Is Saffron good for your skin?

From the origin of Saffron, the spice has been used by several notable figures in history as a beauty treatment. Cleopatra and Alexandra the Great had warm baths in saffron laced warm water because they knew its cosmetic benefits.

Some of the cosmetic benefits of saffron include:

• Saffron can be used to lighten the skin:

  It is believed that taking a glass of milk with a few strands of saffron soaked for a while could lighten the skin. This is why expectant mothers are always given milk and saffron to give the foetus in the womb a glowing complexion. You can also achieve a glowing skin by using saffron lotion. A homemade saffron lotion for skin lightening can be made by following these steps;

  1. Soak sunflower seeds and saffron in a glass of milk
  2. Blend the mixture after 24hours
  3. Apply the paste on your face 
  4. Leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm water
  5. This can be done once a week 

• Saffron can be used to treat Acne:

  The antioxidants present in saffron helps protect the skin from harmful free radicals; giving the skin a radiant glow. To use saffron for acne treatment;

  1. Crush 6 basil leaves with 12 strands of saffron to form a paste
  2. Apply the paste on your face 
  3. Leave for 15minutes and rinse off with warm water
  4. Basil leaves contain antibacterial effects which work well against acne when combined with saffron

• Saffron softens your skin and improves skin texture:

  Saffron gets rid of dead cells from the skin. To soften your skin;

  1. Add a few strands of saffron into a hot bathtub 
  2. Soak yourself for 30minutes

• Saffron reduces Suntan:

  Too much suntan on the skin makes the skin appear dull, wrinkled and patchy. To minimize the effects of suntan with saffron;

  1. Soak 6 strands of saffron in a spoon of milk
  2. Allow the mixture stay the night
  3. Apply it to the tanned area the next day
  4. Rinse off after 10 minutes

• Saffron can be used to treat dry skin:

  Dry skin can be treated using lemon and saffron face mask. Lemon exfoliates the skin from the inside while saffron brightens the skin on the outside. To prepare lemon and saffron face mask;

  1. Add three drops of lemon juice to a spoon of saffron powder
  2. Add a half teaspoon of milk 
  3. Mix into a fine paste and smear the paste all over your face
  4. Wash off after 15minutes

Saffron is also good for the treatment of wounds, blemishes, and scars. Alexander the Great had saffron baths to treat injuries he got after battles.