When you think of turmeric you probably think of how it’s used in the culinary world. It can also be used when caring for your beautiful black skin. It belongs to the ginger family. It adds a unique, vibrant flavor to many stews, soups and curries.
Look for turmeric that has a deep rich, golden color. You can sometimes find it in your local market. If not, visit your farmers market or Asian market. India produces the most turmeric worldwide but so do some parts of the Caribbean.
You’ve also heard and read that turmeric has medicinal properties and it now being used in the treatment of cancer. How it’s a potent anti-inflammatory, or how it treats digestion, ulcers and neurodegenerative conditions. It’s even said to have a wealth of antioxidants making it a useful tool in your beauty regimen. Let’s take a look at how it’s being used in body products.
Turmeric and Body Butter Scrubs.
The purpose of a skin scrub or exfoliant is to cleanse and remove any surface dirt and toxins. This allows your skin to function more efficiently and retain more moisture. Exfoliants/scrubs will often give your skin a healthy glow. Find yourself a scrub that has oils, honey and/or turmeric as the ingredients.
You can use our Body Butter Scrub as a base, I’ve done most of the work for you. You add one half or one teaspoon of turmeric to it and now you can enjoy the benefits of turmeric in your exfoliant/scrub to treat your body from the neck down.
Turmeric Milk Baths
Most of us know that there’s nothing more relaxing than a warm relaxing bath. I had to preface with “most” because there are people that don’t like to take baths, they prefer showers. Go figure! Any hoo … for those of us that like bathing, we know that it’s a great way to unwind and refocus. Remember though, warm to hot but not hot enough to burn your skin or dry it out.
Here’s a recipe for those of you that like to do-it-yourself. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute with almond or hemp milk.
2 cups of whole milk
1/4 cup whole grain oatmeal
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
Blend all of the ingredients in your blender. Scoop out a spoonful and place it in a strainer or cheese cloth and add it to your water as it’s running. Give yourself a good 20 minutes and pat yourself dry. Then follow up with a body oil or rich butter cream and enjoy the beauty of how your skin feels.
That’s if for this week. As always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher