Turmeric is a spice that brings back different memories for Indians. For some, it may be the memory of a yellow paste being applied on a wound or scrape. For others, it may bring back the flavour of the spiced milk they were made to drink during winters and monsoons. For those like me, it immediately transports me to the wedding of a cousin!

In most parts of north India, the Haldi ceremony involves smearing turmeric paste on the face and body of the bride and groom before the wedding.

In south Indian weddings, turmeric is attached to the thali, a necklace that symbolises the union of the bride and groom. In western India, turmeric roots are tied to the wrists of the young couple.

It's not just India, turmeric was also used in ceremonies in Micronesia. In fact, turmeric has widespread acceptance among traditional systems of medicine around the world, like Siddha, Unani, traditional Chinese medicine and of course, Ayurveda, where it is known as 'haridra'.

However, along with its various healing benefits, turmeric can also solve your skin problems - through the use of turmeric masks! Yes, you can eat turmeric and you can apply it too, whatever your skin type may be. Here's a look at why turmeric masks might be the one stop solutions for all your skin issues.

• It Reduces Acne

There has been an increase in the prevalence of adult acne, and it could be due to a variety of reasons. One of the main skin benefits of turmeric is the reduction of acne and prevention of future breakouts. Turmeric is known to fight inflammation, which makes it perfect to treat signs of inflammatory acne like pustules and cysts.

What's more, turmeric is anti-bacterial, and it can prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin, controlling infections. Regular use of a turmeric mask can also reduce acne scars and reduce oil secretion.

• It Prevents Hyperpigmentation

The reason turmeric is so sought after in medicine is because of the compound called curcumin, the most important among the curcuminoids.

This active ingredient is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can fight free radical damage. This makes turmeric a great tool against hyperpigmentation, which occurs when there are patches of discolored skin on the face.

Research has found that the application of turmeric reduces pigmentation significantly and evens out the skin tone.

• It Brightens Skin

Turmeric isn't just a part of the wedding ceremonies in India, it's also an important part of the bride's pre-wedding skin care routine!

Turmeric doesn't does even out the skin tone, it also improves the texture of the skin, smoothening rough patches and making the skin look more supple. As a result, light reflects better on the skin and adds to that 'golden glow' that everyone talks about.

• It Has Anti-Ageing Benefits

As turmeric can help improve skin texture, it smoothens out fine lines, making wrinkles less noticeable. The anti-oxidant benefits of turmeric also delay ageing, as it prevents healthy skin cells from being attacked by free radicals.

Turmeric also aids exfoliation, which gets rid of dead skin cells, revealing younger and healthier skin cells lying underneath. Research shows than just four weeks of regular application of turmeric shows visible benefits for mature skin.

• It Helps Heal Skin Diseases

The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric makes it a great defender against other, more serious skin conditions like eczema.

It even helps in the case of psoriasis, which is an illness that is caused by excess skin cells. Turmeric inhibits the growth of these cells, reducing the rough, scaly patches that are typical of this disease.

So now we know that turmeric masks are incredibly beneficial for skin, but we need to use the right kind of turmeric mask to get the most out of this valuable spice. Here are some combinations of turmeric with other ingredients that can help you get the perfect mask for your skin type.

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel

• 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil

• 1-2 tablespoons turmeric powder

• 1 tablespoon besan or chickpea flour

• 2 tablespoons raw milk

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 tablespoon raw honey

• 1/2 tablespoon raw milk

• 1/2 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1/2 tablespoon raw milk

Apply apple cider vinegar to a cotton ball and swipe all over the skin first. Wait about 5 minutes before you apply the mask.

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp Aloe Vera gel

• 1 tsp rose water

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp sandalwood powder

• 1 tsp jojoba oil

• 1 tsp rose water

• Mix the dry ingredients first, and then add the wet ingredients to get the right consistency, of a paste. The paste needs to be thin and easily applicable.

• Apply the mixture all over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Wait for it to dry.

• Use a soft, wet cloth to remove the mask.

• If the mask leaves behind a yellowish tint, use a cotton ball soaked in milk to go over the stained patches.

• Rinse with warm water. Follow up with toner, serum, face oil and moisturizer.

• Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Turmeric is also a powerful dye, which means it can stain your clothes as well as the utensils you use. It's best to use stainless steel utensils to mix the mask while wearing old clothes or an apron.

Turmeric is generally safe for use, but some people may experience contact dermatitis, which can cause a burning sensation or redness.

To avoid this, always conduct a patch test on your inner elbow and wait for 24 hours before using the mask on your face. Always choose pure, organic turmeric that is free from adulteration.

(Pratibha Pal spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. She grew up reading a variety of books that let her imagination wander and still hopes to come across the Magic Faraway Tree.You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)