Saffron magic: I used the most expensive spice on my skin and it worked wonders!

We all have heard of saffron as a permanent ingredient in skincare creams and face packs. With its reputation as one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is susceptible to adulteration and is difficult to source due to its limited production. The flower’s dried stigma is widely used in the culinary world for its exotic fragrance and to give bright warm colour to the food. While saffron is good for coughs, colds and stomach troubles, it is a powerful glow booster for the skin. Hearing about its miraculous benefits for skin, we gave it a try ourselves and it turned out to be the best ‘investment’ (considering the whopping cost) for our beauty regime.

Due to its richness in antioxidants, saffron can up your skincare routine.

Weighing in on the skincare benefits of saffron, Rubaina Adhikari, dietitian and lifestyle expert, spoke to HealthShots about including this magic ingredient in our beauty regime.

“In my opinion, saffron might help you achieve bright skin. All individuals who want a healthy glow on their skin may include this rare spice in their skincare routine. Saffron is rich in crocin, a powerful antioxidant that makes this spice a miracle ingredient for skincare brands too,” says Adhikari.

Before getting to know more about this beauty bomb, here’s how we used saffron in our skin routine and you can too:

1. Saffron strands in raw milk:

   Saffron strands can be infused in raw milk and used as a natural cleanser for the skin. Dip a cotton ball in saffron milk and cleanse your face with it for an instant brightening effect on your skin.

2. Saffron and sandalwood

   It can be mixed with sandalwood and rose water to make an all-natural glow-boosting face mask. Crush and mix 4-5 strands of saffron to a spoonful of sandalwood powder. Make a thick paste using rose water. Apply on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

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3. Saffron and brown sugar

   Saffron can be mixed with brown sugar and coconut oil to use as a body scrub for brightening the rough skin around the knees and elbows. Rub this mixture in gentle round motions to scrape off dead skin from your skin.

4. Saffron and rose water

   A few strands of saffron can be soaked in rose water to make an aromatic toner to hydrate and refresh your skin. Mix it together and pour the contents in a spray bottle and spray your face for an energizing effect.

5. Saffron and almond oil

   Saffron when steeped into pure almond oil can act as a nourishing facial oil that should be used as the last step of your nighttime skincare regime.

   Also Read: Stay warm and fight the flu this winter with the healing prowess of saffron

Now that you know how saffron can be one versatile ingredient, you can include in your various beauty concoctions to cater to your skin needs.

Here are some amazing ways saffron can treat almost all skin troubles:

1. Treats acne:

   Saffron or kesar is highly rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities make it the ultimate go-to ingredient that can fight acne-causing germs and can calm down your active zits and get rid of the redness and soreness on them. Not just acne, saffron is known to work wonders for blemished skin too.

2. Gives a peachy glow:

   One of the highly raved about effects of using saffron has to be its glow-boosting properties. A cotton ball soaked in a mixture of saffron and raw milk may clean all the dirt and pollution deposited on your skin and leave you with naturally radiant skin.

   

3. Heals scars:

   A lesser-known quality of saffron is its capability to heal minor scars and scratches. Saffron can boost your skin cell’s recovery rate. Thus, encouraging the skin to heal faster. The anti-inflammatory properties of saffron may stimulate wound healing by promoting cell multiplication.

4. Tones you skin:

   With people going gaga about toners in their skincare routines, a saffron toner maybe your skin’s best friend. Saffron infused toner can rejuvenate your skin and get rid of its dull appearance. Include it in your AM and PM skincare routine and you can thank us later!

5. Protects against UV radiation:

   UV radiation is the worst enemy of our skin. Your skin can undergo oxidative stress when it comes in contact with ultraviolet radiation. This can accelerate ageing, fine lines and wrinkles on your skin. Antioxidants in saffron can act as a barrier against UV rays and may help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

6. Reduces pigmentation:

   Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition when it starts creating more melanin pigment that is scattered around our skin as a defence mechanism against sun exposure or hormonal changes. The active compounds found in saffron may reduce melanin production. Thus, visibly reducing those dark spots on your face and body.

As valuable as saffron seems, our skin is worthy of anything that gives it tender, love and care. This spice may be a valuable addition to your skincare regime. Try it on and let us know how you feel!