Nutmeg can help skin appear younger, more vibrant, and free of acne. Nutmeg has many benefits for skin, including anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties that are designed to keep your skin healthy and glowing. In India, nutmeg, also known as jaiphal, is used to give many different types of food a distinct flavour. But nutmeg offers a lot of other health advantages in addition to improving the flavour of food. Nutmeg can be used as a skin care product to help exfoliate and brighten your skin. Nonetheless, it’s critical to know how to utilise nutmeg for skin care, as improper application can cause negative skin reactions and increase its toxicity.
What does nutmeg mean?
Nutmeg is a seed from the Myristica plant, not a nut. Many health benefits of this spice seed are well known, and one of them is that it is good for the skin. Nutmeg is a source of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, volatile and fixed oils, and mucilage. This Essential Oils in Food Preservation, Flavour and Safety study claims that it is used against skin conditions like scabies and eczema.
Nutmeg’s advantages
Nutmeg is not to be missed for its many additional health advantages, in addition to its ability to spice up dishes. It eases tension and promotes relaxation while lulling you to sleep. In addition, it has antidepressant properties and releases feel-good chemicals. In addition, nutmeg helps lower inflammation and provides relief from chronic discomfort. It has the ability to cleanse the body as well. See the additional advantages of nutmeg and the reasons we should incorporate it into our diets.
Nutmeg for skin
Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-acne, and exfoliating qualities, nutmeg has various advantages for the skin.
- An anti-inflammatory
Because nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties, it can effectively relieve skin irritation associated with dermatitis, sunburns, and eczema. According to a study, nutmeg-based gel exhibits decreased cytotoxic activity—an activity that destroys cells—and has a significant potential for anti-inflammatory effect.
- Delays the ageing process.
Because nutmeg scavenges free radicals, it helps prevent ageing and maintains youthful-looking skin. According to a study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, nutmeg can either prevent muscle atrophy from decreasing in aged rats or improve muscle mass.
- Acne prevention
It is advantageous for skin prone to acne because of its anti-acne qualities, which assist lower oil production. Myristicin, a chemical found in nutmeg, is effective in treating acne. According to a research in Molecules, it assisted in the fight against the acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Ability to exfoliate
These characteristics help eliminate dead skin cells, which further inhibits the occurrence of acne. It also helps to encourage skin renewal and helps in improving the texture of your skin. See this tutorial for instructions on exfoliating your skin.
- Diminishes pigmentation
By lowering the synthesis of melanin, nutmeg can lessen pigmentation. This lessens skin imperfections, which helps the skin appear clearer. Additionally, it aids in promoting more even skin tone, which gives the appearance of healthier skin.
How to use nutmeg on the skin?
There are various methods you can use nutmeg in your skincare regimen.
- You can apply a mixture of nutmeg powder and coconut oil to the affected area to relieve irritated skin, such as that seen in eczema cases.
- To treat acne and rejuvenate skin, apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon nutmeg powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and honey to the face and let it on for 15 minutes before washing it off.
- Another choice is to make a paste out of nutmeg powder and a small amount of milk, which may be used twice or three times a week to improve the clarity and radiance of the skin. To avoid damaging your skin, use nutmeg powder that has been ground into a fine powder and apply it as a face mask instead of using harsh scrubbing.
Risks of Using Nutmeg
Although nutmeg is usually safe to use in skincare products, some people may become sensitive to it. As such, it’s crucial to perform a patch test prior to extensive usage. Itching, irritation, and rashes are indicators of unfavourable reactions. Using premium, organic nutmeg is also necessary to prevent any negative responses brought on by adulterants.
Additionally, nutmeg stimulates the brain. Excessive usage of nutmeg, even topically, can result in toxic effects such as delirium and other health risks. As a result, it is recommended to avoid exceeding the dangerous dose of 5 grammes by applying no more than 1 tablespoon at a time.
Things to keep in mind when applying nutmeg
The following things should be kept in mind when using nutmeg in your skincare regimen:
- Don’t use more than 1 tablespoon at a time; use sparingly.
- It is not advised to apply it twice a week in order to reap the benefits without running the risk of overexposure.
- To avoid irritating your skin, ground nutmeg into a fine powder and use it as a mask instead of a scrub.
- In order to prevent any negative responses, it is essential to perform a patch test prior to full application.
