Obtaining one gram of it requires a great deal of flowers; hence their high price is justified. Besides its lasting aroma, saffron has a wide range of benefits for the skin and the body. That’s not it! Also, this spice is commonly used in Oriental and Indian cooking to give the dish an aromatic and exotic flavor. In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about saffron, how it is made, the 12 best homemade saffron face masks, and many more. We have also touched upon how these masks work, how frequently they should be used, and the precautions to be followed. So, let us get started.
Saffron Benefits For 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 antimutagenici XA property that enables a substance to interfere with mutagens and reduce their tendency to mutate or cause a change to cell DNA. , antihypertensive, antitussivei XThe ability of a substance to relieve symptoms of cough and cold or lessen the intensity. , cytotoxici XAny substance that affect cellular function and has the potential to damage or kill living cells. , anticonvulsanti XA group of medicines or substances that can prevent and stop convulsions caused by seizure disorders. , 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 carotenoidsi XNaturally occurring pigments that impart yellow and orange color to saffron and other fruits and vegetables. , such as crocetin, exhibit antioxidant and antinociceptive propertiesi XThe ability to block or minimize pain sensation without negatively affecting consciousness. (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.
How To Use Saffron For Skin
Homemade Face Packs With Saffron
1. Saffron And Sandalwood Face Pack
1 tablespoon sandalwood powder 2-3 saffron strands 2 teaspoons milk (preferably raw milk)
Apply this homemade saffron facial mask at least once a week for a radiant and smooth skin. You can use this pack up to 3 times a week. Sandalwood enhances the complexion and makes your skin smooth and radiant (6). Use rose water if you are sensitive to milk and dairy products. [ Read: Beauty Tips For Face Whitening ]
2. Saffron Face Mask For Acne
3-4 saffron strands 1/4 cup milk
Repeat this saffron face pack at home 3-4 times a week. This pack clears acne and also improves complexion. Milk acts as an 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. Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to dairy as this will aggravate your acne further. [ Read: Home Remedies For Flawless Skin ]
3. Skin Lightening Face Pack Using Saffron
2-3 saffron strands A small pinch of sugar 1 teaspoon milk 1 teaspoon water 2-3 drops olive or coconut oil 1 bread slice
Repeat 3-4 times a week. This saffron facial mask clears up the dull skin rapidly. It helps to reduce dark circles and fine lines. Sugar exfoliates the skin while the oil will nourish it and keep it hydrated (8, 9).
4. Saffron And Sunflower Seeds Face Pack
3-4 sunflower seeds 2-3 saffron strands 1/4 cup milk
You also can use warm water for the overnight soak instead of milk. Use this face pack twice a week. This face mask makes your skin fair and rosy. Sunflower seed contains oils that act as emollients when applied topically. It is rich in vitamin E (10).
5. Saffron With Olive Oil
3-4 saffron strands 1 tablespoon olive oil
Coconut oil, almond oil, or sesame oil can also be used instead of olive oil. Repeat this every alternate night. 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.
6. Saffron And Honey Face Pack
1 tablespoon honey 2-3 saffron strands
Apply this once every 2-3 days. 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).
7. Saffron And Milk Powder For Dry Skin
1/4 cup clean water 4-5 saffron strands 2 tablespoons milk powder
Apply this face pack twice a week. 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). This remedy should not be used by people who are allergic to dairy products.
8. Saffron And Almonds Face Pack
10 saffron strands 4-5 almonds Water
This face pack can be applied twice a week. This face pack will enhance the skin tone with the natural bleaching properties of almonds. The moisture balance of the skin will also be restored because of the natural oil present in the almonds.
9. Basil Leaves And Saffron Face Pack For Pimples
5 basil leaves 10-15 saffron strands Water
Repeat this twice weekly. 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).
10. Saffron For Dark Circles
2-3 saffron strands 2 tablespoons of water
Repeat this every morning for refreshed skin. Black spots and dark circles on the face fade away with regular use of this remedy. Saffron brightens up the complexion and rejuvenates the skin tone.
11. Saffron Face Pack For Dull Skin
2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon Bengal gram 7-8 saffron strands
Use this face pack twice a week. This face pack reduces dullness of the face and freshens it up. Bengal gram absorbs all the dirt, grime, and grease. It also exfoliates the skin (14). [ Read: Simple Face Packs For Tanned Skin ]
12. Using Saffron As A Nasal Supplement For Glowing Skin
3-4 saffron strands 1/2 teaspoon cow ghee 2 teaspoons milk A pinch of sugar
Everyday inhale five drops through each nostril to get a facial glow. This remedy is definitely not meant for the faint-hearted. Ayurvedic practitioners have suggested this method of saffron inhalation forgetting a glowing and radiant skin. Do this only if you can tolerate the burning through your nose. Also, this remedy is not meant for topical application. If the last treatment in our list sounds a bit dare-devil to you, then give it a miss! There are plenty of other remedies with saffron in this article that will give you similar results. Now, when it comes to choosing saffron, there are quite a few varieties available in the market. The process of picking the right one can be confusing. Keep reading to clear this confusion!
How To Choose Saffron
Saffron is very expensive! There are several contaminated and counterfeit products being dyed to replicate saffron. It is very dangerous to use adulterated saffron on the skin as it may trigger allergic reactions or cause undesired changes to your skin which may not always be curable. Also, since we also ingest saffron for some particularly effective health benefits (and not just the flavor), it is very essential to make sure that we have pure saffron to avoid food poisoning or other adverse health effects. To determine whether you have unadulterated saffron or not, immerse a bit of the produce in warm water or milk. If the liquid turns yellow immediately, then the saffron is fake. Pure saffron must steep in either warm water or milk for at least 10 to 15 minutes before its deep reddish-gold colour or a dark yellowish color permeates in the water or milk, and the saffron aroma begins to develop. You can try any of the above methods at night before bed, but just soak the saffron for at least around eight to ten hours before it can be used. Saffron is an incredibly safe and time-tested ingredient for improving not just your complexion but also skin health. The only problem in using this spice is that saffron is said to be a heat inducing component – it can cause a lot of heat in the body. Using saffron in the blistering climate during summers can result in small breakouts or boils over the face. Hence, the best way is to use saffron in winters or cooler climatic conditions. Saffron is considered the king of spices. Well, it certainly is the king of beauty too. Have you used saffron face packs or masks before? Do share your experiences with us. Can I use saffron on my face daily? Yes, it is safe to use saffron on the face daily. Are saffron and turmeric the same? No, they are not the same. They come from different plants. Does eating saffron make baby fair? In some cultures, consuming saffron during pregnancy is believed to make the baby fair. However, there are no scientific studies to back this claim. Is saffron good for oily skin? Yes, saffron is good for oily skin. You can use a homemade face mask made of saffron, gram flour, and milk on oily skin.
