Body third

Turmeric

In recent years, turmeric has grown in popularity in health and beauty. From delicious dishes to buzzy golden milk and even moisturizers, turmeric is added to a number of items to enhance the benefits for both health and skin.

Coming from the ginger family, turmeric has been used in Asian and Indian cultures for centuries, specifically in medicine and Ayurvedic practices. A spice with a golden-orange hue, turmeric is featured in a number of dishes ranging from curry to stews and beverages. The compound responsible for its health-enhancing benefits is known as curcumin, which contains ample levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Curcumin is also rich in phytonutrients and provides added protection to cells by neutralizing damage caused by environmental stressors and free radicals. Applying turmeric topically has been shown to reduce the appearance of dark circles and undereye bags, thanks in part to its brightening properties.

Eminence Organics International Educator Brian Goodwin tells us “these properties lead to an inhibition of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation, thus brightening any discoloration caused by exposure to the sun and pollution and fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne.”

Incorporate turmeric into your skin care routine with Turmeric Energizing Treatment. Starting as a gentle exfoliating powder, a few drops of water transform the treatment into a warming and mousse-like turmeric face mask, leaving skin soft and brightened after each use.  

Cinnamon

Spicy and warming cinnamon is another ingredient used for thousands of years in medicine and cooking practices. Sourced from the Cinnamomum genus of tree species, the inner bark is primarily used to create the spice, but fruit, leaves and tree roots are also used.

While cinnamon is found in a number of regions, the two most traditional forms are the Ceylon cinnamon (which is considered the “true” cinnamon and hails from Sri Lanka), with Cassia cinnamon (grown in southeast Asia) being the most prominently available in North America.

Aside from use as a cooking spice, cinnamon is often ingested in supplement form to manage blood sugar levels and gastrointestinal issues. As for skin care, there are plenty of benefits too.

Brian shares: “When cinnamon-containing products are applied to the skin, a warming, stimulating sensation occurs and is attributed to a naturally occurring chemical in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde and another chemical called cinnamic acid also provide potent antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making cinnamon a phenomenal ingredient to resolve acne and breakouts.”

A skin care product containing the cinnamon ingredient can make your skin feel warm and rejuvenated. Use the Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment weekly to revitalize your skin’s appearance.

Paprika

Much like cinnamon, paprika is another spice used in health and skin care. Though it might sound like a novel idea to some, applying paprika to the skin has actually been done for hundreds of years.

Made using ground, dried red peppers (Capsicum annuum), paprika is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For centuries, paprika has been a staple in dishes worldwide thanks partly to its nutrient-rich profile: high in vitamin A, beta carotene and lutein. These antioxidants work to fight against free radicals and are thought to promote eye health, reduce inflammation and protect against cancer with the help of carotenoids and capsaicin.   

Brian shares: “Paprika is also a great source of carotenoid beta carotene, which can help prevent and treat common signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.”

Similar to cinnamon, paprika is recommended for those trying to manage problem skin. With the properties of both cinnamon and paprika, Hungarian Herbal Mud helps reduce excess sebum, clears pores and revitalizes the look of the skin.

Ginger

Ginger, known as the root of the ginger tree, benefits both skin health and overall well-being. Native to countries such as India, Japan and China, the use of ginger in medicine can be traced back thousands of years. Used to treat various digestive ailments (nausea, most commonly), ginger is also packed with antioxidants to fight against free radicals. With over 400 compounds in ginger, this ingredient provides anti-inflammatory properties both internally and externally.

For skin care, ginger is a rejuvenating ingredient. Goodwin says, “ginger-based skin care can truly benefit all skin types. For clients looking to target dry and aging skin, ginger can improve elasticity and tone to reveal brighter and more luminous skin. In contrast, those struggling with acne or oily skin can benefit from ginger’s toning and tightening properties. Incorporating this ingredient into a daily routine is a surefire way to experience glowing, healthy and radiant skin.”

Healthy skin is a reflection of what you feed your body from the inside. Healing herbs and spices are just a few of the many natural ingredients that you can incorporate into your diet (and skin care routine) for a healthy body and beautiful skin.

Would you like to try adding some of these natural ingredients into your skin care? Book a treatment with your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner and see which products they suggest for you.

This article was originally published in March 2015.