Saffron benefits for skin

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, it is originated from Greece. It is also grown in South Asia, India, China and Europe. The stigmas of saffron flower are the most precious part of the plant and are carefully graded by hand and stored.
Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma yielding compounds and also certain non-volatile compounds.

Kashmiri saffron is among the world’s darkest, strongly flavoured, highly aromatic with deepest coloring effect. It is dark maroon-purple in colour.

Safranal is a compound which is responsible for the rich fragrance of saffron, it possess the properties of curing and preventing cancers. Saffron is an anticonvulsant, antioxidant with huge qualities of scavenging away free radicals.

Saffron has numerous benefits for skin

Glowing skin

Our skin becomes dull and lifeless due to daily pollution, harsh weather and several other factors. Topical application of saffron over the skin can bring back the lost glow on the face.
Add 3-4 strands of saffron to 1-2 tablespoon of hot water in a small bowl. Cover and leave it for half an hour. Before bed crush the strands well using your fingers to extract saffron solution. Add half tablespoon of honey and mix well. Apply a layer of this solution over clean skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash with plain water.

For brightening skin

Add a few strands of saffron to 2 tablespoon of hot milk. Leave for at least half an hour and crush the strands well. Add one tablespoon of pure sandal powder to it and mix well to make a mooth face mask, add little more milk as required. Apply this over clean skin and leave for at least 15 minutes. Wash with plain water.

To remove sun tan

Soak a few strands of saffron in one tablespoon of hot water for atleast half an hour. Crush the strands and add a tiny amount of fresh cream to it and mix well, you can use honey instead of cream if your skin is oily. Apply this over clean face and leave it over night. Wash with face wash.

As skin toner

Saffron acts as a great natural toner. Soak 2-3 strands of saffron in a little rose water and crush to get the color. Dab it over clean face with a cotton ball. It keeps your skin fresh, healthy and younger. It may also be added to bath water.

Improves complexion

Saffron is used in many cosmetic products as a skin lightening ingredient. To make a skin lightening mask, keep 2-3 strands of saffron in a little water in the morning. At night, crush the strands and add a pinch of sugar, one tablespoon milk, a few drops of olive oil to it and mix well. Apply this over the skin and massage gently. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash with a gentle face wash. This face mask improves blood circulation, nourishes the skin and lightens the complexion on regular use.
Soak a few sunflower seeds and 2-3 saffron strands in little milk overnight. Grind it in the morning to make a smooth paste. Apply this over clean face and leave it for 15 minutes and wash.

Drinking a glass of milk with 3-4 strands of saffron daily once or twice is known to improve skin complexion.