. Renowned for its numerous benefits and holistic properties, turmeric has transcended from kitchen spice to a coveted skincare staple. One of the most popular forms of turmeric in skincare is the turmeric soap. In this blog post, we will explore the myriad benefits of turmeric soap, delve into its skin whitening properties, and introduce you to different variations such as Turmeric Honey Soap Bar, Lemon Turmeric Soap Bar, and Turmeric Kojic Soap Bar. We'll also address some frequently asked questions about turmeric soap.
So, finally after 30 iteration we developed turmeric soap, although we shared some benefits of Turmeric itself, we want to re-highlight our Turmeric Soap benefits.
The Benefits of Green-Beauty Co's Turmeric Soap
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its active compound, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. When incorporated into soap, turmeric can provide a multitude of benefits for the skin:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric soap is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Regular use can help soothe conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
2. Antioxidant Rich
Turmeric is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, which can cause premature aging and damage to the skin. Using turmeric soap can help protect the skin from environmental stressors, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
3. Brightening and Even Skin Tone
One of the standout benefits of turmeric soap is its ability to brighten the skin and promote an even skin tone. The curcumin in turmeric inhibits melanin production, which can help reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes.
4. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal
Turmeric soap possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in combating acne-causing bacteria and other skin infections. It helps keep the skin clean and clear, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
5. Moisturizing and Nourishing
Turmeric soap is often enriched with additional ingredients that provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin.
6. Improves Skin Texture
Regular use of turmeric soap can improve the overall texture of the skin. It helps exfoliate dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more refined complexion.
Turmeric Soap for Skin Whitening
Skin whitening is a popular skincare goal for many, and turmeric soap can play a significant role in achieving this. The active compound curcumin helps to inhibit the production of melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. By reducing melanin production, turmeric soap can help lighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, resulting in a brighter and more radiant complexion.
How to Use Turmeric Soap for Skin Whitening
To maximize the skin whitening benefits of turmeric soap, follow these steps:
- Cleanse (Step 1): Start by washing your face or body with our nourishing cleansing oil then remove it through cotton bowl or biodegradable wipe.
- Cleanse (Step 2): Gently rub the turmeric soap onto the skin, creating a lather.
- Massage: Massage the lather into the skin in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Rinse: Rinse off the soap with cool water to close the pores.
- Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration with Supercharge Serum (PM) or Glow Serum(AM).
For best results, use turmeric soap twice daily, morning and night.
Different Variations of Turmeric Soap
Turmeric soap comes in various formulations, each offering unique benefits. Here are some popular variations:
1. Turmeric Honey Soap Bar
Ingredients: Turmeric, Honey, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter
Benefits: The combination of turmeric and honey creates a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial soap. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps retain moisture, making this soap perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It also helps to brighten the complexion and improve skin texture.
2. Turmeric Soap Bar (We sell this type of soap)
Ingredients: Turmeric, Essential Blend, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter
Benefits: Lemon essential oil is known for its brightening and astringent properties. When combined with turmeric, this soap helps to reduce dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes. The refreshing scent of lemon also invigorates the senses, making it a great choice for a morning shower.
3. Turmeric Kojic Soap Bar
Ingredients: Turmeric, Kojic Acid, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter
Benefits: Kojic acid is a well-known skin lightening agent that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The combination of turmeric and kojic acid makes this soap highly effective for achieving a brighter and more even skin tone. It’s ideal for those looking to address issues of pigmentation and uneven complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Turmeric Soap Good For?
Turmeric soap is good for a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Reducing inflammation and redness
- Fighting acne-causing bacteria
- Lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Providing antioxidant protection
- Improving overall skin texture and tone
2. Can Turmeric Soap Be Used Daily?
Yes, turmeric soap can be used daily. It is gentle enough for everyday use and can be incorporated into both your morning and evening skincare routines.
3. Does Turmeric Soap Stain the Skin?
High-quality turmeric soap should not stain the skin. However, if you notice any yellow residue, it can easily be removed with water or a mild cleanser.
4. Is Turmeric Soap Suitable for All Skin Types?
Yes, turmeric soap is suitable for all skin types. It is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Can Turmeric Soap Help with Acne?
Yes, turmeric soap can help with acne. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflamed skin.
6. How Long Does It Take to See Results with Turmeric Soap?
Results can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns. Generally, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in your skin's texture and tone within a few weeks of regular use.
7. Can Turmeric Soap Lighten Dark Spots?
Yes, turmeric soap can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The curcumin in turmeric inhibits melanin production, promoting a brighter and more even complexion.
Green-Beauty Co Turmeric Soap is the best solution for every skin need. With only nine ingredients, it offers a unique blend of essential oils that bring a lemony, sandalwood feel, evoking Ayurvedic nostalgia. Experience the benefits of turmeric soap with Green-Beauty Co's handcrafted, minimalistic, and Ayurvedic approach to skincare.