8 Secret Benefits Of Saffron For Skin & How To Use It?

Saffron, also known as the "golden spice," is a spice popular for its unique flavor, aroma, and vibrant scarlet golden color. Extracted from the Crocus sativus flower, Saffron is packed with various nutrients that benefit the skin.

Yes, you heard it right! You can use Saffron not only to enhance the flavor and color of your dishes but also to make your skin glow naturally.

In this post, we’ll talk about Saffron benefits the skin and discover some of the best ways to use it in your skincare routine.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron (Kumkum or Kesar) is one of the most precious spices in the world, as it takes a lot of time and effort to cultivate and harvest the delicate stigmas from the Crocus Sativus flower. It is estimated that it takes around 75,000 flowers to produce just one pound of Saffron, making it extremely expensive.

It is characterised by a sweet, floral,, and a distinctive aroma that is often described as earthy and pungent. These unique sensory properties make Saffron a prized ingredient in many culinary dishes, from savoury stews to sweet desserts.

But the use of Saffron isn’t limited to cooking. In fact, it’s an extremely versatile spice that can be used in a variety of ways. Apart from cooking, it is also used in skincare products and traditional medicine.

The legend says that {Kumkumadi} was used by Rani Samyukta, a queen known for her ‘miraculous beauty’. According to Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, ingredients are carefully chosen to balance the three doshas and procured following principles of {Dravyasangraha Vidhi}.

The red stigmas from the crocus flower sourced from Pampore, Kashmir are recognised for their ability to rekindle skin beauty and radiance from within it also evens skin tone and is a natural skin illuminator.

Top Benefits Of Saffron For Skin

Extracted from the crocus flowers’ red stigmas, Saffron is one of nature’s most potent, antioxidant-rich ingredients, widely known for its myriad health benefits. A powerhouse of vitamin A, B, & C and crocin, these phytoactive molecules promise instant brightness and radiance to the skin.

Here are some of its top benefits -

1. Anti-Aging Properties

Saffron is rich in antioxidants (Crocin and Safranal) that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. The antioxidants in Saffron neutralise these free radicals, keeping the skin looking youthful and radiant.

2. Brightens Skin

Saffron contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) that helps in brightening the skin tone. It suppresses the enzyme tyrosinase, reducing melanin formation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can stimulate melanin production. This results in a brighter complexion.

3. Treats Pigmentation

Vitamin C also aids in preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by promoting wound healing. It also offers some defense against UV-induced damage, helping curb sun-related hyperpigmentation. Further, by strengthening the skin's barrier, Vitamin C minimizes pigmentary changes due to environmental stress. 

4. Moisturizes the Skin

Saffron is a natural moisturizer that helps in keeping the skin hydrated and soft. It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, preventing dryness, and flakiness.

By repairing the natural skin barrier, it helps to retain moisture longer. This helps in nourishing the skin, preventing dryness, and flakiness.

5. Improves Skin Texture

Saffron contains Vitamin B (Riboflavin) that helps in improving skin texture and promoting skin cell revitalization. As new cells reach the skin's surface and old, damaged cells are shed, the skin often appears smoother and more radiant. Further, it helps in reducing dullness, uneven skin tone, and roughness, making the skin look smoother and softer. 

6. Reduces Under-Eye Dark Circles

Saffron has been used for centuries to reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. The spice improves blood circulation, which helps in reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

7. Treats Skin Inflammation

Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing skin inflammation. It can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

8. Protects against sun damage

Saffron has been found to have a protective effect against sun damage. It can help to reduce the damage caused by UV rays and protect the skin from further damage.

How To Add Saffron To Your Skincare Routine

To get the best benefits of Saffron for your skin, it’s important to choose the right products. This guide will walk you through some of the best facial skin care products formulated with Pure Kumkumadi Oil as the key ingredient. 

Kumkumadi is an exceptional special blend of 24 Ayurvedic herbs. One of its key ingredients is Saffron, one of the most precious spices in the world. It plays a special role in providing Kumkumadi Oil its skin illuminating properties. Kumkumadi oil is most effective when it’s formulated with the highest quality ingredients in their purest form. 

Using Kumkumadi Oil formulated skin care products is the best way to reap the benefits of Saffron for your skin -

1. Kumkumadi Illuminating & Skin Perfecting Day Cream

Introduce our latest addition to your daily skincare routine to get the best benefits of Saffron for your skin! This lightweight, luscious cream is formulated with the goodness of Kumkumadi Thailam, an Ayurvedic oil renowned for its ability to brighten and nourish the skin.

Crafted with a silky, melt-into-skin formula, this day cream glides effortlessly onto your face, leaving you with a silky, smooth finish. Its non-comedogenic properties make it ideal for all skin types, whether you have oily, dry or combination skin.

The cream has a mild fragrance with soft notes of saffron that will delight your senses. Its Ayurveda-inspired formula is designed to nourish and rejuvenate your skin, helping to combat the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermatologically tested, this day cream is perfect for those with sensitive skin and is safe for daily use. It's packed with the goodness of Kumkumadi Thailam with Saffron as a key ingredient that nourishes and brightens your complexion.

2. Kumkumadi Miraculous Night Serum

The Kumkumadi Miraculous Night Serum has the ability to brighten and illuminate your skin while simultaneously postponing the appearance of aging signs. The serum is made with pure Kumkumadi Oil, which works wonders in enhancing your skin's texture and quality.

Infused with the finest Kashmiri saffron and Kumkuma, this hydrating and nourishing serum provides your skin with a natural and enduring radiance.

How to use it -

Apply this serum as a night-time ritual after cleansing and toning your face. Moisten skin with Pure Rosewater or a natural water-based toner, and then massage the Kumkumadi gently in upward strokes until fully absorbed. Allow it to work overnight for best results. We recommend 2-3 drops for Normal to Oily Skin and four drops for Dry Skin.

Note - Do not use this product if you have active acne. Patch test for sensitive skin.

3. Kumkumadi Bi-Phase Essence

If you haven't yet heard of bi-phase essence, it is a potent formula consisting of two distinct compositions. The Kumkumadi bi-phase essence contains water and oil, combined to create a powerful face mist. Unlike lotions or creams that use emulsifiers to bind water and oil phases together, this bi-phase essence requires no additional emulsifiers. 

All you need to do is shake the bottle to emulsify the formula. This unique approach allows for higher concentrations of active compounds to be delivered to your skin, resulting in a simple, effective, and lightweight formula that effectively plumps, softens, and illuminates your skin.

How and when to use it -

Shake the bottle vigorously to mix the two phases. This is to make sure you get the best of both worlds: water phase and oil phase. Apply after cleansing and toning, spritz onto the face and neck.

Day - You can apply your day cream after. Remember to wear SPF when stepping outdoors.Night - You can supercharge your night time routine by adding our essence to it. Lock in moisture with a scoop of Rejuvenating & Brightening Night Cream or Kumkumadi Miraculous Night Serum after spraying the essence.

4. Kumkumadi Cleansing Oil

This deeply cleansing and hydrating face oil is enriched with Kumkumadi Thailam to brighten your skin and effortlessly remove makeup. As a lipid-replenishing cleansing oil, it transforms into a creamy cleanser that delicately lathers and eliminates excess sebum, impurities, environmental pollutants, and makeup. 

Incorporating this innovative formula into your daily skincare regimen will result in soft, supple, and radiant skin after cleansing.

How and when to use it -

Shake well before use. Take 1-2 pumps and massage the oil gently on the dry face and neck. Then, wet your face for mild lathering & massage for 10-30 seconds. Rinse with plain water. Pat dry. Follow the Miraculous Beauty Regime. Tone and hydrate with Kumkumadi Brightening Bi-phase Essence & moisturize with Rejuvenating & Brightening Night Cream.

You can also use it to cleanse and prep your skin before makeup effectively. Use this cleansing oil to break down sunscreen, makeup & remove pollutants from the skin at the end of the day.

5. Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub

If you're in search of a rich and indulgent face exfoliator that harnesses the powerful Ayurvedic benefits of Kumkumadi oil and other skin-nourishing ingredients, look no further than this remarkable face scrub. 

Formulated with 12 precious traditional components, this scrub helps to balance out your skin tone while strengthening its natural elasticity. This exfoliator has been clinically proven to refine, brighten, and firm your skin, leaving you with a silky-smooth and youthful-looking complexion.

How and when to use it -

After cleansing with a mild, natural cleanser, dampen the face with lukewarm water. Take an appropriate amount of the scrub and apply it to your face. Massage gently into the skin and rinse off. Use it twice a week.

6. Kumkumadi Rejuvenating & Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream

This one is a perfect leave-in night treatment for youthful, naturally radiant skin. Formulated with Kumkumadi Oil and a unique blend of precious and rare ingredients, it’s an effective, rich, and non-greasy formula. Moreover, it’s clinically proven* to reduce signs of aging and brighten skin tone.

How and when to use it - 

Use it at night post cleansing and application of Kumkumadi Bi-Phase Essence.

5 Best Natural Remedies For Using Saffron For Skin

Here are the five best natural face packs for using saffron for skin, so you can harness the power of this magical spice and achieve healthy, radiant skin naturally.

1. Saffron and Honey Face Pack

When combined, honey and saffron form a powerful face pack that can help to soothe and nourish the skin. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin. On the other hand, Saffron has skin lightening properties which can help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with a pinch of saffron threads in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

2. Saffron and Milk Face Pack

Milk is rich in lactic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. This makes it an excellent ingredient for treating acne-prone skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, antioxidant properties of saffron can help to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and promote overall skin health.

1. Soak a few saffron threads in 2-3 tablespoons of milk for about 30 minutes.
2. Mix the saffron threads with the milk by using a fork.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and neck using a cotton ball.
4. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

3. Saffron and Sandalwood Face Pack

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of saffron, when combined with the astringent and antiseptic properties of sandalwood, can help to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and promote overall skin health. 

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder with a few saffron threads in a small bowl.
2. Add enough rose water to make a thick paste.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
5. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

You can also add Saffron to Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack for the same benefits.

4. Saffron and Yogurt Face Pack

Saffron is a natural skin brightener and also helps in reducing blemishes and dark spots. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and hydrate the skin.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of Saffron threads in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

5. Saffron and Aloe Vera Face Pack

Saffron is a natural skin brightener and also helps in reducing blemishes and dark spots. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and hydrate the skin.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of saffron threads in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

FAQs

1. Can we use Saffron on the face daily?

Absolutely, incorporating Saffron into your daily skincare routine can be beneficial. With its inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Saffron is a natural addition to your regimen. However, be attentive to how your skin reacts and adjust usage accordingly to prevent any potential irritation or sensitivity. 

2. Does Saffron brighten skin?

Yes, Saffron is known for its skin brightening properties. It contains compounds that can inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, which can lead to a brighter and more even skin tone over time.

3. Is Saffron good for your face?

Yes, Saffron is considered beneficial for the face due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve complexion, promote a healthy glow, and address issues like acne, blemishes, and signs of aging.

4. How to use Saffron for skin benefits?

One common method is to soak a few strands of Saffron in milk or water, allow it to release its color and compounds, and then apply the mixture as a face mask. You can also add Saffron to natural face packs, creams, or oils for enhanced results.

5. Does Saffron improve skin colour?

Yes, Saffron can contribute to improving skin colour. It can help lighten dark spots and pigmentation, leading to a more radiant and even skin tone.

6. Which Saffron is best for skin?

When choosing Saffron for skin benefits, look for high-quality Saffron threads that have a deep red color and a strong aroma. The best types of Saffron for skin are typically organic and sourced from reputable suppliers. At Kama Ayurveda, we use Kashmiri Saffron from Pampore, one of the most renowned worldwide. They are the reddest and the purest of red stigmas from the Crocus Sativus flower, also known as ‘kumkum’.

7. What are the skin benefits of drinking Saffron with milk?

Drinking Saffron-infused milk, also known as Saffron milk or "kesar milk," can offer several skin benefits. The antioxidants in Saffron help combat free radicals, promoting healthier skin. It can also help with skin hydration and provide a natural glow.

8. Can I use Saffron for skin pigmentation?

Yes, Saffron can be used to address skin pigmentation issues. Its compounds can inhibit melanin production, which may help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Regular use, in combination with other natural remedies, can contribute to fading pigmentation over time.

In conclusion, Saffron is a powerful natural ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits for the skin. From its ability to brighten the complexion and reduce dark spots to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can combat signs of aging, Saffron has proven to be a valuable addition to any skincare routine.