by Because of the natural fads of skin care to prevent your life, you are kneeling at the shrine of the secrets of the age. Due to the recent self-care trend ‘Girl Therapy’, the number of people making homemade facial creams has increased, and TikTok beauty gurus are obsessed with cinnamon powder and turmeric, as the popularity of Indian spices has increased.
Thanks to social media, people are starting to pay attention to their skin rejuvenating benefits. However, “Some online advice should only be taken with a pinch of salt,” says consultant dermatologist and specialist in hair disorders, Dr Archa Rao. If anyone knows how to best advise us on handling the Indian spice rack, it’s Rao, with her extensive training in Mumbai and her amazing work on ethnic skin types.
Dr Rao says: “I worry about young people going on social media very early and following these trends, because before the age of 16 to 18 you don’t really need to do all this. Your skin is really sensitive at this time. The other group of people I worry about are women in their forties…
“I even saw a video where someone tries to stick ginger on the skin but it’s the wrong time to try it, because when you’re in your forties, your hormones change so your skin becomes very sensitive to hard ingredients. It’s important for everyone to be careful, especially if they have things like rosacea.”
“[Sharing] a sense of responsibility for information on social media should come from both. From the person giving the advice and from the person taking it. It’s important to make up your own mind and understand that not everything you read is necessarily the holy grail.”
But what are Dr Rao’s thoughts on the spices themselves? And are they as safe or effective as their synthetic counterparts?
Turmeric
What is that? Turmeric is a golden-orange powder valued for its nutrition and flavoring of food. People with osteoarthritis have been known to use it to relieve joint pain.
Purported skin benefits: With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric can give the skin a natural glow and boosts moisture. It also has healing benefits because it contains a chemical called curcumin.
Disadvantages: Topical use of turmeric can cause staining due to its strong yellow pigment. There may also be some irritation if used for too long.
The expert says: “People use turmeric for Indian wedding ceremonies such as Haldi, where the bride (and sometimes even the groom) is scrubbed with turmeric powder in variations due to its antiseptic properties and the ability to improve and brighten up the skin. But what I would say is that one size does not fit all.
“It’s all about using everything in moderation, although the downside of using turmeric is less of a concern for allergic reactions than other spices like cardamom.”
Channels
What is that? Rich in antioxidants, cinnamon is known to help manage blood sugars, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation.
Purported skin benefits: Cinnamon is said to help treat acne and reduce blackheads due to its antiseptic properties. It can also help reduce eczema and signs of aging.
Disadvantages: If used too often and for too long (some sources say longer than 15 to 20 minutes), cinnamon can cause irritation.
The expert says: “Things like cinnamon are used topically for acne to improve circulation. But ingredients like nutmeg and cloves can have a high rate of allergic dermatitis, so you can get allergies when using these products on the skin. That’s why I always say not to use too many hard ingredients at once.”
Saffron
What is that? Saffron is a plant, the dried thread like parts of which are used to make saffron spice and food coloring. The benefits of the spice have been well known since the Middle Ages, often used as a medical treatment for relief from menstrual cramps among other things.
Purported skin benefits: Saffron is known to reduce hyperpigmentation, support wound healing and fight inflammation related to the skin.
Disadvantages: Although saffron can be well tolerated, excessive amounts of the spice in skin care products can cause allergic reactions on the skin.
The expert says: “Having lived and practiced in the Indian subcontinent, I know that there are many creams over there that contain saffron to fully nourish, hydrate and moisturize the skin. However, there is still a question mark over its effectiveness. I don’t think anyone really looked at it. Sometimes retail products use the spice, but I always tell my patients, when they come to me about how they paid so much money for a cream to understand that not everything expensive is good. Saffron is considered quite an exotic spice and that is why it is quite expensive. I think saffron has potential as an ingredient and can be used well on the skin, but within safety limits. But could you take it off your spice rack and apply it to your skin? Maybe not.”
Black pepper
What is that? Black pepper is one of the earliest spices to be discovered and is known as the “King of Spices” in everyday cooking.
Purported skin benefits: Black pepper can work as a potent exfoliator and can cleanse the skin because it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Disadvantages: Not surprisingly, it can cause a burning sensation on the skin.
The expert says: “Sometimes people will use black pepper for acne, but I would say that the benefits of ingesting it are much better than using it topically. If you go to the Indian subcontinent, you will see people using black pepper in herbal remedies. But I would be very careful about using this ingredient on this skin, because it is what you might call a sharp spice..”
Ginger
What is that? Ginger is a flowering plant used as a spice and is an integral part of the southeast Asian diet. Eating ginger promotes digestion and is often used as a remedy for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.
Purported skin benefits: Ginger has traditionally been used in toners, scrubs and masks and is said to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fading scars.
Disadvantages: Ginger can cause irritation, redness and swelling, especially if used more often than it should.
The expert says: “Be sure not to use too many harsh ingredients. Ginger with lime juice is a recipe for disaster and sometimes people take the tingling as a good sign. They may feel that means something is working on their skin, but sometimes it can also be a sign that their skin is really rejecting the spice.
“Sometimes people will use ginger to tone the skin but, again, the benefits are much better to ingest.”
