7 Ways to Include Saffron in Your Beauty Regime to Get Glowing Skin 

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urged everyone to buy locally grown Kashmiri saffron, stressing on its several medicinal properties. But did you know, it has myriad beauty benefits too? Also known as Kesar, it is one of the most expensive spices in the world. “Besides being used to flavour several special delicacies, it is also used for nurturing skin – making it soft, smooth, and radiant. Owing to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, this exotic spice has been used in skincare since time immemorial,” says Shahnaz Hussain, veteran beauty expert. She elaborates on the various beauty benefits of saffron and how you can include it in your daily routine.

Use it to treat acne

With its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, saffron becomes a perfect treatment for acne and breakouts. It is also great for exfoliating the skin, which helps clear up the acne-prone skin.

How to use: If you are dealing with acne and want to get rid of it, you can take 5-6 fresh basil leaves and 10 strands of saffron. Soak these contents in water, ground them into a paste, and apply on affected areas.

Banish pigmentation

Saffron works like magic against pigmentation, dark spots, and other skin blemishes. Owing to its exfoliating properties, saffron sloughs off the layer of dead skin (along with dirt and grime), revealing the pigmentation-free, glowing skin underneath.

How to use: Take clean water in a bowl and sprinkle a few strands of saffron in it. Add 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder and make a paste. Gently apply the paste on your face to clear pigmentation.

Get rid of scars

Scars, especially those on the face, can sometimes be a grisly reminder of the trauma. They may also reduce a person’s self-esteem and cause them to become reserved. Saffron, however, has incredible healing properties that can hasten skin recovery and reduce scars.

How to use: Soak 2 tablespoons of saffron in a bowl of clean water and make a paste. Add a couple of drops of coconut oil to the paste and apply the paste on the scars. Regular application will gradually clear the scars and create an even skin tone.

Drive away dull skin

Sun, rough weather, pollution, and other external factors may cause the skin to become dull and dry. However, by regularly using saffron, you can breathe new life into your skin and get back your natural glow.

How to use: Take a cup of raw cow’s milk and soak a few strands of saffron in it. Let it sit for a minute or two, and then apply this concoction on your face. Your skin will begin to feel much smoother and livelier almost instantaneously.

Get an even complexion

Saffron has been a prized ingredient since ancient times for nourishing the skin and creating a healthy complexion.

How to use: Take rosewater in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder to it. Add a few strands of saffron to it and make a paste. Apply evenly on the skin for a healthy, even complexion

Clear out tanning

Tanning can be annoying, especially for people who have lighter skin tone. The exfoliating properties of saffron, however, make it perfect for skin tan removal.

How to use: Soak a few saffron strands in milk. Apply regularly on the face for clearing up the tan.

Tone your skin

Saffron contains active carotenoids, which keep the skin healthy and youthful with their antioxidant and antinociceptive properties. It is why saffron serves as an excellent toner, delivering instant nourishment and freshness.

How to use: Creating a skin toner from saffron isn’t a tedious task either. Just take some strands of saffron and add them to a bowl of rosewater and – voila! You have your homemade toner.

"As great as saffron is for healing all kinds of skin ailments, make sure not to use it too excessively, or your skin may start to turn yellow," cautions Shahnaz. However, as long as you use it moderately, you shouldn't witness any side effects. So what are you waiting for? Get cracking on these skin care treatments and make your skin smooth and radiant!