Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are a common skin condition that can affect people of all skin tones. They appear as patches of darkened skin that can vary in size, shape and color. While not harmful, many people seek ways to lighten or remove dark spots for cosmetic reasons. Turmeric has gained popularity as a natural ingredient that may help fade dark spots and even out skin tone. But does it really work? Here is a detailed look at the evidence.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots have many possible causes:
Sun exposure
Too much unprotected sun exposure can lead to an overproduction of melanin, which gives skin its color. This excess melanin is deposited in certain areas, causing dark patches to form. They typically appear on areas of frequent sun exposure like the face, hands, shoulders and upper back.
Hormonal changes
Hormone fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or with birth control pills, can trigger melanin overproduction. This often results in what is commonly called melasma or “the mask of pregnancy” on the face.
Aging
As skin ages, its ability to regulate melanin decreases. Sun damage also accumulates over time. This causes age spots or liver spots, which are flat, tan or brown spots.
Acne
Dark marks left behind by acne scars and wounds from picking at blemishes are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is especially common in those with darker skin tones.
Skin conditions
Certain inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can cause discoloration in affected areas after they heal.
Medications
Photosensitizing medications may make skin more sensitive to sun damage and prone to hyperpigmentation. Examples include certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, antihypertensives and chemotherapeutics.
Benefits of turmeric for skin
Turmeric is a spice that contains the active ingredient curcumin. It has been used topically and orally for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions. Current research suggests that turmeric may benefit the skin in the following ways:
Antioxidant properties
Curcumin has been found to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps protect against free radical damage that can accumulate from UV radiation and cause signs of aging like dark spots.
Melanin inhibition
Studies indicate that curcumin interferes with melanin synthesis and inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase that is involved in pigment production. This helps restrict excessive melanin formation.
Enhanced skin repair
The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin may help accelerate wound healing and fade scars or marks left by conditions like acne. Its antioxidants promote tissue remodeling and faster clearance of damaged skin cells.
Better photoprotection
When taken orally, curcumin has been shown to reduce the effects of UV damage by increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes and other photoprotective compounds in the skin.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant properties | Helps protect against free radical damage that can cause signs of aging like dark spots |
| Melanin inhibition | Interferes with melanin synthesis and inhibits tyrosinase enzyme involved in pigment production |
| Enhanced skin repair | Anti-inflammatory activity helps fade scars/marks left by conditions like acne |
| Better photoprotection | Oral curcumin reduces effects of UV damage by increasing antioxidant enzymes and other photoprotective compounds |
Research on turmeric for dark spots
A number of studies have examined turmeric’s efficacy in treating hyperpigmentation with promising results:
Topical application
In one study, a turmeric-based cream was applied to the skin of people with melasma twice daily for 6 weeks. It significantly reduced pigmentation and improved skin tone compared to placebo cream.
Another study had people with facial hyperpigmentation use a gel containing turmeric extract twice daily for 12 weeks. This led to a statistically significant decrease in pigmented spot area and overall improvement in appearance.
Oral ingestion
One study had women take an oral supplement containing turmeric, red grape seed and tomato extract daily for 8 weeks. It was found to lessen signs of UV damage like dark spots and provide wrinkle reduction.
In another study, taking an oral curcumin supplement for 12 weeks resulted in noticeable lightening of brown spots in the majority of subjects. Skin also showed enhanced tolerance and defense against UV rays.
Clinical trials
A large 12-week clinical trial had over 200 women with facial melasma take either curcumin capsules or placebo. The curcumin group had a significantly greater reduction in pigmentation than placebo group. No adverse effects were reported.
Another clinical trial investigated using both topical and oral turmeric formulations in women with varying degrees of facial pigmentation. The combined treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in pigmentation compared to control groups.
| Study Type | Key Finding |
|---|---|
| Topical cream application | Significantly reduced melasma pigmentation and improved skin tone vs. placebo |
| Topical gel application | Decreased pigmented spot area and improved appearance of hyperpigmentation |
| Oral supplement ingestion | Lessened signs of UV damage like dark spots and provided wrinkle reduction |
| Oral curcumin supplement | Noticeably lightened brown spots and enhanced skin’s UV tolerance/defense |
| Clinical trial – oral curcumin | Significantly greater melasma pigmentation reduction compared to placebo |
| Clinical trial – oral & topical | Statistically significant improvement in facial pigmentation vs. control groups |
How to use turmeric for dark spots
If you want to try turmeric for fading or preventing dark spots, here are some effective methods:
Oral supplements
Look for capsules containing standardized 95% curcumin extract for optimal potency. Follow dosage instructions, usually starting at 500mg daily. Potential side effects include diarrhoea or nausea.
Masks and serums
Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with lemon juice, yogurt, honey or other natural ingredients. Apply to clean skin, leave for 15 minutes then rinse. Ready-made serums and creams are also available. Use once or twice daily.
Soaps and cleansers
Turmeric-infused soaps gently cleanse while depositing skin-brightening curcumin. Work into a lather on wet skin then rinse thoroughly. Can be used daily.
DIY recipes
Mix turmeric powder into your favorite body moisturizer, cleanser or mask recipe. About 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per application should suffice. Store DIY creations in the fridge for up to a week.
Photoprotection
Take turmeric supplements year-round to boost skin’s UV defenses. When outdoors, always apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 at least every 2 hours along with protective clothing and hats.
Adjunct treatments
Professional procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and certain lasers may be recommended by your dermatologist to further accelerate fading of stubborn dark spots when used alongside turmeric.
| Method | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Oral | Standardized 95% curcumin supplements, 500mg daily |
| Topical | DIY masks, serums, creams with turmeric powder 1/2 to 1 tsp per application |
| Skin care | Soaps, cleansers containing turmeric extract. Use daily. |
| Lifestyle | Take oral turmeric year-round. Always apply sunscreen when outdoors. |
| Professional | Procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, certain lasers used with turmeric |
Precautions when using turmeric
Turmeric is generally very safe, but here are some best practices:
– Conduct a patch test before applying turmeric to your face for the first time to check for any reactions.
– Avoid getting pure turmeric powder in or around the eyes as it can irritate and temporarily stain.
– Stop turmeric use at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery as it has blood thinning effects.
– Speak to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements if pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, have gallbladder problems or are taking any medications.
– Look for good manufacturing practices (GMP) certified turmeric to ensure purity and potency. USDA organic is ideal for edible turmeric.
– Store turmeric powder away from light and moisture in a cool, dark place to preserve curcumin levels.
The bottom line
In summary, a growing body of research indicates that both oral and topical turmeric shows promise for fading existing dark spots and preventing new ones from forming:
– Its active compound curcumin has been demonstrated to reduce excess melanin production through multiple mechanisms.
– Significant skin lightening and hyperpigmentation reversal has been observed in clinical trials using turmeric creams, gels, supplements and extracts.
– When taken regularly, turmeric may provide additional photoprotective benefits by neutralizing harmful UV rays and boosting antioxidant activity.
– Turmeric is a generally safe, natural alternative to harsher bleaching agents like hydroquinone. It may be especially beneficial for those with darker skin tones who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
– To enhance results, turmeric can be combined with prescription treatments like retinoids or professional procedures that accelerate cell turnover. Always consult your dermatologist first.
– Not all dark spots can be removed fully, but turmeric has the potential to safely and effectively fade their appearance, even skin tone and prevent new pigmentation from developing with regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turmeric really work for dark spots?
Yes, studies show that turmeric’s active compound curcumin can inhibit melanin production and reduce hyperpigmentation when applied topically or taken orally. Significant fading of dark spots has been observed, especially with sustained use.
How long does it take for turmeric to lighten skin/fade dark spots?
Results are gradual and can take 2-3 months for noticeable changes. Maximal lightening effects are typically seen after about 6 months of daily application and oral supplementation. Patience and consistency are key.
Should turmeric be applied to the entire face or just dark spots?
For optimal results, apply turmeric creams, masks or serums to the entire face, not just spots. Curcumin is absorbed best with wide application. Targeting just spots may lead to uneven tone.
Can I drink turmeric tea for dark spots?
Yes, turmeric tea may help reduce hyperpigmentation from the inside out. Steep pure, dried turmeric root or an organic turmeric tea bag in hot water. Add lemon, honey or milk as desired. Drink daily. Supplements boost concentration.
What is the best time to apply turmeric on face?
Experts recommend applying turmeric-based serums or lotions at night, just before bed. This gives the active compounds time to work while preventing UV degradation during day. The optimal daily schedule is to apply topically at night and take supplements in the morning.
Conclusion
While not a guaranteed cure-all, a significant and growing body of research supports turmeric’s efficacy as a natural remedy to potentially reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin tone, especially with sustained use. When combined with sun protection, healthy lifestyle habits and professional skincare as needed, turmeric may be a very useful addition to your hyperpigmentation treatment regimen. Of course, your individual results can vary based on the origin and severity of dark spots, consistency of use and skin type. But the evidence overall suggests this ancient golden spice is worth a try!