Can Turmeric Help UV Damage?
Turmeric is one of those wonderful ingredients that purports to have a host of potential health benefits too.
This popular spice contains a powerful chemical called curcumin, which has natural antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its benefits have been studied in relation to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, eye conditions and even cancer.
It is important to note that most of the studies into turmeric health benefits have been relatively small. In addition, the preparations and quantities used are nothing that you’d wish to recreate in the kitchen. However, there are turmeric supplements available for those who wish to try adding more turmeric to the diet.
Dr Ross Perry is a London-based GP who also founded Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ Skin Surgery & Laser Clinic. He explains:
“Turmeric is known to be a natural antioxidant and as such can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
“This has shown to help particularly with musculoskeletal conditions in some people.”
Turmeric and UV damage
There have also been suggestions that it could help to decrease UV damage. Dr Perry continues:
“Whilst its effects are yet to be firmly established in other areas of medicine it does seem that these effects could have a potential benefit in skin conditions.”
However, skin cancer and mole expert Dr Ross Perry warns against using dietary choices or supplements to protect the skin. He explains:
“There is unlikely to be any harm in using turmeric products to see if it has any additional benefit.
“However, in terms of helping to protect or improve UV damage, I would suggest it’s always best to do the common sense approach of SPF sun block as the main skin care to protect the skin.
“For medical based skin conditions, doctor prescribed medications are the best choice as a first line treatment.”
Worrying Skin Blemishes
For patients who are concerned about seeing the impact of UV exposure and worry about potentially dangerous skin lesions, it is important to seek attention as early as possible.
Dr Ross Perry, founder of Skin Surgery & Laser Clinics based in London and Bristol, says:
“If in doubt, get it checked out.”
In the UK, a visit to the GP is the first port of call for a worrying skin lesion. Thankfully most turn out to be harmless, but it is important to get them properly checked just in case.
Professional Mole Check
For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors and surgeons.
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons. Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
Treatment using freezing, laser or surgical techniques is available at Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of locations conveniently based in London and Bristol. All procedures are carried out by highly trained and experienced doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
