In our modern western culture, one of the topmost discoveries in cooking has been spices. Collected from the Middle Eastern, Indian and Oriental countries’ kitchens. But did you know that these spices that are becoming such integral parts of the our kitchen are also actually great for the skin? From settling inflammation to giving the skin an instant glow, spices have proven very effective time and again. So let us delve into the medicinal properties of the best spices for healthy and glowing skin!

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow-coloured herb that is dried and used in powdered form in Indian cooking. Its medicinal properties are too many, and a few of them come in handy when it comes to the skin too. 

• Turmeric has very potent anti-inflammatory properties that help in wound healing, rashes, blemishes etc. 
• Applying a turmeric mask on the skin can help fight bacteria accumulated in clogged and inflamed pores. This helps with acne problems.
• Turmeric may also lighten any pigmentation and hyperpigmentation spots.
• Overall, it may also brighten the skin tone when used over a long period.

You can add turmeric to your diet by adding it to your teas, warm milk and honey, or even your stir-fry. For topical application, turmeric is increasingly found in many skincare products like masks and exfoliants.

2. Cinnamon 

Probably America’s favourite spice, cinnamon is a wonder ingredient to spice anything up. Be it coffee or pies, rolls or hot chocolate, cinnamon is ever-present. It is also known to calm our senses. But when applied topically, cinnamon draws blood to the skin’s surface, making it the perfect stimulus for some natural blush!

• Cinnamon also stimulates better blood circulation. 
• It helps the skin breathe and look rosy.
• The spice can also help heal acne and restore the skin’s glow.
• Many women use cinnamon on their lips for that natural pout and rosy hue.

3. Ginger

Ginger is an underground shoot that is another popular ingredient in South East Asian cooking. All those Chinese takeouts we so enjoy? Most of them have ginger in them. It is also used extensively in Thai and Indian cooking. Ginger has a host of medicinal properties which make it immensely beneficial for the skin.

• It is anti-inflammatory and hence works on any kind of skin rashes, blemishes and acne.
• It also helps fight skin disorders like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis etc.
• Ginger’s skin-brightening properties make it perfect to even out your skin tone and lighten dark spots.

The best way to add ginger to your diet is to start having a glass of ginger-lemon-honey water in the mornings. You can also season your homemade stir-fry and Thai curries with ginger. Ginger extract-rich skin products are another way to ensure that it reaches your skin directly.

4. Fennel

Fennel is a cooling, refreshing herb that is great for digestion. This spice is mild in taste and can easily be brewed into tea, which has a mild liquorice flavour. Fennel’s skin benefits are far too many. 

• Fennel seeds when eaten raw act as a mouth freshener and aid in digestion.
• Fennel eases the bowels too, indirectly helping keep your skin clear and radiant.
• It also reduces the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, settles redness and reduces skin irritation. 
• Fennel can be cooling to the senses and relaxing to the mind.

The best way to include fennel in your daily life is by taking a small cup of fennel tea after your meals. You can also add fresh or dried fennel seeds to recipes like hamburger patties, soups and salads if you enjoy the taste of it. For topical application, fennel-infused water can be used as a natural facial mist. You can spray it on to cool your skin.

5. Cumin

Cumin is a spice that is used extensively in Mexican cuisine closer home. So your palate must be familiar with its taste. Its skin benefits stretch towards the anti-aging spectrum. It has a very high content of Vitamin E, which of course, helps in preventing premature aging.

• Cumin protects the skin from oxidation and free radical damage.
• Its disinfectant properties make it good for skin detox treatments and reduce any infection.
• Cumin also works on the skin’s overall health.

Add powdered cumin to your Mexican recipes like enchiladas, Mexican rice, soups etc. If you suffer from acne, pimples or boils, then you can use a mixture of cumin seed oil with apple cider vinegar as a natural toner.

There are many amazing spices out there. You just need to find the right uses for your skin, and start expanding your diet. We at Savarnas Beauty Spa are always curating more and more blogs to help you care for your skin. And we hope this one finds its way to your kitchen, which leads to happier skin!