Turmeric is a yellow spice commonly used to make curries, but it can also help exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent breakouts. When processed, the natural pigment of turmeric will leave a yellow stain on the skin. If you accidentally stain your skin, face or nails while using turmeric, these pigments can be removed with common ingredients you can find at home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Oil
Step 1. Heat vegetable oil or coconut oil in the microwave for 15 seconds
Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat the oil on a high heat setting for 15 seconds. Make sure the oil is warm enough, but not too hot.
- Use only 1 tablespoon (15 ml) if the stain is light.
- The pigments in turmeric are more soluble in oil than water. This means that the oil will lift the stain more easily.
Step 2. Massage the oil over the skin for 30 seconds
Gently rub the stained skin in a circular motion. Do this step to clean the pigment. After scrubbing for about 30 seconds, let sit for about 1 minute so that the oil can lift the stain more cleanly.
Step 3. Wipe the skin dry with a cotton swab
Use a disposable cotton swab to wipe the oil off the skin. Rotate the cotton after each wiping so that the oil is absorbed maximally. Keep wiping the skin until it is dry and the oil is completely clean. The lifted pigment will stick to the cotton.
Tip:
If you can't use cotton, just use a dark washcloth to hide the stain.
Step 4. Wash the skin with warm soapy water
Drop bath soap or hand soap into warm water and rub it into the stained skin. Rub the soap on the skin in a circular motion to remove any remaining stains. Rinse the soapy water off the skin and dry with a towel.
If there are still stains left, repeat the process again
Method 2 of 3: Making a Sugar Scrub
Step 1. Mix sugar and water in equal ratio to make a paste
Prepare warm water in a bowl and add sugar in the same ratio. Stir until it forms a thick paste that you can spread easily over the skin.
You can use granulated sugar or organic cane sugar for this scrub
Step 2. Rub the paste over the skin in a circular motion
Rub the sugar paste on the skin and rub the stained area in a circular motion. The sugar will remove the turmeric pigment while exfoliating dead skin cells.
Do not rub too hard because it will irritate the skin
Step 3. Rinse the skin with warm soapy water
Mix hand soap with water until it foams. Rinse the sugar paste thoroughly to remove turmeric stains. Once the skin is clean, dry with a soft towel.
If the stain remains, make a new sugar scrub and clean the area again
Method 3 of 3: Mixing Lemon Water and Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix baking soda and lemon water in equal ratio
Pour the baking soda and lemon juice into a bowl and stir with a spoon. Keep stirring until it forms a paste that is easy to work out by hand. If it's too thick, add lemon juice. If it's too runny, add baking soda.
Baking soda and lemon water can also help lighten and exfoliate dead skin cells
Tip:
If you don't have lemon juice on hand, replace it with white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Step 2. Rub the baking soda paste on the turmeric stain for 2-3 minutes
Apply a thin layer of soda paste over the stained skin. Let it dry for 2-3 minutes so the paste can lift the stain from above the skin.
Do not apply this mixture near the eyes as it can damage vision
Step 3. Rinse the paste with soapy water
Once dry, run warm water over the skin to clean it. If the paste is still stuck, use a paper towel or dark cloth to clean the skin. The baking soda will lift any remaining blemishes while brightening your skin!
Wash the pasta thoroughly as lemon juice can cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight
Tips
- Use organic musk turmeric if you want to avoid blemishes on your skin.
- Instead of mixing turmeric with water to make a paste, try using honey or milk. A thicker mixture will result in a lighter stain.
