FOOD FOR HEALTHY, FLAWLESS SKIN

Saffron, the flavourful spice is packed with skin benefitting nutrients — include it in your beauty routine for naturally glowing and healthy skin

Saffron, the ingredient that adds that subtle floral flavour and fragrance to your dishes is also an effective beauty ingredient. Called ‘Kesar’ in Hindi, ‘Zafran’ in Urdu, this exotic spice has a number of benefits for both body and skin. Regular use of saffron in your beauty routine can take care of skin problems such as pigmentation, dull complexion and acne. Face packs made with saffron also add a natural reddish glow to the skin. “Saffron is loaded with Vitamins A, B, C, folates and minerals like zinc, potassium and sodium. Hence, it is the perfect natural ingredient for rejuvenating your skin cells,” says beauty expert, Richa Aggarwal. Saffron is an important ingredient in many beauty products because of its antibacterial properties. It helps lighten your tan and brings a natural glow to your face. But always remember to check before buying .Good quality saffron is deep red with orange tips and is mostly spotless,” says beauty expert Ashmeen Munjal. You can use this unique spice as a skin cleanser, scrub, face pack and even a skin toner. Here’s how:

Saffron and Rose Water Skin Toner: This recipe is

helpful in reducing problems like open pores, skin tanning and clogged pores. Take rose water in a bottle, add few strands of saffron in it and keep it in fridge. You can even store this toner in the fridge and apply on the skin as and when you desire. This toner will tighten your skin pores and clean your skin of all impurities.

Saffron and Milk Cleanser:

The natural cleanser will help you get rid of tanning and give you radiant and smooth skin. Take raw milk, add a few strands of saffron and a few drops of lemon to it. Apply on your skin and rub it off with wet hands after 15 minutes.

Saffron and Sandalwood Face Pack:

This pack is excellent for oily, sensitive and acne prone skin. The antifungal content of saffron makes it effective for the treatment of acne, blemishes, and blackheads.

Take two teaspoons of saffron and mix sandalwood powder in it, add milk and make a thick paste of all the ingredients and apply it on your face. Wash off with cold water after 20 minutes. This mask should be applied once a week for best results.

Saffron and Papaya Face Pack:

This pack nourishes the skin and leaves it glowing and smooth. Mix mashed papaya, raw milk, honey with strands of saffron and make a thick paste. Keep this mixture in fridge for half an hour. Apply the pack on face for 15-20 minutes and rinse off the pack with cold water by gently scrubbing with wet hands.

Saffron and Almond Pack:

This pack will enrich your skin with the goodness of Vitamin E and improve elasticity of the skin. Soak almonds for a night and grind to paste, add dissolved strands of saffron, milk and honey and make a thick paste. Apply the pack on your face and neck for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off with cold water.

PHOTO: ISTOCK