Can Saffron Flower Help You Fight Aging? Find Out

Emitting an exotic fragrance, the Saffron Flower produces not only the most expensive spice in the world, but it also contains anti-aging tools we’ve all been searching for! 

The Saffron Flower has been around for hundreds of years and used in diverse ways. It’s no wonder with all the qualities and benefits it has to offer! From traditional medicine to cuisine, the Saffron Flower is a powerful and enigmatic super plant.

Adding Saffron Flower to your daily skincare routine is highly recommended! It has more than anti-aging properties. Saffron Flower also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that fight against cellular damage and prevent acne. The nutrients the Saffron Flower possess are especially sought after as they protect against cancers, and infections, while also working in traditional medicine as an antidepressant and anti-septic. Not only will those that use Saffron Flower in their skincare routine combat against wrinkle formation and obtain glowing skin, but they’ll also benefit from a plethora of other impressive health benefits! 

What Is Saffron Flower?

Saffron Flower, also known as crocus sativus, autumn crocus, or saffron crocus, produces a mysterious and coveted spice called saffron. This spice, saffron, comes from filaments that are found inside the flower.

Cultivation

It is believed that this plant is created on selective breeding as it is unable to reproduce on its own or in the wild. The Saffron Flower, or crocus sativus, is not only self-incompatible but also male sterile. This means that the Saffron Flower cannot reproduce on its own and requires a manual vegetative multiplication process in order to produce offspring of the popular species of flower. 

For flowering plants, self-incompatibility is a natural mechanism that works to prevent inbreeding on a genetic level. When a plant is male sterile, this refers to the plant’s inability to create or release functional pollen for reproduction purposes. 

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is a spice derived from the Saffron Flower. Crimson in color, the spice is often dried and used as a seasoning, and sometimes as a coloring agent, in food. 

The spice has reigned as the costliest spice by weight in the entire world, the second being vanilla. Cost-wise and quality-wise, a kilo of saffron ranges from 3,000 to 14,000 euros, or in American measurements, one pound can cost around $5,000! To give you an idea of the impressive price difference between the two popular spices, vanilla, the second leading expensive spice, costs about $600 for a pound.  

The History Of The Saffron Flower

There are still questions concerning the origin of saffron. There have been ties to Greece, Iran, and Mesopotamia. And throughout history, saffron, from the saffron flower, has been utilized in a variety of ways in traditional medicine, perfumery, as a fabric dye, and for religious purposes. 

Is Saffron Flower An Anti-Aging Agent?

Yes, it is!

Saffron, from the Saffron flower, has proven to be important not only as a food additive, coloring agent, and medicinal spice, but also as a tool to combat aging! A study review has verified that Saffron promotes skin health with its powerful antioxidant properties that work to repair the skin. 

Saffron Skincare Options We Love

6 Ways Saffron Flower Aids The Skin

Lessens The Appearance Of Scars

Saffron is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, two of them being vitamin A and vitamin C. These two vitamins are necessary for repairing tissue damage and fighting against infection along with maintaining healthy skin. The consumption or topical usage of Saffron, which contains these two important vitamins, can be used as a tool to lessen the appearance of scars, like acne scars. 

Vitamin C contains properties that can lessen the appearance of dark spots and acne scars on the skin, all without altering the skin’s color. On the other hand, vitamin A works to heal scarring by repairing the damage done to the cells. Adding Saffron to your skincare routine can vastly improve the appearance of scarring on the skin by encouraging the healing of damaged skin and cells. 

Works As An Acne Treatment

Saffron consists of superior ingredients needed to combat and treat acne The properties contained within the flower are used for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial purposes. When using Saffron in your daily skincare routine, the nutrients in Saffron can clear up acne-prone skin by treating the inflammation that arise while also fighting off bacteria that combine and cause flare-ups. 

Acne vulgaris, also known as inflammatory acne, is common in adolescents. It is caused by a blocked pore that is infected by bacteria. When the immune system attempts to fight off the bacterial infection, which leads to inflammation. In more serious cases, this can lead to cysts. Saffron’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties fight against this by preventing an infection caused by bacteria and the resulting inflammation. 

Prevents Damage Caused By Ultraviolet Exposure

One of the biggest causes of wrinkle formation, other than simply growing old, is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. 

Exposure to UV rays trigger the production of free radicals in the skin, and this results in damage to elastin fibres in the skin, which contribute to elasticity and resilience in the skin. When this happens, the impact of such deterioration results in wrinkle formation and a higher risk of skin cancer. 

The benefits provided by the nutrients found in Saffron Flower function as a natural UV absorbing agent. This is an advantage for those wishing to prevent premature skin aging as the Saffron Flower aids in the protection against possible damage done by UV radiation. 

Lightens Up The Skin For A Healthy Glow

Many factors can adversely affect the appearance of skin. Pollution, an unbalanced diet, and overexposure to UV rays, can result in dried-out skin that is desperately seeking nutrients, moisture, and protection.

Some effective nutrients that encourage a healthy “glow” to one’s skin include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Selenium
• Copper

Saffron Flower contains each of these highly effective nutrients that produce a healthy glow on your skin! Each nutrient single-handedly functions as an anti-aging tool in different ways. For example, zinc is a mineral that operates as an antioxidant. It protects the body against free radicals that damage cells, resulting in oxidative damage that results from aging. Zinc also works to protect fibroblasts and skin fats. Fibroblasts secrete collagen that is needed to maintain a structural framework for tissues. Skin fats strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, hold moisture, and keep dirt out of pores. 

The copper content in Saffron is important for maintaining the skin’s structure. The enzymatic activities of copper are essential for healthy eyes, skin, and hair. Copper contains an important function necessary in preventing aging, which is in the regeneration of new collagen and elasticity. Together, these two proteins strengthen the skin’s firmness and improve skin elasticity. Both of these functions are important in maintaining healthy, glowing, and youthful looking skin. 

Another significant antioxidant Saffron contains is selenium, which is a trace mineral. This mineral protects other antioxidants, like vitamin E, and has anti-inflammatory properties that combat the presentation of acne on the skin. Selenium supports other antioxidants that work to provide a youthful glow to the skin. 

Calcium is another property found in Saffron that nourishes and promotes glowing skin. This nutrient has many functions, one of them is in the development of new skin cell growth which is needed in order to shed dead skin cells. The shedding of dead skin cells leaves room for fresh, healthy-looking skin to appear. Without calcium, or with a low intake of calcium, the epidermis, or surface skin layer, will appear dry and fragile. 

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

As expressed above, Saffron’s anti-inflammatory properties are great tools in combating possible acne flare-ups and clearing up existing acne. Anti-inflammatory properties have other essential qualities that work skillfully as anti-aging preventative measure.

These substantial properties include combating enzymes that contribute to inflammation and swelling, and this can inhibit the appearance of skin looking healthy. When the body reacts to irritation, inflammation can be an undesirable result. As this process occurs, there is resulting damage done to the structural components of the skin, which causes the formation of wrinkles. 

The importance of using Saffron as an anti-aging tool in your skincare routine is beneficial for many reasons.  Its anti-inflammatory properties combat the formation of wrinkles provoked by inflammation.

Hydrates And Rejuvenates The Skin

Using products containing Saffron, like a toner, can hydrate and rejuvenate the skin creating a healthy, youthful appearance. When used frequently, once in the morning and once in the evening, Saffron can drastically improve the health of one’s skin. Removing dull, dry, and damaged skin, the proper usage of Saffron can work to hydrate, refresh, and replenish the skin for a more youthful look. Perhaps, it’s one of the best anti-aging tools out there!  

Saffron Skincare Options We Love

How To Use Saffron Flower

As A Homemade Toner

A Saffron infused toner is especially easy to make in the comfort of your own home!

Toners are key for an effective skincare routine. They not only boost the efficiency of other skincare products you use, but toners also produce radiant skin. Toners prompt the pores to tighten, which results in a soft texture and bright glow of the skin. 

To make your own homemade Saffron toner, the straightforward process requires only two ingredients and a few supplies. For the toner, the only ingredients needed are Saffron strands and rose water. Using a small bowl and a clean spoon or other utensil, mix ½ cup of rose water and 1-3 strands of Saffron. Once thoroughly combined, add the mixture to a spray bottle. 

Directions on how often to use the Saffron toner are as follows. After cleaning your skin with water and a facial cleanser, gently apply the Saffron toner using the spray bottle. For best results, it is recommended to apply the Saffron toner in the morning and at night, or simply two times a day after cleansing. 

A toner should be added to your daily skincare regimen. Toners remove traces of impurities, grime, and dirt that would otherwise get stuck in the pores of your skin resulting in acne, blackheads, or wrinkles. With its usage, a toner tightens pores to prevent blockages or infection from bacteria. This can improve the overall appearance of a person’s skin by presenting smoother, polished skin. 

As A Homemade Moisturizer

Providing a copious amount of benefits, Saffron Flower is able to replenish and rehydrate the skin by encouraging the repair of the epidermis. For a nourishing cream that encourages smooth and hydrated skin, use Saffron Flower to make a homemade moisturizer!

To make homemade moisturizer using Saffron Flower, combine a tablespoon of honey and 3-4 strands of Saffron. After mixing thoroughly, gently apply to your face after cleansing. It’s recommended to utilize gentle, yet firm, circular motions that lift up rather than down. Once done applying, leave the Saffron moisturizer on for a few minutes before removing it with water. 

Moisturizers in general are an important part of any skincare regimen.  Its best if they are used both, morning and at night. The usage of a moisturizer reduces overall oiliness and dryness of the skin which can end up causing acne or wrinkle formation. A moisturizer containing saffron will provide your skin with these benefits along with the added bonus of impressive anti-aging properties.

To Combat UV Radiation

Saffron Flower is a natural UV absorbing agent. As discussed previously, ultraviolet rays are a big component in the formation of wrinkles caused by damage done to the skin.

To combat UV radiation exposure, use Saffron Flower to improve the skin’s complexion and repair harm that has been done to the epidermis.

For a homemade remedy, mix a few tablespoons of honey and 2-3 strands of Saffron. Gently apply to the area that was exposed to UV rays. Allow the concoction to remain until the following morning and wash off with water and a gentle cleanser. 

As A Face Mask

Buying a face mask that contains Saffron can be a great tool to improve your skincare routine and combat signs of aging. The ingredients in certain face masks can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin. This will result in a more even and toned complexion, producing a more youthful appearance. 

Face masks are a great way to get a quick and efficient boost for your skin. Though there are different types of masks that cater to varying needs, like clays masks and their role in unclogging pores, face masks overall can help cleanse the skin. Using a face mask with saffron will greatly impact skin health and boast age-defying benefits. 

As A Face Cream

Saffron has been shown to have magnificent hydrating properties that replenish the skin’s protective layer. Using a cream with saffron in it can provide plenty of great benefits, like encouraging the skin’s protective layer to repair itself for a fresh, youthful glow. 

Face creams are an essential tool for a productive skincare routine. The use of a face cream improves moisture in the skin which aids in skin elasticity. This application is necessary for aiding in the reduction and prevention of wrinkles. Skin elasticity also reduces age spots and other lines that can come from stress or lack of hydration in the skin. Working as a protective barrier for the skin, face creams are an important tool in a person’s skincare routine but especially so when it contains saffron with its important age-defying benefits. 

As An Eye Cream

Two of the most common signs of aging skin are in the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead and under the eyes. Using an eye cream containing saffron can drastically improve wrinkles around the eyes and prevent fine lines from appearing under the eyes.

The usage of eye cream in your skincare routine can reduce puffiness and dark circles, commonly found under the eyes. An eye cream containing saffron provides a beneficial tool in preventing those common signs of aging that appear under the eyes. Add an eye cream to your daily skincare routine. Use twice daily, morning and at night. If you find your under-eye area is oilier after the first use, switch to using it once a day instead of two. 

Saffron Skincare Options We Love

Side Effects Of Using Saffron

As a skincare product, saffron alone does not usually cause any serious side effects. However, it is recommended to patch test a new skincare product first, in case of any serious adverse or allergic reactions.

On the other hand, consuming saffron can cause issues. Consuming an excessive amount of saffron can cause side effects like vomiting, drowsiness, and nausea. In fact, 5 grams or more of saffron can lead to poisoning! The daily amount of saffron that is safe for consumption is 1.5 grams. 

Conclusion

There are many impressive benefits that come with using the highly coveted Saffron Flower. Reap the benefits of using Saffron Flower in your daily skincare routine to combat wrinkle formation. A powerful anti-aging agent, Saffron Flower, has exceptional benefits which make it worth the investment.

Get ready to see a whole new you in the mirror, youthful skin and all!