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The Science Behind Curcumin in Skincare : How it really works?

Curcumin is the active compound found in Curcuma longa, which is popularly known as Turmeric. Curcumin has gained significant attention in the skincare industry due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, skin-brightening and wound-healing properties. Popular turmeric based skincare products exist in various markets since few decades.  Let us read further to understand how exactly curcumin works on skin brightening and hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition when there is uneven production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This leads to dark spots, uneven skin tone, melasma and sun spots. Inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis also cause pigmentation, commonly referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Curcumin, the active coumpound in turmeric, helps reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase and its anti-inflammatory properties help in curbing acne breakouts and irritable skin.

Skin brightening by Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin production. It converts the amino acid tyrosine into dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) which is further catalysed into Dopaquinone which further produces Melanin in a series of steps.Curcumin interferes with the activity of Tyrosinase and reduces the overall production of melanin. The decreased levels of melanin help in lightening the pigmented areas.

Managing Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Irritated and inflammed skin resulting from skin conditions like acne, eczema and dermatitis triggers an increase in melanin production. These skin conditions usually lead to PIH.

Treating hyperpigmentation with topical application of curcumin based products

Topical application of curcumin based ointments, creams and serums are most effective for treating hyperpigmentation as it directly targets the pigmented skin and treats localised pigmentation.Curcumin has poor skin penetration and is combined with other ingredients, such as piperine, liposomes, or nanoparticles, for better skin absorption.

Clinical Evidence for supporting Curcumin’s Efficacy

The effects of curcumin are being studied and supported by clinical studies and research. With the increased interest, the traditional wisdom and scientific backing, curcumin is being used in various topical application products like creams, serums and masks. Curcumin based supplements are being consumed not just for skin health but also as a liver tonic. As always, we advise you to choose products from reputable brands and consult medical practitioners if you have any specific skin or health conditions.

References

Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin-Inspired Derivatives on Tyrosinase Activity and Melanogenesis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36432043/

Curcumin inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21584871/

Skin regenerative potentials of curcumin

https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/biof.1078

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