Using nutmeg for your skin can help make it more radiant, acne-free, and youthful. Read on to learn more.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-acne – using nutmeg for skin has a wide range of promises to make your skin glow and healthy. Also called jaiphal in India, nutmeg is used to add a distinctive flavor to many culinary dishes. However, apart from its ability to enhance the flavor of a particular dish, nutmeg also has many other health benefits. Using nutmeg for skin care can help in exfoliating and enhancing the brightness of your skin. However, it is important to understand how to use nutmeg for your skin, as its improper use can cause harmful reactions on your skin, and its toxicity can be dangerous for you. Choosing the right type of nutmeg is also crucial. Here is your guide on how to use nutmeg for skin, its benefits, and what you need to be careful of.

What is nutmeg?

Nutmeg is not a nut, but the seed of the Myristica plant. “This spice is widely known for its many beneficial properties, including its positive effect on the skin,” explains the dermatologist. Dr. Raina Nahar. Nutmeg contains essential oil, fatty oil, proteins, fats, starch, and mucus. It is used against skin diseases such as eczema and scabies, claims this Essential Oils in Preservation, Flavor, and Food Safety study.

Benefits of Nutmeg

Besides adding a spicy kick to food, nutmeg has a number of other health benefits that you can’t miss. It induces sleep, helps you relax, and relieves stress. It also releases happy hormones and can be used to treat depression. Additionally, nutmeg can relieve chronic pain and help reduce inflammation. It can also act as a detoxifier. Check out other benefits of nutmeg and why we should include it in our diet.

Nutmeg for skin

Nutmeg has a number of beneficial properties for the skin, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-acne and exfoliating properties:

1. Anti-inflammatory

Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing skin conditions such as dermatitis, sunburn and eczema by relieving irritation. A study published in Journal of Coastal Medicineclaims that the nutmeg-based gel has a high potential for anti-inflammatory activity and exhibits less cytotoxic activity, which kills cells.

2. Slows down the aging process

Nutmeg acts as a free radical scavenger, which helps slow down the aging process, keeping your skin looking youthful. A study published in Scientifically based complementary and alternative medicine Nutmeg has been observed to exhibit properties that increase muscle mass or prevent muscle atrophy in aging rats.

3. Against acne

It has anti-acne properties that help reduce oil secretion, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a substance that helps fight acne. A study published in Moleculesclaims to help fight acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Ground nutmeg — It is important to grind the nutmeg into a fine powder and use it as a mask. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock

4. Exfoliating properties

These qualities help remove dead skin cells, which further prevents acne. It also promotes skin renewal and helps improve skin texture. Check out this guide to how to exfoliate skin.

5. Reduces pigmentation

Nutmeg can reduce pigmentation by reducing melanin production. This helps to make the skin clearer, reducing skin blemishes. It also helps to achieve a more even skin tone, making the skin healthier.

How to use nutmeg for skin?

There are several ways to incorporate nutmeg into your skin care routine.

To soothe inflamed skin, such as eczema, you can mix nutmeg powder with coconut oil and apply to the affected area.
For facial skin care, you can apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and honey on your face for 15 minutes and then wash it off. This helps reduce acne and rejuvenate your skin.
Another option is to mix nutmeg powder with a little milk to make a paste that can be applied to the face two or three times a week to improve the clarity and radiance of the skin. It is important to grind the nutmeg into a fine powder and apply it as a face mask, avoiding the use of harsh scrubs to avoid damaging the skin.

Risks of Using Nutmeg on Skin

Although nutmeg is generally well-tolerated in skin care, it can cause sensitivity in some people. Therefore, it is important to perform a patch test before using it extensively. “Signs of adverse reactions include rash, itching, and inflammation. It is also important to use high-quality organic nutmeg to avoid any harmful reactions caused by impurities,” says Dr. Nahar.

Nutmeg also acts as a brain stimulant, and its excessive use, even when applied topically, can lead to toxic effects such as delirium and other health hazards. “It is therefore recommended to limit the amount used on the skin to no more than 1 tablespoon at a time, staying well below the toxic dose of 5 grams,” says Dr. Nahar.

Nutmeg and nutmeg powder, as well as other dry whole spices — It is important not to use nutmeg every day on your skin. Twice a week should be enough. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock

What should you keep in mind when using nutmeg for skin?

When incorporating nutmeg into your skin care routine, it is important to remember the following points:

Use sparingly – no more than 1 tablespoon at a time.
Daily use is not recommended. Instead, use twice a week to see benefits without the risk of overdosing.
Grind nutmeg into a fine powder and use it as a mask, not as a scrub, to prevent skin irritation.
Conducting a skin test before applying the product is critical to prevent any adverse reactions.