Saffron has been a beauty ingredient of the royals for many centuries. Though it is now very expensive, it can be sparingly used in face packs. It has excellent purifying properties as well as is anti-bacterial in nature. It also lightens the skin tone. If buying saffron is too expensive for you, try some of the herbal creams and lotions with saffron as an ingredient.
For glowing skin
The skin tends to get dry and dull in the winters. In order to get its glow back, make a pack using
saffron and honey. Take a spoonful of honey and add a few strands of
kesar in it. Mix it and apply on the face. The hydrating properties of honey and the healing properties of saffron improve blood circulation adding the glow back to the skin.
For skin brightening
Soak a few strands of saffron in milk for a good half-an-hour to let the milk get its colour and other benefits. Add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder or chandan to this and apply the pack on your face and neck. Keep it for 15-20 minutes before washing it off. Regular use of this pack will help improve and brighten your skin tone.
To remove tan
Soak saffron in milk cream or malai and steep 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 adding a glow to your skin as well.
To tone the skin
A toner is used after cleansing the skin. If you want a natural one, mix saffron in rose water and let it give its colour to it. After that, dab it on the face with a cotton ball. Many women add strands of saffron to their hot bath water and bathe in it. This keeps the skin look young for a longer time.
To get rid of acne
If your skin is prone to pimples, make a paste of saffron and tulsi leaves (basil) by grinding the two. Its anti-bacterial properties will help reduce the infection. Apply it on the acne and blemish and leave it to dry before washing it off with water. But you will need regular application for the acne to disappear.
How to store kesar
Even a small quantity of saffron is expensive so it is important that you store it well. Keep it in an air-tight container (preferably glass) in a cool, dark place to avoid the effect of moisture and light on it. If stored properly, you can use it for several years before it loses its colour and properties.
How to spot real saffron
A spice like saffron has many fake versions so it is important to be a bit careful in order to not get duped. Many vendors sell low quality kesar mixed with coloured ingredients that resemble saffron. Remember, the highest quality of saffron is deep red with orange tips. It does not have any white or yellow spots.
Another way to detect real saffron is to soak it in water. See how long it takes for the colour to change and the sweet aroma to spread. Real saffron will at least take 15 minutes for these to happen while fake, coloured ones will give out the colour immediately without much aroma. Though saffron is also available in the powdered form, buy the strands as it is difficult to spot if the powder is pure or adulterated.
