Turmeric, often called "golden spice," has long been a staple in traditional medicine and culinary practices worldwide. Its rich yellow hue comes from curcumin, a powerful bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As modern science continues to explore turmeric’s myriad health benefits, its potential as a skincare marvel has gained significant attention. But is turmeric truly the right ingredient for your skin? Let’s delve deeper into its benefits, applications, and precautions to help you decide.

Turmeric's versatility—from face masks to dietary supplements—makes it a promising ingredient in holistic skincare. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your natural glow, combat acne, or address specific skin issues, turmeric offers a natural, time-tested solution. With proper use and precautions, this golden spice could become a radiant addition to your beauty routine.

Turmeric’s skincare benefits are primarily linked to curcumin, which promotes healing and rejuvenation. For centuries, this spice has been used in beauty rituals for its ability to impart a natural glow and address various skin concerns. Here's how turmeric may enhance your skincare routine:

1. Promotes a Natural Glow

Turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help revive the skin, bringing out its natural radiance. When used in face masks, turmeric can enhance your skin's luster, leaving it looking refreshed and vibrant. A simple DIY mask combining turmeric, Greek yogurt, and honey can be a natural remedy for dull skin.

2. Accelerates Wound Healing

Curcumin is known to decrease inflammation and oxidation, which aids in faster wound healing. It also positively impacts tissue regeneration and collagen production, making it a valuable ingredient for skin recovery. Research published in *Life Sciences* suggests that curcumin-based formulations are especially effective in wound care.

3. Manages Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition marked by red, scaly patches, may benefit from turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends incorporating turmeric into your diet or using supplements to control flare-ups, but always consult a healthcare provider for proper guidance.

4. Reduces Acne and Scarring

Turmeric’s ability to calm inflammation and reduce redness makes it an excellent ally in managing acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties target acne-causing bacteria, while its scar-reducing effects can help improve skin texture.

5. Effective in Scabies Treatment

An intriguing study in India found that a combination of turmeric and neem effectively treated scabies, a condition caused by microscopic mites. While further research is needed, this highlights turmeric’s potential as a natural remedy for certain dermatological conditions.

6. Addresses Other Skin Issues

Emerging studies suggest turmeric may also help with eczema, lichen planus, and alopecia. However, more research is required to confirm its efficacy in treating these conditions.

How to Use Turmeric for Skin Health

Turmeric can be incorporated into your skincare routine in several ways. Whether applied topically or consumed orally, it’s important to use it correctly to maximize its benefits.

Topical Applications

To use turmeric topically, you can either purchase ready-made skincare products containing turmeric or create DIY masks at home. Here’s a simple recipe:

- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of flour (plain or chickpea) and 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or coconut oil.

- Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix until a paste forms.

- Apply to your face and leave for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Always perform a patch test on your forearm before applying turmeric to your face. This ensures you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Oral Consumption

Turmeric is widely available as a spice, fresh root, or supplement. Supplements often contain curcuminoids, compounds isolated from turmeric. The FDA recognizes curcuminoid supplements as safe in doses of up to 4,000–8,000 milligrams daily.

However, bioavailability—the body’s ability to absorb turmeric—is low. Pairing turmeric with black pepper or a fat source like olive oil can enhance absorption. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While turmeric offers numerous skin benefits, it’s not without potential risks. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Skin Staining: Turmeric can temporarily stain your skin yellow. This is harmless but may be inconvenient.
• Allergic Reactions: Direct contact can cause redness, irritation, or swelling in some individuals. Always do a patch test before use.
• Low Bioavailability: When consumed, turmeric is quickly metabolized, limiting its effectiveness. Taking it with enhancers like piperine (found in black pepper) can improve absorption.
• Drug Interactions: Turmeric may interact with medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes treatments. Discuss its use with your doctor if you’re on medication.

Is Turmeric Right for Your Skin?

Turmeric’s benefits are undeniable, but its suitability varies depending on individual skin types and concerns. If you’re considering adding turmeric to your skincare regimen, start with a patch test and consult a dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions.

Scientists have found that a type of morning-after pill may help protect young women from developing breast cancer. The drug, which is already available for free on the NHS, blocks the hormone progesterone and has been shown to trigger changes in breast tissue that make it less likely for cancer to form. One woman who chose to undergo a double mastectomy as a preventive measure says the discovery “offers hope” to others at high genetic risk of the disease.

A team from Manchester University studied 24 women between 2016 and 2019 who were at high genetic risk of breast cancer due to family history. These women, aged between 34 and 44, took ulipristal acetate, and researchers observed that their breast tissue became less dense and less stiff, conditions that make it harder for cancers to grow.

What Is Ulipristal Acetate?

Ulipristal acetate is commonly prescribed as emergency contraception and to treat moderate to severe uterine fibroids. It works by blocking progesterone receptors, delaying ovulation, and altering the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy, as per 1mg.

Earlier research has also shown that triple-negative breast cancer tends to return or spread more quickly than other breast cancer types, especially within the first few years after diagnosis.

Is Ulipristal Acetate A Promising Step Toward Prevention?

Dr Sacha Howell, lead author of the study and Consultant Oncologist at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, said, “Our research shows that progesterone has a vital role in the development of breast cancer among high-risk women. By blocking its effects, ulipristal acetate and similar drugs could serve as effective preventive treatments,” he explained.

The findings suggest that using ulipristal acetate to prevent breast cancer may one day help women at higher risk before menopause.

Currently, these women face only two preventive options: long-term hormone therapy, which can cause side effects like higher blood clot risk and reduced bone density, or preventive surgery to remove part or all of the breasts.

The Need for Better Options

Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, which funded the study, said, “We urgently need better preventive treatments that protect both health and quality of life for women at high risk of breast cancer. Repurposing existing medications, like ulipristal acetate, could be a major step forward. Right now, the available options—preventive surgery or hormone therapy can have a serious impact on both the body and emotional wellbeing.”

The study, published in Nature, found that ulipristal acetate reduced the growth of certain breast cells known as luminal progenitors. These cells can develop into triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that often affects younger and Black women.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment.

A recent study has listed 11 risk factors that could reveal your risk of developing dementia. As you may know, dementia affects millions of people throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization in 2021, 57 million people worldwide lived with dementia, and about 60% of them lived in low- or middle-income countries.

Dementia, like many other conditions, does not have a cure, so its treatment involves delaying the onset of symptoms. The best way to ensure the symptoms stay under control is by getting an early diagnosis. However, the visible effects of conditions like dementia take a long time, they only become obvious when the disease has affected your body for a long time.

With the help of these risk factors, published in the BMJ Mental Health, people can work on reducing their chances of developing dementia.

11 Key Risk Factors of Dementia

To help people know if they are at high risk and inspire them to make changes, UK researchers have developed a new tool. This tool, called the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBDRS), uses a set of characteristics to correctly predict up to 80% of dementia cases. Researchers believe that using this score could help prevent up to 40% of future dementia cases.

Researchers tested 28 different factors linked to dementia but found that 11 characteristics stood out as the most important predictors. These 11 factors include a mix of things we can change and things we cannot change. The new factors identified in the study, published in BMJ Mental Health, are:

• Age
• Education
• Family history of dementia
• Poverty
• History of diabetes
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• High cholesterol
• Being male
• Living alone

This new score was found to be just as effective as, and even outperformed, three other widely used dementia risk tests.

Who Is More At Risk For Dementia?

Some of these factors, like age and a family history of dementia, have long been known to increase risk. However, the study highlighted some newer or previously less emphasized risks:

Men were found to be more susceptible to dementia. While historically women have had higher rates, men often face increased risks for heart and blood vessel problems like cardiovascular incidents and tend to visit the doctor less often. Lifestyle habits more popular among men, such as smoking and heavy drinking, can also raise the risk.

Regardless of gender, living alone and living in poverty also increases the likelihood of cognitive decline. Feeling lonely can raise the risk of dementia by as much as 31% in older adults. Not having enough basic necessities, like food or shelter, can increase chronic stress, which is linked to higher rates of dementia.

While these new factors are very promising for predicting future cognitive health, it's important to note one limitation of the study: the participants were not officially diagnosed using the standard clinical assessments.

Despite this, the findings are helpful. People who score highly on this risk test, meaning they have several of the 11 risk factors, may benefit from seeing a doctor for additional testing and early intervention as more research is done.

A small blue pill called Molecule has become a major trend among young people in Russia, especially on TikTok, where it is hailed as a quick fix for weight loss. Marketed as a “natural supplement” made with dandelion root and fennel seed extract, it has drawn huge attention for its low price and bold promises.

But independent testing has uncovered a troubling truth — the tablets actually contain a banned substance linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, and is baned in the US, UK, EU, and China.

What Is Molecule?

Earlier this year, Molecule swept through Russian TikTok, promoted as a fast and easy way to lose weight. Feeds were filled with videos captioned “Take Molecule and forget food exists” or “Do you want to sit in the back of class wearing oversized clothes?” Fridges lined with the pill’s distinctive blue boxes, featuring holographic “Molecule Plus” labels, became a status symbol.

Orders began flooding in as teens proudly documented their “weight-loss journeys.” But soon, the excitement gave way to alarm. Users began reporting severe side effects. Maria, a 22-year-old, told the BBC that after just two weeks, she experienced extreme anxiety, dehydration, and a complete loss of appetite. Others complained of insomnia, shaking hands, and dilated pupils. Several school students were eventually hospitalized.

What Does Molecule Contain?

Despite its packaging listing herbal ingredients such as dandelion root and fennel seed, a report by the Russian newspaper Izvestiya revealed that Molecule actually contains sibutramine, which is a prescription-only appetite suppressant known to raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sibutramine was banned in the United States in 2010 and is also illegal in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China.

What Is Sibutramine?

Sibutramine is an appetite-suppressing drug once prescribed for obesity. It acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger. Although it proved effective for weight loss, it was withdrawn from global markets after studies showed it could significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. The risks were deemed too high, especially since many people seeking weight-loss treatment already face heart-related health concerns.

Is Molecule Similar To Weight-Loss Drugs Like Ozempic or Wegovy?

While Ozempic and similar injections are medically approved and work by targeting gut hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, Molecule is an unregulated supplement containing a banned chemical. It has never undergone safety testing, and it is sold freely without medical oversight or prescription.

How is Molecule Still Being Sold in Russia?

Although sibutramine is legally available in Russia only through prescription for adults with obesity, Molecule is sold openly online, often in higher doses and without supervision. Even after e-commerce sites removed listings, it quickly resurfaced under new names like “Atom,” disguised as diet biscuits or even packaged to look like lightbulbs, as per the BBC report.

A 20-day supply costs only £6–7 (around ₹700), compared with the £40–160 (₹4,000–16,000) monthly price tag of Ozempic shots in Russia. Its affordability and strong presence on social media have made it particularly appealing to teens chasing unrealistic body ideals.

For now, Molecule remains popular across Russia’s online weight-loss market. It is cheap, accessible, and heavily promoted. Yet beneath the glossy marketing and viral videos lies a serious health threat. The so-called pill “to forget food exists” could well become another warning about the dangers of fast-track weight-loss solutions in a culture fixated on instant change.