Is Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Helpful for Healthy Skin: Truth or Myth?
The goal of any skin anti-ageing treatment is to create "better-looking" skin that is clear, resilient, healthy, smooth, and free of imperfections. Understanding patients' needs and guiding them towards a therapeutic approach that will yield the most satisfying results while being knowledgeable about all of the available treatment options is essential. Nothing compares to the benefits of natural products and healthy habits, even though there are many different skin and beauty care products on the market [2].
The Scientific Reason for Skin Damage
As we all know, skin is continually exposed to a wide range of external factors, including photoaging, sun damage, pollution, smoking and diet. Lets discuss one by one-
1. Photoaging, or sun damage: It is the term used to describe the premature ageing of skin brought on by extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. This damage can show up as wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity, and a leathery texture. It is different from natural ageing. In addition to causing DNA mutations in skin cells, UV radiation raises the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. UV exposure also causes wrinkles and sagging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibres, which are necessary for the elasticity and firmness of skin. It also causes an inflammatory response in the skin, which exacerbates damage and ageing [3].
2. Environmental Pollutants: The increase in air pollution worldwide represents an environmental risk factor that has global implications for the health of humans worldwide. The skin of billions of people is exposed to a mixture of harmful air pollutants, that erode the skin's protective layer and eventually produce free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and skin damage [4].
3. Smoking and diet: Cigarette smoke contains toxins like nicotine that break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and premature ageing. Excessive alcohol and sugar intake can also harm skin health by inflaming the skin and breaking down collagen [5].
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
How Turmeric Works to Prevent Skin Ageing
A. Anti-inflammation
Curcumin can modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL6 and IL12, COX-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and MMPs. It can also affect how the NF-κB pathway, a crucial regulator of inflammation, is activated. Moreover, curcumin acts as an antioxidant by defeating the production of ROS and free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation and free oxygen salvage [6]. The downregulation of β1-integrin is the main cause of ageing skin. A study found that curcumin can increase the expression of NFκB, the Bcl2/Bax ratio, and the β1-integrin gene in fibroblast cells. Researchers are finding that curcumin inhibits several important ageing mechanisms. It eliminates senescent cells, lengthens telomeres, guards against glycation, and triggers autophagy and AMPK. Growing data suggests that consuming curcumin supplements could be a great way to prevent ageing 3, [7].
B. Antioxidant:
Turmeric hinders lipid peroxidation and salvage of free oxygen and serves as an antioxidant by vanquishing free radicals and ROS generation. The primary cause of ageing skin is the downregulation of β1-integrin. Turmeric's antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, protecting skin cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing premature ageing and skin damage from sun exposure [8][9].
C. Anti-ageing:
Turmeric is well known for helping acne, fighting oily skin, and minimising wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It also provides strong protection against free radicals. Given that plant-based remedies promote the formation of collagen, which inhibits the action of enzymes like collagenase and elastase that degrade healthy, supple skin, it is also not surprising that they are gaining popularity in contemporary society. Additionally, it may encourage the synthesis of collagen, which preserves the elasticity and firmness of the skin [9].
Cosmetology point of view
Turmeric may be the first known cosmetic as it has been traditionally smeared on the skin by women. It is believed to reduce facial hair growth, reduce acne and improve complexion. Many women in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu still apply turmeric on their face daily before taking a bath. Tetrahydro curcumin is an off-white hydrogenated form of curcumin that may prevent rancidity of lipids when added to moisturizers [10]. Curcuminoids have potential in cosmeceuticals as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening agents. A preclinical study suggests that curcuminoids inhibit collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase. Curcumin gel has been reported to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin conditions such as pigmentary changes, solar elastoses, actinic poikiloderma, solar lentigines and actinic keratosis when applied for prolonged periods such as six months [10].
Dermatological point of view
Curcumin has the potential in inflammatory
and neoplastic disorders of the skin. High-dose curcuminoids at a dose of 6 g
per day improved the signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus in a clinical
trial of 20 patients. Curcumin inhibited crucial psoriasis pathways such as
NF-kβ and downstream inflammation including Th1 cytokines in the preclinical
stage [10]. Topical gel preparation of 1% curcumin inhibited phosphorylase
kinase and improved the lesions in chronic plaque psoriasis.[30] It may also
promote healing and prevent scarring in acute injuries such as burns, by
inhibiting phosphorylase kinase and subsequent NF-kB/TGF-β signalling pathway.
Topical application may have an inhibitory effect on chemical carcinogenesis of the skin. Curcumin accelerated wound healing in rats is attributed to its antioxidant properties [5]. [10].
How To Use Turmeric for Your Skin
Adverse effects
In some nations, curcumin has been a part of the diet for centuries at doses under 100 mg per day. Due to its low bioavailability, oral curcumin is unlikely to cause acute toxicity. It is well tolerated for short-term use at doses up to 8 g daily. There have been reports of dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and nausea. Gallstones, hypersensitivity, and biliary tract obstructive disorders are contraindications. It did not cause mutagenesis in vitro or teratogenicity in mice or rats. There is insufficient clinical data to establish safety in pregnancy, lactation, and children. Due to a number of factors, including differences in the products and dosages used in trials, potential drug interactions, low bioavailability, exposure to impurities, a lack of studies, and conflicting evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies, the long-term safety of compounded medicines is unclear [10] [11].
Summary: Based on the scientific evidence, this
article revealed that turmeric/curcumin as a whole or its supplements, both
oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only, and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
References
[1] "Characteristics
of the Aging Skin," Adv. Wound Care. 2013.
[2] "Skin
anti-aging strategies," Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012.
[3] "Natural
and sun-induced aging of human skin," Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Med. 2015.
[4] "Environmental
Air Pollutants Affecting Skin Functions with Systemic Implications,"
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023
[5] "Effects
of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical
Evidence," Phytotherapy Research. 2016.
[6] "Anti-inflammatory
effects of curcumin in the inflammatory diseases: Status, limitations and
countermeasures," Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2021.
[7] "Targeted
therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human
health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future
perspectives," Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 2024
[8] "Nutraceuticals
for skin care: A comprehensive review of human clinical studies,"
Nutrients. 2018
[9] "Role
of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-aging effects," Journal of
Dermatological Science. 2010.
[10] "Turmeric:
A condiment, cosmetic and cure," Indian Journal of Dermatology,
Venereology and Leprology. 2018.
[11] "Dietary
curcumin: Correlation between bioavailability and health potential,"
Nutrients. 2019