By: Shahnaz Husain
Saffron, known as “red gold,” has been valued for centuries not only for its culinary uses but also for its numerous beauty benefits.
Saffron, known to be one of the most expensive spices all around the world not only enhances the flavor and color of your dishes but also makes your skin glow naturally.
Saffron, also known as the “golden spice,” has gained recognition in the beauty industry for its remarkable effects on the skin.
Packed with essential nutrients and potent compounds, it holds a special place in the world of beauty with its potent antioxidants and therapeutic properties. It can relieve common skin issues, including inflammation and acne.
Saffron is known to be one of the most expensive spices all around the world and is a valuable ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Many skincare brands have started using saffron because it contains nourishing and brightening properties for the skin.
In general, saffron is helpful for all skin types but is especially beneficial for sensitive skin.
It provides valuable nourishment, protecting the skin and hair from the harmful effects of UV rays, as well as imparting radiance, lustre and beauty. It has a deep orange colour and a lovely aroma.
Actually, saffron has several healing properties for restoring the beauty of the skin. In fact, it is also said to encourage the renewal of healthy new skin cells and also helps cell repair. That is why it is known to delay visible ageing signs and protect the skin’s youthful properties. It contains several vitamins and antioxidants, as well as potassium, which also keeps the skin youthful and healthy. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties too. In fact, it has even been used in the treatment of acne due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to soothe and heal sun burnt skin.
As far as the skin is concerned, saffron is also known to lighten skin colour and is used over a period of time. It helps to remove the tan caused by excessive sun exposure. That is why it has been used in natural fairness creams. Saffron is very expensive, but just a few strands of saffron are needed for beauty treatments. A few strands can be used to prepare a face pack, to revitalize the skin, and add radiance.
Here are a few home remedies with saffron:
To remove tan: Saffron has been found to have a protective effect against sun damage. It can help to reduce the damage caused by UV rays and protect the skin from further damage.
Twice a week, soak a few strands of saffron in milk and apply it on the face, neck and arms. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off with plain water.
Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, saffron face cream will heal sun damage and combat signs of premature aging.
For Sunburn: Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing skin inflammation. It can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Add a few strands of saffron to a cream of milk (malai) and apply on the face. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
For dry skin: Saffron is a natural moisturizer that helps in keeping the skin hydrated and soft. It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, preventing dryness, and flakiness.
Soak saffron in a little water overnight. Next day, add this to olive oil or coconut oil and massage lightly on the face. Or, mix the saffron strands with honey and massage it lightly on the skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with plenty of plain water.
In fact, saffron is so versatile, that it can be soaked in a little water overnight. Add it to a paste of neem leaves or basil leaves and apply on the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with water. This helps oily skin conditions, like pimples, acne, or rash.
For acne: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in saffron help regulate sebum production, unclog pores, and soothe inflammation, promoting clearer and healthier skin. Add a few strands of saffron to milk and cinnamon powder into a paste. Apply on the eruptions and on dark acne marks. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Wash off with plain water. Do this at least three times a week.
Saffron helps your skin lighten naturally. Soak a few strands in milk for 2 hours. Apply this milk to your face and neck. Wash it off after a few minutes. Use this regularly.
Saffron Face Mask: Take a few strands of saffron and soak them in a small bowl of milk for about 15-20 minutes until the milk turns yellowish. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix well to form a paste. Apply the saffron mask evenly on your face and neck. Leave it on for 30 minutes to allow the saffron to penetrate your skin. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry. Indeed, saffron has many benefits for skin beauty, reducing blemishes, removing tan, revitalizing the skin and adding a glow.
(The author is international fame beauty expert and is called herbal queen of India)