DIY: Turmeric Mask

Or aka "How to look like a Simpson for 20 minutes". This mask is something that I chanced upon while doing some digging for a research proposal, and although I was focused on getting the proposal done, I couldn't help myself from doing a little research on it's beauty benefits.


What I Found Out

Although more commonly used as a flavoring agent, Turmeric or "luyang dilaw" has been known to have a myriad of health benefits due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties. It is also rich in anti-oxidants,  helps reduce inflammation and has shown to be very effective in preventing Diabetes, Dementia, and different types of cancer with frequent ingestion.

No wonder it's called "Spice of Life".

Aside from our health, this little sucker is also beneficial for our skin. It can serve as a quick relief to burns, brighten up your complexion, lighten scars, make your skin as soft as a baby's bottom, minimize facial hair, and best of all, it helps reduce acne.

Yep, that's right. It helps reduce acne. Because of it's antibacterial properties, it helps kill the bacteria both in and on the surface of the skin while reducing inflammation caused by the bacteria. This is mainly the reason why I tried -and still continue using- the mask. Who doesn't want clear skin, right?

The Process

In order to make the mask, you would need...

• Turmeric powder
• Coconut Oil (or whichever oil you prefer) - helps moisturize the skin and also helps kill bacteria. 
• A small plastic container - you wouldn't want to stain any precious china.
• A popsicle stick

Optional:

• Honey - another anti-bacterial agent.
• Yogurt (this is optional. I'm a bit lacking in funds which is why I didn't add yogurt)

All you need to do is to put in all your ingredients in the plastic container (you can just eyeball the measurements like I did) and mix the yellow concoction thoroughly until you have something that looks like...

This. Oil and honey don't really mix together, so don't be discouraged if it looks lumpy. Adding more oil usually helps in making its consistency smoother. 

Now all you need to do is apply it to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes or more. I suggest that you do this while you're alone in the comforts of you own home, unless you want people to start laughing at you and call you a Simpson. And please do wear a shirt that you won't mind staining, because this can stain clothes like no other.

So... Will it stain your face? Not really. The pigment in turmeric is fat-soluble, and because we added oil and yogurt to the mixture, rest assured that your face won't be as yellow as Spongebob's after rinsing. However, if you leave it on for more than 30 minutes, your face will have a slight yellow tinge, but nothing that your regular cleanser or toner can't remove.

Well? Is it Effective?

In all honesty, I believe so. Every time I rinse the mask off, my skin would always look brighter and would leave it oh so soft. I Although I am currently on an acne meds, I did notice that my acne also dried up and cleared quicker when I used the mask, rather than when I use the medication alone. The scars on my face also faded at a faster rate.

I am, however, a bit doubtful with mixing oil and honey together. Because honey doesn't dissolve in the coconut oil, I'm not sure if it's actually sinking into my skin or just sitting on top of my face. I'll look into it more.

There you have it, your own turmeric mask. I hope you lovelies enjoyed this tutorial and try out this little DIY for yourselves.