Yami Gautam embraces an age-old skincare ritual, sharing her wish to revive this timeless tradition.

For Yami Gautam Dhar, beauty lies in tradition. At 37, she swears by haldi, calling it her timeless skincare staple. “Haldi may sound old school, but it’s pure, it’s antiseptic, it’s auspicious. We’ve always believed that what you offer to the gods must be the purest, and haldi is one of them. I want to bring this tradition back,” she shared.

Speaking with MirchiPunjab, Yami Gautam Dhar revealed how her sensitive skin made her hesitant at first, but she embraced the haldi ceremony in Haq as a personal challenge. “I told myself, let me try. We mixed a little multani mitti with haldi, and the results were magical. I even have before-and-after pictures I’ll share soon. For me, haldi truly is magic—I’m a fan, and I swear by it,” she said.

Building on Yami’s skincare confession, Dr. Shweta Nakhawa, consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained that turmeric’s magic lies in curcumin—its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. “It soothes irritated skin, eases mild redness, and even adds a temporary brightening effect. That famous ‘haldi glow’ isn’t just tradition—it has real science behind it,” she noted.

According to Dr. Shareefa Chause, dermatologist at Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, haldi has long been a beauty staple. “Turmeric contains curcumin, which fights inflammation and bacteria. That means it can calm sensitive skin, ease acne, and add radiance. People often mix it into face packs to address tanning, pigmentation, and stubborn marks,” she shared.

Experts remind us that even age-old remedies need careful use. Dr. Shareefa Chause noted, “Haldi can be wonderful, but it’s not for everyone. Sensitive skin may react with redness, itching, or burning, and the yellow stains can linger for days.

Dermatologists caution that repeated use of haldi can sometimes trigger allergic contact dermatitis, especially in sensitive skin. “No two skin types are the same—what works wonders for one person may not suit another. That’s why it’s always wise to check with a dermatologist before trying any home remedy, even something as traditional as haldi,” explained Dr. Shareefa Chause.

Yami Gautam swears by haldi with multani mitti—but can all skin types handle it?

Multani mitti works wonders for oily and combination skin by soaking up excess oil. But Dr. Shweta Nakhawa cautions that those with sensitive or dry skin should tread carefully. “Too much turmeric, especially raw kitchen-grade haldi, can irritate the skin or even cause contact dermatitis. That’s why a patch test isn’t optional—it’s essential,” she explained.

What you need to know before applying haldi at home?

• Turmeric masks aren’t meant for everyday use—once a week is plenty.
• Skip harsh mixes like lemon, toothpaste, or gritty scrubs with haldi, as they can irritate skin.
• If you have eczema, rosacea, or active acne, check with a dermatologist before trying turmeric remedies.
• Remember, haldi can leave a temporary yellow stain, which may be more noticeable on lighter skin tones.

Is turmeric powerful enough to stand in for a doctor-recommended skin regimen?

Dr. Nakhawa responded firmly, “No, not really.”

“Turmeric can be a nice add-on, but it doesn’t match the accuracy of dermatologist-tested ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, or retinoids. Think of haldi as a booster, not the core treatment,” explained Dr. Nakhawa.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MirchiPunjabi (@mirchipunjab)

Do you advise people to include haldi in their beauty regimen?

Dr. Nakhawa agreed, noting that traditional remedies can be wonderful when used wisely and in moderation. “They’re appealing, but they must be understood in today’s context. Your skin deserves the best of both worlds—heritage and science,” she said.

Disclaimer: This article draws on publicly available information and insights from experts. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying a new routine.