Saffron for Skin: Benefits, Uses, and DIY Remedies
Saffron is known as ''golden spice'' and "zafran" in Urdu. It is carefully extracted from a dried thread-like flower called Crocus sativus. Saffron is the most expensive spice because of the number of labour involved in plucking each thread. Zafran is a powerhouse of vitamins A, B & C, minerals, and antioxidants, which benefit the health and skin in many ways.
Mainly, it is used as a coloring or flavoring agent. However, due to its impressive impact on the skin, it is widely used in the skin and cosmetic industry. From sunscreen to moisturizers and lotions, it has become a vital ingredient.
Saffron benefits for skin
Powerful Antioxidant
Zafran contains major antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which are helpful for the skin to defend against free radical damage. These antioxidants help shrink fine lines and pores, minimize wrinkles, and slow skin aging. It combats oxidative stress and keeps your skin refreshing like younger people.
Soothes Inflammation
Saffron is known to be an excellent soother for skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce blemishes, redness, skin irritation and soothe the skin. The soothing properties make it necessary for acne and eczema patients who suffer from redness, discomfort, and inflammation.
Enhances Skin Texture
Zafran magically enhances the skin texture by exfoliating, which helps to remove dead cells and regenerate new ones. Applying it increases blood circulation and collagen production, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to go into the skin, which directly gives it a glow and improves elasticity and skin health.
Saffron for Brightening and Even Skin Tone
One of the most prominent features of Saffron is its ability to lighten the skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and brighten it. Zafran contains vitamins A, C, and ascorbic acid, inhibiting melanin production. Melanin is responsible for uneven skin tone and dark circles.
Usage of Zafran for skin does wonders. If you add it to your daily routine, you can brighten your skin tone, achieve an instant glow, and reduce the appearance of bumps, marks, blotches, or patches.
Anti Aging Benefits
Women always want to look younger and brighter. Antiaging is the most loveable benefit of Zafran for the skin, which is loved by women. Saffron boosts the levels of glutathione in cells, thus exerting potent antioxidant and anti-melanogenic properties. The significant conversion of carotenoids to retinoids, which is vitamin A. Retinoids also help to enhance the skin complexion and glow. Saffron is well-researched for its anti-aging benefits for the skin. It demolishes scars, wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, freckles, and discolouration. Add it to your daily skincare to give you radiant and youthful skin.
Moisturizes and Hydrates
Saffron is a natural moisturizer that locks moisture into the skin, avoiding dryness. It creates a protective barrier and makes the skin soft and supple. Furthermore, it creates a protective barrier that retains moisture, helping all skin types.
Treats Acne and Blemishes
Due to its antibacterial properties, it is highly effective for the skin in combating against those bacteria that cause severe acne and prevent breakouts. Its calming effects additionally decrease skin breakouts, scars, blemishes and acne marks, advancing clearer skin.
How to Use Saffron in Skincare Face Masks
You can make a variety of masks for your skin by using Zafran. Mix saffron threads with yogurt, honey, or milk to make a nourishing face mask. Apply the mask and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash your face with cold water.
DIY Mask
Mix saffron threads in milk and leave it until the milk turns yellow. Make a paste by adding one teaspoon of honey to it. Apply to your face and neck, then leave it to dry. After fifteen minutes, wash your face with lukewarm water. You will instantly notice the glowy, radiant skin with even skin texture.
Toners
Soak saffron threads in warm water to make a cooling toner and let them infuse. Filter the water to discard the threads, and apply with a cotton pad to stiffen the pores. This will also help reduce lines and give a brighter tone.
Serums/Oils
Infuse its threads with an oil like almond or jojoba for a hydrating serum. Rub on top of clean skin to reduce curves and upgrade flexibility.
Creams/Lotions
Search for skincare items containing saffron extract for day-to-day moisturization and protection against natural harm.
Side Effects of Saffron
When applied topically, Saffron has no known side effects but plenty of benefits for the skin. However, one must be careful while using saffron essential oil and never use it undiluted. Because pure saffron oil is highly concentrated, it can harm your skin or scalp. You should do a patch test before using it for the first time.
Consult your doctor for the correct herb doses or mention them if you have any allergies. It is also better to avoid it during your early pregnancy period and begin consumption only after you've consulted your doctor.