Saffron, being the most expensive spice in the world, has been used for thousands of years as a spice, a dye, and a medicinal herb. In recent years, the cosmetic industry has begun to take notice of the many benefits of saffron for the skin. In this article, we will explore the science behind 10 benefits of saffron on the skin and how to use it for maximum benefits.
1. Improves Skin Tone
Saffron has been traditionally used to improve skin tone and brighten dull-looking skin. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help improve blood circulation, and also reduce hyperpigmentation, which can lead to a more even skin tone.
2. Enhance Skin Hydration
Saffron is an excellent natural moisturizer that can help hydrate dry skin. It helps retain moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Saffron extract was found to have significant moisturizing properties, reducing the transepidermal water loss, which is the amount of water that evaporates from the skin. To take it to the next step, one can add saffron to a moisturizer or serum for maximum hydration.
3. Promotes Skin Healing
Saffron has been traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, and other skin injuries. It contains compounds like crocetin and crocin that have been shown to promote skin healing and regeneration. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, saffron extract was found to have significant wound-healing effects on the skin of rats.
4.Treats Inflammation
Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by skin conditions like rosacea and dermatitis. The compounds in saffron can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation.
5. Helps To Prevent Skin Cancer
Saffron has been shown to have chemopreventive effects against skin cancer. The photoprotective properties can help to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. In other words, it can act as a natural sunscreen on its own, and that can replace store bought products or just add them to a sunscreen to further protect the skin cells from UV radiation-induced damage.
6. Enhances Skin Elasticity
Saffron contains compounds that can help enhance skin elasticity, which is essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of skin elasticity. Saffron has been found to promote collagen production, which can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Skin Lightening
Saffron can brighten up the skin and give a radiant glow to the skin. Crocin can reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. As a result, saffron is a popular ingredient in many skin lightening products.
8. Calms Skin
Saffron has a calming effect on the skin, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It can help soothe and hydrate the skin and reduces the redness. Additionally, it also known to inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical that causes itching and inflammation, further reducing skin irritation.
9. Improve Overall Skin Health
Saffron can help improve the overall health of the skin by boosting the immune system. It contains compounds that can help protect the skin from harmful pathogens and prevent infections from occurring.
10. Stimulates Blood Circulation
With compounds like crocetin and crocin that are known to have vasodilatory properties, they can help to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. This improved blood flow can result in better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, which can help to improve overall skin health and appearance.
Conclusion
Now that we know saffron is a versatile ingredient that offers many benefits for the skin, we can use it our advantage. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties make it an effective natural remedy for a wide range of skin conditions. From reducing dark circles to enhancing skin elasticity, saffron has been scientifically proven to offer significant benefits for the skin.
To reap the maximum benefits of saffron on the skin, try incorporating it into your skincare routine through face masks, toners, or oils. Here at Patchegne, we have made it simpler and more accessible for daily use. Check out our new product Memoire, a stress reliever and calming balm enriched with 100% natural saffron. With regular use, you can achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
References
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Husein-ElAhmed, H., & Rodríguez-Archilla, A. (2017). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and skin health: A comprehensive review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 7(3), 234-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.003
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Modaghegh, M. H., Shahabian, M., Esmaeili, H. A., & Rajbai, O. (2008). Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers. Phytomedicine, 15(12), 1032-1037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.003
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Razavi, S. M., Zahri, S., & Karimi, E. (2019). Saffron and skin; a comprehensive review of its biological properties and mechanisms of actions. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.07.007
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Sarafian, A., Nematollahi, A., & Jamalifar, H. (2016). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants and fungi containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 19(11), 1203-1210. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133121/
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Yazdanparast, R., & Bahramikia, S. (2015). Evaluation of the effect of saffron extract on skin wound healing in rats. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 18(5), 461-466. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4451626/