Today I will discuss some benefits of using kesar on skin. Kesar or saffron is a crimson-colored spice. The threads are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food. Saffron is said to be the world’s costliest spice by weight. It has been said that saffron originated in Iran however there are doubts regarding this Greece and Mesopotamia also claim the origin of this beautiful spice. Saffron’s taste, form and hay-like fragrances due to chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. It also contains a carotenoid pigment, Crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. That was about saffron ( kesar). Now let us see how this kesar can give benefits to our skin. Saffron can only be used after soaking in water or milk
* Skin lighteningSaffron can be very beneficial when it comes to skin lightening. Take a few strands of this and soak them in either water or milk for a few minutes. Once the water/milk turns golden yellow, you are good to go. Use this as a base for any face pack and instantly you can see the difference. Also, you can drop a few strands of saffron in your bathing water to get that overall glow.
* Reduces acne and blemishes
Saffron has anti-fungal properties that help in reducing acne or pimples. It also helps in reducing the occurrence of the same. You can also cleanse your face with cotton soaked in saffron-infused milk twice a day for clear healthy blemish-free skin. (I would not advise this to oily skin people)
* Improves dull skin
Saffron improves dull skin. The strands of this work as a great exfoliator. Soak some strands of saffron in milk and use this to scrub your face gently. This will remove the dead skin cells gently and will give that glowing glow.
* Tones up skinMixing a few strands of Kesar in rose water and dabbing on the face right after the scrubbing procedure mentioned above will tone up your skin.
* Dry skin
Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties. Dry skin is more prone to inflammation and flare-ups. Applying saffron-infused milk or water on face thrice a day will keep skin moisturized and will reduce any painful flare-ups.
* Heals woundsIt has been said that warriors in the past used saffron extracts to treat wounds suffered in battle. Saffron holds amazing healing properties that help a lot in healing wounds and removing scars and spots for a blemish-free skin tone
* Removes tanSoak some saffron strands in milk cream and keep overnight. Blend this in the morning with your fingers and apply on the affected area. This will lighten your tan effectively. It has the added benefit of giving an amazing glow to your skin as well.
* Reduces PigmentationOverproduction of melanin causes pigmentation or brown spots on the skin. Mix a few strands of Kesar in a bowl of water and add turmeric to it to form a paste. Apply this mainly on your pigmented spots and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
So these are some benefits of using saffron on skin. Now always be sure to use original kesar. Simple steps to identify fake Kesar is that fake one will taste sweet and will lose its pigment when immersed in water, while original Kesar doesn’t have a sweet taste and even after submerging it in water for hours, the strands won’t lose pigment