Kesar ka kamal is nothing new to us Indians. Nani’s haldi kesar wala dudh, mummy’s special kesar kheer – you’ve grown up surrounded by this fragrant spice in your food. But the goodness of kesar goes beyond the surface and under your skin.
In olden times, saffron was used as a dye, perfume and medicine. At one time in history, it was worth more than gold! One of the reasons for it being expensive is because it is cultivated and harvested by hand. And it can take upto 80,000 plants to produce a kilogram of kesar.
Along with spreading fragrance in your kitchen, did you know about saffron benefits for skin, hair and overall health?
6 Benefits Of Saffron For Skin
- Fights acne and blemishes
- Heals old injury scars
- Gives you a natural glow
- Reduces skin pigmentation
- Protects you from harmful UV rays
- Fights skin irritation
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5 DIY Kesar (Saffron) Face Packs For Radiant Skin
Kesar is a versatile and easy addition to anything from plain water to milk. It mixes well with all ingredients. Thus, it’s convenient to include this into your skin care routine. Here are 5 desi skin care recipes you can try today!
1. Saffron Face Pack For Smooth Skin
Ghar pe banao this all natural cleanser using raw milk and some saffron strands. This kesar face pack gives you a bright complexion and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.
- Soak a few strands in milk for a few hours.
- Dip a cotton ball and use it on your face and neck.
- Wash it off after a few mins.
- Add the leftover saffron strands in your bathing water.
Milk also treats your acne, works as a moisturiser and acts as a skin toner. Raw milk, mixed with kesar benefits for skin, the results are double fold.
2. Tulsi & Kesar Face Pack For Treating Acne
Acne can be caused by various reasons. One of the best uses of saffron is a face mask to treat your acne. This can be done by simply adding some tulsi (basil) leaves.
- Collect a few strands of kesar and a few tulsi leaves.
- Crush these both together and make a fine paste.
- Use it as a face pack and let it sit for 10 min.
- Wash away with cold water.
Tulsi, just like kesar, is an integral part of our culture. Tulsi supports healthy skin ageing while reducing skin pigmentation. They also fight acne and pimples as basil leaves prevent bacterial growth.
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3. Saffron Face Pack To Remove Your Dark Circles
Raat bhar jagna and din bhar kaam..you know what comes from that. You’re right. Dark circles it is. Here, too, kesar is the way to go. This kesar face pack will exfoliate your skin and get the blood flowing. It will also turn your dull skin into glowly beauty.
- Add a few strands of saffron in water overnight.
- Add a tablespoon of milk, coconut oil and sugar to this.
- Use your fingers to gently exfoliate your skin.
- Leave the mask on for a few minutes
- Then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Sugar acts as a natural scrub and cleanses your skin from buildup dead skin cells. Coconut oil, milk and kesar benefits for skin are endless.
4. Kesar Chandan Face Pack For Glowing Skin
Kesar and chandan (sandalwood) are both heavily used in skin care products. They make your skin look younger and leave you feeling refreshed! One of the best ways to get the best of both is to make a kesar chandan face pack. Here’s how you can do it:
- Mix two tsp of chandan powder with kesar.
- In a small bowl add some milk.
- Mix both the ingredients with milk until it forms a paste.
- Leave it on your face until it dries and then wash off.
Read Shahnaz Husain’s Guide On Chandan Uses & Benefits
5. Honey-Saffron Face Pack For Dry Skin
Have dry skin? Garmi, dhoop and pollution can leave your skin in a mess. But fikar nahi, here’s an easy remedy for your dry skin problems. The best thing? It’s right in your kitchen. To make this nourishing face mask, here’s what to do:
- Take 2 tsp of honey
- Add a few strands of kesar and let it sit.
- Use this face mask on your face and arms.
- Wash it off after 10 mins.
Shahad (honey) mein hoti hai antibiotic properties which makes it perfect for your acne prone skin. Over that, it’s a natural humectant, which means it will keep your skin hydrated but not oily.
7 Possible Side Effects Of Kesar
Saffron actually comes from a flower known as Crocus sativus, the kesar you know comes from the stigma of the plant’s flower. It has chemicals that help you alter your mood, kill cancerous cells and act as an antioxidant.
Saffron benefits for skin outnumber the side effects caused by it. But there’s a slight chance that you may face allergic reactions because of it.
Possible side effects can include:
- Itchy or burning skin
- Hives
- dry skin
- Skin redness and swelling
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy and red eyes
A study also suggested that saffron pollen can cause respiratory allergic reactions. So take your kesar with a pinch of salt.
3 Saffron-Based Products You Can Use
Saffron for skin care products is a classic ingredient that stays in the limelight hamesha. Along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it has a beautiful aroma that makes it perfect for your skin care routine.
1. Kesar Chandan Clay Mask
This amazing kesar clay face mask will leave your face lustrous and glowing. It evens out your skin tone by addressing the skin pigmentation issues. It also helps with discolouration and freckles!
2. Kumkumadi Miraculous Ayurvedic Night Serum
The ancient Ayurvedic text, Ashtanga Hrudaya, recommends Kumkumadi Thailam as an essential for your face. And now! It has now been clinically proven to brighten and illuminate skin while also delaying the onset of ageing.
3. Himalaya Natural Glow Kesar Face Cream
Himalaya Natural Glow Kesar Face Cream is an affordable skin care product that delivers its value. It is enriched with Alfalfa, which contains vitamin A, K and D, polyphenols, and flavonoids. And luxurious Kashmiri kesar that brightens your face naturally! This cream nourishes and elevates your skin at the same time.
Other products that you can try are Himalaya Kesar Face Wash and Saffron oil for skin (do you know saffron oil benefits your skin so much!?)
FAQs About Saffron
Q. How do I know that my saffron is pure?
A. Original kesar tastes sweet and has a hay-like honey smell to it. One way to assure its purity is by the water test. It will not lose its colour immediately when added to water.
Q. What if I develop allergic reactions?
A. Consult a doctor if the allergic reactions are severe and stop using kesar in your food and skin products.
If you want to add a natural element to your beauty skin care routine, kesar is the perfect choice. Its active chemicals fight UV rays, reduce hyperpigmentation and also protects your skin against inflammation. Here’s your chance to #BeALittleMore with the kesar glow on your face. Although be cautious if you’re using it for the very first time.
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Have you tried other kesar beauty treatments at home? Did they work or not? Share in the comment section!
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