Curcumin is a naturally occurring product found in the spice, turmeric. It contains substances which have potent anti-inflammatory activity. It may be beneficial in skin conditions which have an inflammatory basis like psoriasis, sun-damaged skin and acne. In addition, curcumin suppresses phosphorylase kinase activity (Heng MCY et al. Drug-induced suppression of phosphorylase kinase activity correlates with resolution of psoriasis as assessed by clinical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters. British Journal of Dermatology 2000;143:937-949). It has been previously shown that elevated levels of phosphorylase kinase levels contribute to increased psoriatic activity (Heng MCY et al. Elevated phosphorylase kinase activity in psoriatic epidermis: correlation with phosphorylation and psoriatic activity. British Journal of Dermatology 1994;130:298-306). It has also been shown that suppression of phosphorylase kinase activity with curcumin leads to resolution of psoriasis (Heng MCY et al. Drug-induced suppression of phosphorylase kinase activity correlates with resolution of psoriasis as assessed by clinical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters. British Journal of Dermatology 2000;143:937-949). A proprietary cosmetic skin preparation containing curcumin in a gel is currently available to improve the appearance of red, scaly and sun-damaged skin