What is Saffron?
Saffron is one of the most exotic and luxurious spices in the world. It has been one of the chief beauty ingredients in royal houses and even been endorsed by famous queens. This is the primary reason why it got its reputation for being so luxurious. Saffron is harvested in only a few areas and has a small duration of harvest - just a few weeks, once a year. Saffron in India is grown in Srinagar, Pampore, and Kishtwar, all in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This is precisely what makes it a costly spice. However, owing to its unique and numerous benefits, saffron continues to be extensively used and is a significant ingredient in the beauty industry.
Benefits of Saffron
Given the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron, it is a powerful beauty ingredient. Its benefits can be reaped by directly consuming it or applying it to the skin. Saffron's benefits for female skin type are remarkable, which explains why women of the royal households used it in the olden times. Below we discuss some of the best healing and beauty benefits you can get from saffron if included in your self-care routines.
1) Healing burn wounds
Saffron has numerous healing properties. When used to heal burn wounds, not only will it help in reducing inflammation, but it also helps in healing the scars and burn marks. Using saffron in healing burn wounds can help speed up the wound-healing process and restore the skin with minimal to no scarring.
2) Removing blemishes and hyperpigmentation
Saffron is rich in antioxidants which help in battling the severe effects of the sun on the skin. It is a unique natural ingredient that lightens dark patches quite significantly. Saffron contains a compound called crocin that helps decrease melanin and evens out skin tone.
Saffron oil works excellently in fighting hyperpigmentation because it's extracted from the C. sativus flower. Massage a few drops of saffron oil directly onto your skin and watch your blemishes and dark patches fade away.
3) Lightening the skin tone
Saffron is rich in Vitamin C and B6, which helps lighten complexion. It also helps boost collagen, giving out a fairer skin tone. Regular saffron application will give your skin a healthy and natural glow.
4) Helps in toning the skin
Saffron is an excellent toner for the skin. Its properties help in fighting the pollutants and impurities clogging the skin pores. Use it in your face packs or scrubs, and experience your skin becoming flawless with its natural glow restored.
5) Preventing hair loss
Saffron is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, which work wonders to treat your scalp and restore hair health and volume. Regular consumption and application of saffron can work like nectar for your hair.
6) Treating acne
As discussed above, saffron's excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties help treat acne and stop further breakouts. Moreover, its exfoliating properties help clear out all skin impurities.
7) Hydrating the Skin
Having dry skin is probably one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever. Saffron can help tackle this effectively. Just mix some saffron strands or saffron powder with your daily moisturizer, or make a paste and apply it all over your face daily.
Final Thoughts
There's no doubt that saffron is basically a magic ingredient in skincare, and its beautiful properties justify why it played such a significant role in the royal houses. Regular use of saffron can work wonders on your skin, leaving it glowing, hydrated, and flawless. Since saffron is an organic product, it has zero side effects. However, try it out on a small patch of skin before applying it to a more extensive area like your face or consuming it to check for allergies.