Benefits of using Saffron for your skin
Saffron was initially widely cultivated in Iran, India, and Greece. Apart from using it as a delicate flavoring in exotic dishes, saffron was also used in herbal medicine in these countries. It has antimutagenic, antihypertensive, antitussive, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, and many other beneficial effects on the body when ingested. Saffron is also known to improve memory and learning skills. Its benefits for the skin were also realized and natural medicine specialists started adding it to face packs and topical creams (1). Here are the benefits of saffron for the skin –
- It was shown that saffron moisturizes the skin when used as an extract in a topical cream formulation (2).
- It works as an antisolar agent, wherein, it absorbs the UV rays and protects the skin from sun damage (3).
- Its active carotenoids, such as crocetin, exhibit antioxidant and antinociceptive properties (4). These properties will help the skin to maintain optimum health and appear youthful.
- Saffron also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin irritation, rashes, and swelling (5).
These little dried stalks pack a powerful punch when it comes to benefits for the skin, and they are rightly included in skincare routines. Young-looking, hydrated, and glowing skin are a few benefits of using this spice. We have tried to cover as many face packs with saffron as possible in this article. Keep reading to know more about these different methods to use saffron.
1. Saffron Face Mask For Acne
You Will Need
- 3-4 saffron strands
- 1/4 cup milk
What You Have To Do
- Soak the saffron strands in milk and let the milk infuse with saffron for about 2 hours.
- Then apply this milk on your face and neck.
- Wash it off after about 10-15 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this saffron face pack at home 3-4 times a week.
Why This Works
This pack clears acne and also improves complexion. Milk acts as astringent and also exfoliates the skin (7). On continuous use, your skin will stop spouting acne. The blemishes left over by the pimples will also begin to reduce.
2. Saffron With Olive Oil
You Will Need
- 3-4 saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Thoroughly mix the saffron strands in the oil.
- Massage the skin in upward motions using this oil.
- Wipe the oil off after an hour using a wet tissue. You can leave this oil on overnight as well.
Coconut oil, almond oil, or sesame oil can also be used instead of olive oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every alternate night.
Why This Works
The massage with the saffron-infused oil will improve circulation to the skin and give it a beautiful glow. Massaging will also help the nourishing fatty acids from the oil to get absorbed easily into the skin.
3. Saffron And Honey
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 saffron strands
What You Have To Do
- Mix honey with the saffron strands.
- Massage the facial skin with this using upward circular motions.
- Leave the saffron-honey mixture on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this once in every 2-3 days.
Why This Works
The antioxidants present in honey can help you to get rid of blemishes, dark spots, and scars from your skin. Honey also helps to lock the moisture into the skin (11).
4. Saffron And Milk Powder For Dry Skin
You Will Need
- 1/4 cup clean water
- 4-5 saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons milk powder
What You Have To Do
- Make a paste with the ingredients and apply the face pack.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Wash the face pack off with plain water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this face pack twice a week.
Why This Works
All the benefits of milk get highly concentrated in its powder form. This can be conveniently used to treat dry and dull skin issues (12).
5. Basil Leaves And Saffron Face Pack For Pimples
You Will Need
- 5 basil leaves
- 10-15 saffron strands
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Grind the basil leaves and saffron together with enough water to get a smooth paste.
- Put this mixture on pimples and pimple prone areas.
- Let the pack dry for a couple of minutes and then wash it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice weekly.
Why This Works
The antimicrobial properties of basil prove beneficial when used to get rid of the pimple-causing bacteria. This herb also has wound healing properties which mean that it will not let the pimples leave behind scars and even treat existing scars (13).
