Saffron Skincare Secrets
SAFFRON : WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT BENEFITS YOUR SKIN
Odds are you’ve probably seen or heard of saffron before. The crimson red stigmas and golden yellow pigment are instantly recognizable as one of the world’s most expensive and extravagant spices. But did you know that saffron also boasts incredible skin benefits? Below, we’re sharing an introduction to this spectacular spice and its many skin benefits.
WHAT IS SAFFRON?
Saffron is a rare, precious spice derived from the dried stigmas of the Saffron flower Crocus sativus (also known as the “saffron crocus”). Its usage reaches back more than 3000 years and has spanned countless cultures, continents, and civilizations that used the spice for medicines, perfumes, dyes, and flavoring food and beverages.
Native to Southwest Asia but first cultivated in Greece, today, the spice is grown primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, India, Greece, and Morocco. You’ll also find saffron fields in Italy, France, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Pennsylvania, and parts of China. Because this precious plant is propagated in areas all over the world, planting techniques and cultivation may differ depending on the climate, soil, depth of planting, and spacing of corms.
Saffron has remained one of the world’s most costly substances throughout history. Even today, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, costing between $500 and $5,000 a pound. The high cost is primarily due to its labor-intensive harvesting method, which entails harvesting each flower by hand in the mid-morning. The price also reflects the precious scarcity of the spice. Because each saffron crocus produces three stigmas of saffron and blooms for only one week of the year. Producing just one ounce of saffron takes 1,000 flowers, contributing to the luxurious price point.
Did you know that saffron is equal in weight to the price of gold? It’s true! And with its plethora of skin care advantages, saffron is truly like gold for your body.
8 BENEFITS OF SAFFRON FOR YOUR SKIN
- Potent Antioxidant
Saffron is rich in antioxidants that have been used for centuries to boost the immune system and treat different illnesses. Compounds such as crocetin, crocin (the powerful carotenoid that gives saffron its bright yellow hue), vitamin C, and other antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals. And it also protects the skin from environmental stressors that cause cell damage.
- Supports Wound Healing
One key skin benefit of saffron that has been treasured for centuries is its ability to support wound healing. Studies have found saffron to have wound healing properties. This is likely due to its high antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory compounds, and also ability to increase cell production and turnover for a healthy skin.
- Brightens Skin
Who doesn’t want brighter, more radiant skin? Compared to other brightening active ingredients commonly found in skincare, saffron functions as a gentle, calming ingredient that brightens and gives skin a healthy glow with antioxidants that protect skin from pollution, free radicals, and other environmental influences that contribute to dullness.
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Speaking of brighter skin…saffron is a great ingredient to incorporate into your skincare regimen if treating hyperpigmentation is your goal. Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This is most often from scarring, post-acne marks, sunspots, or hormonal changes. Saffron promotes a bright, even skin tone by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase. These are a group of enzymes that contributes to the formation of hyperpigmentation and better skin texture.
- Protects Against UV Radiation
Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin aging. This is why protecting your skin from the sun’s UV radiation is so crucial. UV radiation contributes to premature skin aging and skin cell damage through the production of free radicals. This will wreak havoc on your skin. Luckily, compounds found within saffron, such as crocin, have been shown to neutralize free radicals. And it also protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Calms Inflammation
Saffron is a fantastic ingredient for calming inflammation and irritation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that curb oxidative stress. Because saffron helps to treat inflamed skin. And even helps with skin infection. it’s a great ingredient for reducing redness and acne breakouts.
- Supports Anti-Aging
Thanks to its army of minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, saffron is a potent anti-aging active ingredient that supports overall cellular health and skin recovery. It has long been used to support skin vitality. And it help’s keep skin looking fresh and youthful by protecting against environmental stressors and UV damage and even might help with skin elasticity.
- Benefits All Skin Types (Especially Sensitive Skin)
One major benefit of saffron is that it’s a gentle, safe skincare ingredient that pairs well with virtually all other cosmetic ingredients. Because it is so gentle, it’s an incredible ingredient for all skin types but is also especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin who need calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients in their routine.
HOW TO ADD SAFFRON TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
At Orzala Beauty, we specialize in creating luxurious, highly effective skincare products infused with saffron's healing and beauty benefits. We’ve taken the ancient beauty rituals and healing properties of this 3,000-year-old spice into the modern age with the best in cosmetic innovation and technology. Our organic, vegan, cruelty-free products celebrate the rich history of saffron while creating an innovative future for saffron-infused skin and body care. Not only do the nutrient-packed formulas benefit your skin, but they support the Afghanistan women who harvest the saffron by hand. By incorporating our saffron-infused products into your daily rituals, you’ll quickly discover why this spice is so magical.
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