7 Ways Turmeric Benefits in Acne Rosacea & How to Use [Updated]

Acne rosacea or rosacea causes chronic skin inflammation, especially around the nose, cheeks, chin, eyelids or forehead.

This inflammation resembles prominent blood vessels  across the face, skin eruptions like acne, redness or swelling.

Other symptoms include a flushed face, swollen and red nose and irritation of the eyes or burning sensation.

It could be a side effect of other skin and eye disorders.

While harmless, this skin condition could cause a permanent change to one’s appearance and this may result in a loss of self-esteem and psychological damage.

There is no established cure for rosacea. People use many home remedies, oral antibiotics or antibiotic ointments to treat rosacea.

Preventive methods can control flare-ups and include avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen regularly, reduce stress and avoiding hot beverages, alcohol, and spicy food.

There are many herbal and natural remedies based on like turmeric, aloe vera, etc., that have anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties which can heal conditions like atopic dermatitis, rosacea, erythema caused by exposure to UV light, drug-induced skin problems, psoriasis, and irritated or sensitive skin.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice which is used for culinary purposes in Asian cuisines. It has also been used for therapeutic applications in numerous diseases in Ayurveda.

More recently, scientists have discovered the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, wound healing and many other properties of this magical herb and its constituents, primarily, curcumin.

Also, there are numerous studies which explore the potentials of turmeric and curcumin in treating many skin-related conditions.

If you want to know more about turmeric, read here>

Let us find out how these properties of turmeric can assist persons with acne rosacea.

Turmeric Benefits for Acne Rosacea

In Acne rosacea, turmeric benefits in several ways. It modulates immune responses and reduces inflammation. It protects the skin from damage by toxins, UV radiations, and microbial infections. It further promotes overall skin health by moisturising and healing the skin.

These benefits are discussed in detail below –

1. Turmeric reduces inflammation and modulates the immune system

Inflammation and immune system abnormalities are presumed to be the leading causes in the development of acne rosacea.

Inflammation causes the release of chemotactic factors and vasoactive mediators that cause an increase in permeability and dilation of capillaries leading to inflamed and swollen tissues.

Turmeric used in animal models has shown to inhibit these mediators, stabilize membranes and prevent platelet aggregation, therefore, preventing cell inflammation.

Several environmental, psychological and hormonal changes trigger an immune response on the skin. The activated immune system causes inflammation of skin cells which is visible as reddening and swelling and leads to the formation of acne.

Turmeric and curcumin have been proven to be excellent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. It can be used to treat erythema (redness and inflammation) induced by acne rosacea.

Curcuminoids from turmeric are potent inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators like Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α), interleukins and nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) which are involved in the pathogenesis of acne rosacea.

Curcumin can also suppress the activation of mast cells (immune cells) responsible for this effect.

Moreover, compositions containing inhibitors of NF-κB (like turmeric) have been identified as effective treatment measures for rosacea.

What does this mean?
Treatment with turmeric helps n reducing skin inflammation and redness associated with acne rosacea.

2. Turmeric is a potent antioxidant

Inflammation, infection and other triggering factors of rosacea cause damage to skin cells. These processes lead to the production of toxins in the form of reactive oxygen species and decrease the antioxidative capacity of the skin.

Scientists have found that turmeric, with its antioxidative potential, can scavenge free radicals, neutralise toxic effects and protect the skin from cell and DNA injury.

‘Ubtan’ is an Indian cosmetic formulation that incorporates these antioxidative effects of turmeric and other ingredients. Its high phenolic and flavonoid content aids in the protection of skin from damage and helps in skin care.

Read: How to Make Ubtan 

Thus, turmeric can be used for the prevention and management of skin conditions like rosacea.

Read: Why turmeric is a great antioxidant

What does this mean?
Turmeric protects the skin from damage caused by toxins and increases the skins antioxidative capacity.

3. Turmeric treats acne and promotes skin health

Since ages, turmeric has been used for maintaining a healthy, glowing and problem-free skin. This is because, in addition to its protective nature, it promotes skin health by moisturising and healing damaged skin cells.

Turmeric has been used in several herbal formulations, creams, gels and face wash. It is one of the most effective, complementary and alternative treatment measures for acne.

Curcumin detoxifies the skin, promotes skin contraction and initiates repair and regeneration of injured skin cells. It also delays skin ageing.

As acne rosacea is more prevalent in dry skin types, the moisturising effects of turmeric may be utilised to treat eczema, itching, scaling, and severe dryness.

Thus, the use of turmeric by rosacea patients may facilitate better skin care and reduced severity of the disease.

Read: How Turmeric Benefits Skin

What does this mean?
Turmeric improves skin health by reducing acne and enhancing skin healing and moisturisation.

4. Turmeric prevents skin damage caused by UV rays

Exposure to harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun is one of the many triggering factors of acne rosacea. Thus, its treatment involves protecting the skin from irritation and damage caused by these rays.

Studies show that turmeric can act as a protective agent for skin against damage caused by exposure to sunlight and radiations, particularly the UV-B radiations.

Creams and herbal formulations containing turmeric have a higher SPF (sun protection factor, owing to its phenolic content). They can be used by individuals to prevent the onset of acne rosacea.

What does this mean?
Turmeric protects skin from UV radiations and prevents triggering of symptoms of acne rosacea.

5. Turmeric inhibits microbial infection which induces and worsen acne

Skin bacterial population can initiate or aggravate the symptoms of rosacea.

Many microbes are generally present on our skin but sometimes, an increase in their population may stimulate the dermal protective mechanisms. This induces inflammation and pus formation resulting in papules and pustules.

Turmeric is anti-microbial and can inhibit the growth and multiplication of several microbial species on the facial skin.

Several studies have shown that curcumin present in turmeric exhibits microbicidal activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Helicobacter pylori strains of bacteria which are involved in the pathogenesis of acne rosacea.

By suppressing these bacterial strains, turmeric may prevent rosacea and the worsening of its symptoms.

What does this mean? 
Turmeric can inhibit the growth of microbial strains responsible for initiating the immune response in acne rosacea.

6. Turmeric may improve vascular dysregulation in acne rosacea

Vascular dysregulation leads to the dilation of small capillaries and blood vessels on the facial skin.

These dilations increase blood flow and cause the leakage of proteins, immune cells, and other plasma components.

Inflammation is induced which is seen as erythema, edema, and flushing on the face. Warmth, stinging and burning sensations are thus reported by patients.

Formation or proliferation of new blood vessels by a process called angiogenesis is also observed.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which is found to be increased in rosacea patients, has a vital role to play in these effects.

Studies show that curcumin from turmeric is an inhibitor of VEGF and the process of angiogenesis.

Thus, it may be said that curcumin has the potential to act against the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

However, these are preliminary findings, and there is insufficient evidence to prove this effect of turmeric in acne rosacea.

What does this mean?
Turmeric can inhibit angiogenesis and other vascular abnormalities reported to induce rosacea.

7. Turmeric can manage acne rosacea-associated health conditions

Although rosacea is a skin condition, it has been associated with several other disorders such as cardiovascular ailments, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, metabolic abnormalities, allergies, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Surprisingly, turmeric and its constituents have been proven to be beneficial in almost all of these conditions directly or indirectly.

Thus, turmeric may not only help one with acne but also contribute to the prevention and treatment of other disorders that might be related to it. This will reduce the severity and risk of acne rosacea significantly.

Read: 100 Health Benefits of Turmeric

What does this mean?
Turmeric is beneficial in treating and managing several health disorders associated with acne rosacea.

 

The dosage of Turmeric for Acne Rosacea

There is no particular dosage of turmeric for complete treatment of acne rosacea.

Regular intake of turmeric in the diet and topical application may help in the prevention of disease, reducing complications and assist in better management of the symptoms.

Oral intake of turmeric

Studies have advised that inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric in the diet promotes skin health and assists in reducing severity and symptoms of acne rosacea.

Turmeric and curcumin are poorly absorbed by the body. (Read How to improve Turmeric’s bioavailability?)

Golden paste is an excellent way to take turmeric. It incorporates turmeric with black pepper and healthy fats which enhance absorption. Find the recipe for the golden paste made from turmeric powder here. Here is the recipe to make the paste from fresh turmeric roots.

The ideal dosage of turmeric differs from person to person as everyone has varying levels of tolerability to certain spices.

When beginning to take turmeric in the diet, start with small doses of ¼ to ½ tsp turmeric per day for a week. If you do not observe any gastric abnormalities, the dose can be gradually increased ¼ to ½ tsp a week. The recommended dose of turmeric is 1 tsp thrice a day.

Turmeric tea and turmeric milk are delicious ways to include the spice in your diet. Recipe here>

Turmeric powder or golden paste can also be added to soups, smoothies, curries, rice or any other turmeric dish. Check out several turmeric recipes here>

If opting for turmeric/curcumin supplements, consult with a healthcare professional before use and for determination of dose based on your health status.

Topical use of turmeric

For skin conditions like acne rosacea, topical application of turmeric is best suited and may provide faster relief.

This is because topical application skips many processes like digestion, absorption, utilisation, and distribution of turmeric. It delivers the constituents directly to the affected area.

Before topical application, it is advised to do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions.

For applying to the skin, take a sufficient amount of turmeric powder and mix it with milk or oil, preferably coconut/olive oil and apply to the affected area. Leave for around 30 minutes and wash the area. This can be repeated 2-3 times a day.

Read: Topical turmeric for Inflammation

Turmeric face mask is an easy way to apply topically. It can be prepared at home by combining turmeric with other herbal juices, extracts and components which may improve turmeric absorption and promote skin health.

Turmeric masks

It is also said to benefit skin rejuvenation and help remove signs of premature skin ageing.

It has been suggested that using a turmeric face mask regularly can reduce redness and the small pimples that erupt on the face due to rosacea.

To make turmeric face mask mix few tablespoons turmeric with yoghurt, milk or honey in a plastic bowl. Wash the affected areas, pat dry and apply this mixture to clean skin.

Leave the face mask for about 20 minutes to dry and then rinse with warm water.

This paste can be left overnight for better effect but may stain clothes. So make sure you wear only old clothes. Turmeric can also stain skin.

To remove this, wipe the affected areas with a cotton ball dipped in a mild facial toner.

One thing to add here  – some people have very sensitive skin and thus turmeric can worsen the situation too. Thus it is best to do a patch test and see how your skin reacts.

If everything remains fine – go ahead!

Get more ideas on making turmeric masks here>

Precautions to be taken

Dietary turmeric is considered safe. However, when using turmeric/curcumin supplements, few precautions have to be kept in mind.

Read – Possible Side effects of turmeric

Supplements should be avoided during pregnancy, lactation, before surgery and if suffering from gallbladder obstruction and bleeding problems.

Limit the intake of turmeric if suffering from gout or having a risk of developing kidney stones.

Read – Is turmeric safe in gout?

Read – Does turmeric cause kidney stones?

Avoid taking turmeric on an empty stomach to prevent acid reflux symptoms.

Turmeric has a possibility of interaction with drugs used for reducing stomach acids, blood sugar levels, and anti-depressants.

Thus, concomitant use of turmeric/curcumin supplements with these drugs should be avoided.

Conclusion

Turmeric has been used since ancient times to treat skin disorders, mainly acne. These effects have become more evident in recent research.

In Acne rosacea, turmeric modulates the immune responses and reduces inflammation.

It protects the skin from damage by toxins, UV radiations, and microbial infections. It further promotes overall skin health by moisturising and healing the skin.