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Also known as “kesar,” saffron is a pungent red spice used in several avenues, such as cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. The spice is usually added to dishes in the form of a powder or strands, and infuses foods with an explosive and an unforgettable flavour. As an added bonus, saffron is endowed with several health benefits, which include boosting moods, aiding weight loss, treating seizures.
According to the health organisation Cleveland Clinic, saffron is rich in three vital antioxidants, namely crocetin, crocin, and safranal. Not only have these antioxidants been found to enhance memory and cognitive function, but they also help improve the skin in various ways, such as protecting the skin from signs of aging. Therefore, it’s no wonder that saffron is usually infused in skincare products and cosmetics.
Check out ways in which saffron benefits the skin.
Treats Pigmentation
According to a research article entitled “Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases,” published in the journal Nutrients, saffron is a powerful source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Vitamin C helps stimulate quick healing of flesh wounds, and shields the skin from damage caused by UV radiations. In this way, saffron enables the treatment of post-inflammatory and sun-related hyperpigmentation.
Protects The Skin From Aging
The antioxidants crocin and safranal found in saffron guard the skin from molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress on the cells, leading to the formation of skin-conditions, such as wrinkles and laugh lines, among other signs of aging. The antioxidants crocin and safranal work together to limit the activity of free radicals, and thus, help preserve a youthful glow and appearance.
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Improves The Texture Of The Skin
Saffron is abundant in vitamin B2, also known as “riboflavin.” This vitamin assists in enhancing the texture of the skin by stimulating skin cell regeneration. Owing to this phenomenon, old and impaired skin cells are continuously replaced by newer and fresher cells as they hit the surface of the skin. This enables the skin to retain its radiance; riboflavin has also been found to decrease dullness, treat acne, and help make the skin appear smooth and even.
Reduces Skin Inflammation
As touched on above, vitamin C equips saffron with anti-inflammatory properties. Several skin conditions, including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis are the result of inflammation. So, the presence of vitamin C in saffron helps reduce and neutralise inflammation, which in turns, aids in the treatment of the aforementioned skin-related conditions. That’s why many medicinal creams and gels used to control eczema and psoriasis typically comprise trace amounts of saffron.
Moisturises The Skin
Saffron is composed of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B and vitamin C, which help hydrate and moisturise the skin. Owing to natural hydration and frequent moisturising provided by saffron, the occurrence of skin-related ailments, namely dryness and flakiness, is drastically reduced. Moisturisation also helps cleanse the skin. As a result, the skin remains soft, smooth, youthful, and healthy looking.
Image Credits: Freepik
Reduces Under Eye Dark Circles
Under eye dark circles can arise from a number of factors, such as genetics, a lack of sleep, and a lack of hydration. Another reason for the formation of under eye dark circles may be due to poor blood circulation in that area. Saffron is known to promote healthy blood circulation, therefore, potentially helping reduce under eye dark circles and the puffiness that usually accompanies the condition.
