Five Benefits of Saffron for Your Skin
Benefits of Adding Saffron to Your Daily Skin Care Routine
Saffron, an extremely precious and invaluable spice, is extracted by carefully separating the three crimson threads from the bright and beautiful flowers of the Crocus Sativas plant, whose cultivation is only adapted to particular climatic conditions and requires much care and precision. The backbreaking work that goes into its growth, cultivation and harvesting translates into its remarkable nutritional value and unmatchable properties. This is why the significance of pure saffron threads are more than the same quantity of gold.
What is Saffron used for
The paramount significance and benefits of Saffron for skin and health were recognized a thousand years ago. There is little to no discussion about the fact that what is Saffron used for during ancient times. It is believed that Cleopatra, who was known for her beauty, used to bathe in milk infused with the goodness of Saffron. This expensive spice has been the centre of attention for many years. In addition, it is also referred to in one of the oldest Ayurvedic texts that can be traced back to around 500 BC, as a spice that was used to relieve gastrointestinal ailments and in various beauty treatments. Owing to its unique and redolent aroma, Ancient Romans also used it as a deodorizer. With that being said, the culinary use of Saffron, as a popular seasoning with an earthy flavour and a bold scent, cannot be ignored.
However, if you want to know that what is Saffron used for in a medical context, then this topic still needs some research and lots of discussion.
Researches have shown that Saffron contains antibacterial (Pintado et al., 2011) and antiviral properties. In herbal therapy, Picrocrocin and Crocin compounds could be promising antiviral agents against HSV and HIV (Soleymani et al., 2017). In addition, Saffron is packed with antioxidants that may help to boost immunity. Still, much work is needed regarding using this fantastic spice for medical purposes.
Potential benefits of Saffron for skin
Undoubtedly, this spice has proved itself as an all-rounder with its innumerable benefits. In addition, to the health and culinary uses of Saffron spice, it can also blow your mind with its striking effects on your skin. Below, we highlight only a handful of ways this magical spice can help improve your skin by removing scars, reducing acne and making it glow.
1.Cleansing and Moisturizing
Nowadays, not many people know about the benefits of Saffron for skin and the role of Saffron oil as a famous beauty ingredient. The combination of saffron and coconut oil can work wonders for your skin. All you need to do is add a little saffron powder to the coconut oil and let the goodness of Saffron infuse into the oil overnight. Then gently apply it over your face with cotton. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it. This mask is quite popular in India and Morocco, where people enjoy healthy-looking clean, smooth and moisturized skin.
2.Treat your acne
One of the prime benefits of Saffron is its remarkable ability to fight and treat acne and blemishes. This is due to the fantastic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. If you have acne-prone skin, then you should try saffron and basil paste. Make a fine paste with 2 to 3 basil leaves and a few saffron strands. Apply it on your acne and leave it for 10 minutes or until it is dry. Then wash your face with cold water. This treatment may help to reduce acne infection.
3.The tone you skin with Saffron
Toning should be an essential part of your skincare routine and the regular cleaning process. The primary purpose is to get rid of any dirt, oil, or debris left in your skin even after using a cleanser. You can make your toner by mixing Saffron with rose water. This will help to nourish, soothe and hydrate your skin while maintaining its natural pH level.
4.Get rid of tan with Saffron
If you want to get rid of your tan naturally, worry not because Saffron is here to save your day. You can make your own homemade tan removal cream by soaking Saffron in milk cream (The fatty layer formed on top of milk) overnight. Mix it with your hands in the morning and apply it over your face or the affected areas. This will gradually help to lighten your suntan effectively. In addition, this trick will also add glow to your face and make it look well-hydrated.
5.Make your skin look Radiant
Another fascinating benefit of adding Saffron to your skincare routine is that it may help to give your skin a fresh, radiant look. You can make a natural face pack and apply it once every week to see substantial results in the form of bright younger-looking skin. For this, take 2 to 3 spoons of milk, 30mg of Saffron and 1 tsp of sandalwood powder. Mix it well to make a paste. Make sure to wash your face before applying it. Massage it into your skin in a circular motion and let it sit until it dries. Rinse it off with cold water.
References:
Pintado, C., de Miguel, A., Acevedo, O., Nozal, L., Novella, J.L., Rotger, R., 2011. Bactericidal effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on Salmonella enterica during storage. Food Control 22, 638–642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2010.09.031
Soleymani, S., Zabihollahi, R., Shahbazi, S., Bolhassani, A., 2017. Antiviral Effects of Saffron and its Major Ingredients. Curr. Drug Deliv. 15. https://doi.org/10.2174/1567201814666171129210654
