You probably already sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal for flavor or maybe you turn to ginger to soothe an upset stomach. But have you ever considered spicing up your beauty regimen? Applying spices topically with lotions, tonics, and washes helps maintain the health of your body’s largest organ—your skin, says Jackie Keller, certified wellness coach and nutrition educator. Look for products containing these spices.
Turmeric
This Ayurvedic spice’s potent antioxidant, curcumin, helps keep skin wrinkle free by fighting skin-damaging free radicals. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a prime skin soother. Some research even suggests turmeric may slow skin cancer growth.
Cinnamon
Studies show just a small concentration of Cinnamomum cassia effectively fights bacteria. Cinnamon also stimulates blood circulation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the skin to help eliminate blemishes.
Mustard
Mustard seed’s oil contains high levels of selenium and zinc, important antioxidants that may help fight free-radical damage. High levels of beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce signs of aging and counter inflammation.
Chili pepper
Capsaicin, the purified, extracted alkaloid from red chili peppers, helps fight skin pain and itching when applied topically. By depleting substance P, a neuropeptide that transmits pain from the skin to the spinal cord, topical capsaicin goes beyond soothing the skin; it reduces joint pain in arthritis patients.
