Benefits of saffron for skin and beauty

From a jillion skincare ingredients, that beautiful red thread-like spice which, when mixed with water, gives a pretty yellow color more often appears in social media feeds and email inboxes. Yes, it is SAFFRON! This bright spice is not only demanded in your kitchens but also is an integral part of your skincare routine & its products. It is a sweet and nutty-tasting spice that is the most expensive in the world. It's been hailed with medicinal properties for centuries and works magically for your skin when incorporated into a skincare regime. 

Saffron is a crocus sativus flower's dried stigma that is widely used in the kosher world for its exotic fragrance. It gives warm, bright color to the food and an unparalleled glow to the skin. Due to its richness in antioxidants, saffron is the best investment in a skincare regime. 

About Saffron- The most expensive spice

Saffron is considered to be one of the most expensive ayurvedic spices all around the world. It originates from a rare flower with a sensational fragrance, and it has an array of benefits for your skin & beauty. According to the statistics, a minimum of 3000 tonnes of saffron is produced in a year & Iran alone has 76% of this overall production done annually. It is known to be an all-rounder, both internally & externally. It has different names in different languages, zafran (Arabic & Hebrew), za'afaran (Farsi), fan hong hua (Chinese Mandarin), safran (Fresh, German), krokos (Greek), azafran (Spanish), zaffarano (Italian) and kesar (Hindi).

7 Benefits of saffron for skin and beauty

1. Treat, prevent and overcome

One potent benefit saffron offers to your skin is the ability to kick out  acne & blemishes effectively. Due to its high anti-inflammatory, antibacterial & antioxidant properties, saffron has become an ultimate go-to ingredient that fights acne-causing germs. It soothes active zits & gets rid of redness & soreness on them. 

Home remedy to treat acne

You need:

• 3-4 strands of saffron
• 1/4 cup of milk

What do you have to do?

• Soak the saffron strands in the milk and let it sit for about 2 hours.
• Apply this blend to your face & neck.
• Wash it off after about 10-15 minutes.

 How often should you apply it?

3-4 times a week

What are the results?

• Clears acne
• Improves complexion
• Astringent properties of milk exfoliate the skin
• Stops acne spouting
• Reduces blemishes & pimples gradually

2. Proper wound care

One of the benefits of saffron for the skin is it heals wounds. It works effectively for scars & marks from old injuries or scratches. It is said to be a skin recovery & boosting agent that promotes quick skin healing. It encourages the skin cell's recovery rate. The anti-inflammatory properties stimulate wound repairing by fostering cell multiplication. 

Home remedy for wounds/scars

You need: 

•  10-15 strands of saffron
•  5 basil leaves
•  Water

What do you have to do?

• Mash the basil leaves & saffron together with enough water to make a smooth paste.
• Put this mixture on the affected area.
• Let it dry for a couple of minutes & then wash it off.

How often should you apply it?

Twice a week

What are the results?

• Kills bacteria
• Heals the scars

3. Make your skin glow naturally in minutes

Pollution, dust, weather changes etc, takes a massive toll on your skin. It turns the skin dull & dark. One of the top benefits of saffron for face is its potential to breathe life into the skin.

Home remedy for glowing skin

You need:

• 2-3 strands of saffron
• 3-4 sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup of milk

What do you have to do?

• Dip saffron & sunflower seeds in the milk overnight.
• Grind this mixture in the morning.
• Apply the paste all over your face.
• Keep until it dies & then rinse your face. 

How often should you apply it?

Twice a week

What are the results?

• Makes skin glow 
• Skin complexion becomes rosy
• Gives your skin the benefits of emollients & vitamin E

4. The best alternative to toner

People are infatuated with skincare toners but investing high amounts in them isn't a wise choice. Instead of toner, use saffron for face benefits, like skin rejuvenation and getting rid of a dull appearance. 

Home remedy for skin rejuvenation

You need: 

• 7-8 strands of saffron
• 1 small water spray bottle 

What do you have to do?

• Soak the saffron in the water overnight.
• Blend the strands of saffron thoroughly the next morning until they are • completely dissolved.
• Spray this mixture instead of a toner.

How often should you apply it?

Spray it every day

What are the results?

• Rejuvenates the skin
• Brightens up complexion

 

5. Potent remedy to treat pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition which has become common nowadays. It happens when the skin produces more melanin, a pigment that disperses around your skin as a defense mechanism against sun exposure or hormonal changes. Saffron benefits for face with its active ingredients that reduce the production of melanin, thereby tapering those dark spots on the skin. 

Home remedy for pigmentation

You need:

• 2-3 strands of saffron
• 1 tablespoon honey

What do you have to do?

• Mix saffron strands and honey. 
• Massage the skin with this mixture in upward circular motions.
• Leave it on the skin for a few minutes before washing your face with water.

How often should you apply it?

2-3 days a week

What are the results?

• Diminishes dark spots
• Gets rid of blemishes & scars
• Locks in moisture

6. A key to reducing inflammation

One of the solitary saffron/ kesar benefits for the skin is that it fights inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of saffron have the capability to fight against skin irritation effectively. Sometimes, random skin allergies or infection leads to a burning sensation and inflammation. However, using saffron minimizes this discomfort ultimately. 

Home remedy for inflammation

You need:

• 3-4 strands of saffron
• 1 tablespoon of natural aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

What do you have to do?

• Scoop out aloe vera gel from the aloe leaves.
• Mix saffron strands with aloe vera gel & rose water thoroughly.
• Rub this mix on your skin until it is all absorbed.
• Do not rinse it.

How often should you apply it?

2-3 times a week

What are the results?

• Reduces inflammation
• Heal skin allergies

7. Protect from harmful UV rays

Too much skin exposure to UV rays makes your skin dull and dark. It makes your skin tan as it undergoes oxidative stress when it comes in contact with UV rays. This calls for fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging early. The power of antioxidants creates a barrier against UV rays & neutralizes free radicals & reduces oxidative stress, one of the prominent benefits of saffron for skin and beauty. 

Home remedy for sunburn

You need: 

• 2-3 strands of saffron
• A small cup of milk

What do you have to do?

• Take a cup of milk & soak strands of saffron overnight in the refrigerator.
• The next day, in the morning, massage your skin with that milk on your skin. 
• Leave it for 20-25 minutes so that skin absorbs it.

How often should you apply it?

Use it daily 

What are the results?

• Removes sun tan
• Makes your skin tone lighter
• Enhances skin texture
• Healthy and glowing skin

4 Saffron/ kesar uses for skin

Saffron can be used in different ways, like:

1. As a face mask

Using saffron in face masks soothes the skin. You can grind 3-4 stands of saffron with the help of a mortar & pestle. Mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey, and then apply it to your skin. After 10 minutes, rinse it off and pat dry your skin.

2. As a face gel

Using saffron as a gel on the face will give a cooling effect which is ideal for inflammation. You can grind the 4-5 strands of saffron with mortar & pestle. Mix it with 2 tablespoons each of aloe vera gel & rose water. Apply a small amount of it on your skin and rub until absorbed. 

3. As a face toner

You can use saffron strands with great toner ingredients, witch hazel or rose water. Pour 1/2 cup of witch hazel or rose water into a spray bottle. Add 3-4 strands of saffron & dip for 1 or 2 days. You can spray it on your skin or apply it with a cotton ball. 

4. As a moisturizer

Add saffron oil to the base oil to make a phenomenal moisturizer. Fill a 1-ounce bottle with about 2/3 full with carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed oil). Add 3 to 5 drops of saffron essential oil. Apply it on your skin with clean fingers. 

See the magic of saffron with Nourish Mantra

Orange & Saffron Ananda Glow Mask

With the power of real orange peel powder and natural saffron strands, this face glow mask works truly like magic for your skin. It gives your skin a fresh, clear, rejuvenates look and is ideal for exfoliation. This gentle face mask gives you glowing skin in no time and effectively fights against free radicals.

 

FAQ’s

How to use saffron?

Saffron can be used in different ways with other ingredients like plain water, raw milk, turmeric, sandalwood, argan oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc when applied topically. Drinking saffron milk also has benefits for the skin. This versatile and rich ingredient goes well with each of the ingredients and all the concoctions targets a particular ski concern.

Do you know about the nutritional profile of saffron?

Saffron is enriched with vitamins, minerals and fatty acid that benefits you multifariously. It has vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, b-12, A, C & D, folate and retinol. It contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. It also incorporates fatty acid- total saturated, total monounsaturated and total polyunsaturated. 

Does saffron have an expiry period?

No, saffron doesn't expire or spoil but it loses its flavor & potency over time. 

What is the best way to store saffron?

You should store saffron in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. Do not store it in the refrigerator as the spice may develop fungus due to the moist environment all around.