Dermatologist Tells Us 4 Benefits Of Using Turmeric Soap

For thousands of years, people have relied on the medicinal properties of the turmeric plant to treat a wide range of health conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis, to name a few. In many Asian cultures, turmeric is also the go-to remedy for inflammatory skin concerns and it all comes down to one of its primary components: curcumin. As double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology explains during an exclusive interview with Glam, "Curcumin is one of the antioxidants in turmeric, and is responsible for the golden color associated with turmeric. It is thought to be an effective skin brightener, helping to [reduce] discoloration associated with acne and sun damage."

However, the vast skincare benefits of antioxidants don't stop at skin brightening. According to Dr. Camp, "The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may [also] help calm skin affected by inflammatory skin conditions. These include acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis." The combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this golden-orange ingredient create some powerful benefits, including anti-aging and acne-fighting perks.

One of the key advantages of using turmeric soap is the ability to reduce the visible signs of skin aging. "Antioxidants neutralize free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules," dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp tells Glam during an exclusive chat. "Free radicals can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots." Exposure to these free radicals can occur due to environmental pollutants, such as poor air quality and cigarette smoke, which proves challenging to avoid if you live in the city. 

That said, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun's rays or tanning beds are also sources of free radicals, so city dwellers aren't the only ones at risk of free radical buildup. As such, your bet for preventing early aging is to rely on sunscreen and antioxidants such as turmeric, which you can easily incorporate into your daily beauty routine to slow down the development of fine lines and wrinkles caused by free radicals.

Not only is turmeric useful for reducing the appearance of acne scars and any resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but you can also rely on turmeric to prevent acne from forming. Yes, the curcumin present in turmeric helps combat acne and is one of the reasons this miracle ingredient is so widely touted in the natural beauty community. "The antibacterial properties of turmeric make it a potentially helpful treatment for those with acne-prone skin," dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp shares exclusively with Glam.

While DIY face masks are a convenient method for preventing face breakouts, Dr. Camp explains that you can also take advantage of turmeric's acne-fighting benefits to reduce body acne. "Using a soap or cleanser is often an efficient way to treat large surface areas that are affected by acne, such as the back or chest," he tells Glam. Additionally, many turmeric soaps on the market also contain other acne-fighting ingredients, such as kojic acid, which can increase your chances of keeping breakouts at bay. If you try a turmeric soap that also contains chemical exfoliants, remember to conduct a patch test to test for any sensitivities to stronger ingredients. With its ability to brighten skin, defend against acne and the signs of aging, and calm skin inflammation, turmeric soap is definitely a game-changer.