It’s a well-known fact that the sun’s ray can cause damage to our skin. While most of us endeavor to protect ourselves with sunscreen and staying out of the sun when it’s at its peak, there are still times when we end up with a sunburn. While the most effective remedy for sunburn is time, using turmeric for sunburns may have benefits.

Turmeric may offer photoprotection

Photoprotection is the biochemical process that helps organisms cope with molecular damage caused by sunlight. Curcumin, which is found in turmeric may offer photoprotection and might be a practical candidate as a sunscreen agent. Here’s how:  Curcumin is a natural compound of plant origin that provides photoprotection. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.

Excessive sun exposure and inflammation

The biological mechanism of sunburn – the reddish, painful, protective immune response from ultraviolet (UV) radiation – is a consequence of RNA damage to skin cells, report researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Keeping in mind that turmeric may work as an anti-inflammatory agent, and that exposure to excessive sunlight may initiate inflammatory reactions and may lead to suppression of immune defenses that lead to skin cancer, turmeric may have a positive impact on possible preventing that suppression by blocking the inflammation.

Turmeric may help from the outside in

There are many home remedies that tout the effectiveness of turmeric for sunburns and an external remedy. Turmeric’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential great remedy for the treatment of sunburn blisters, as an example, any many people swear by its effectiveness. Others suggest using turmeric in conjunction with yogurt to get relief since turmeric has antibacterial properties and yogurt has a cooling effect; a perfect combination for searing skin. But what about incorporating a turmeric extract into your daily routine?  Does taking turmeric as a supplement prevent sunburns? An experimental study shows that curcumin potential inhibits the production of COX-2 enzyme in human skin cells that are exposed to UV radiation.  COX-2 enzyme is involved in inflammation and plays an important role in photo-inflammation and skin cancer. As a matter of fact, one study showed that both oral and topical turmeric increased the dose of radiation required to cause a sunburn, in other words it offered protection from UVB rays, though more research is needed to validate the study.

Research continues to look at the impact of using turmeric for sunburns, whether it be in preventing them, reducing the intensity of sunburns, or reducing the long-term impact a sunburn can have on overall health. If you’re considering adding turmeric to your health regimen, considering an organic turmeric extract to ensure its effectiveness. As always, ask your healthcare professional if you have any health issues that may be impacted by taking turmeric, such as being pregnant or if you’re taking blood thinners. Using turmeric for sunburns may be an option for those who suffer from sunburns.