S’s which help in skincare

Its always believed that smallest things have bigger worth. This is true in case of the ingredients that are being discussed today.

Saffron

Saffron, the tiny red spice originated in Greece but now known worldwide for its benefits in enhancing food flavors, reducing pain and also in cosmetics.
Most expensive ingredient even though small in size has innumerable benefits for skin , health and food flavor enhancing.

Saffron is beneficial for all skin types but in particular has more benefits for sensitive skin.

Since it has to be handpicked and also available for harvest for only two weeks in the entire year, this is the reason that the spice is priced real high.

Saffron is rich in antioxidants like the vitamin C and also possesses anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties due to which it can help in protecting against the harmful UV radiation and free radical damage.

Saffron helps in making the skin tone even. It helps in reducing the production of melanin thereby reducing the darkness and enhancing the radiant glow.

Saffron is enriched with minerals and carotenoids that help in fighting the oxidative stress.

Since it has anti inflammatory properties it helps in calming down skin irritations and works great for sensitive skin.

Due to its healing capabilities it increases cell production that is responsible to heal wounds and cuts.

Because it is rich in antioxidants it also plays a vital role in delaying premature ageing and yes can be confidently mentioned as ingredient that possesses anti ageing properties.

DIYS:

SAFFRON FACE MASK:
Crush three strands of saffron in pestle and mortar. Add in a tablespoon of honey. Mix and apply on to face. Wash off after 10 minutes.of after 15 minutes.

Mix in a tablespoon of sandalwood powder, 2-3 strands of crushed saffron and milk to make a paste. Apply on to face and wash .

Soak saffron strands say 3-4 in milk for about two hours. Dip cotton ball in this milk and dab over face. Let the milk get absorbed. Wash off after 10 minutes to discover glowing skin.

SAFFRON GEL: Crush three strands of saffron in pestle and mortar. Add in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a teaspoon of rose water. Apply on to skin and massage until it gets absorbed.

SAFFRON TONER: Add 3-4 strands of crushed saffron to rose water in spray bottle. Let it infuse for a while. Start spraying in place of regular toner .

ANTI ACNE MASK: Blend 3-4 soaked saffron strands with 5-6 basil leaves. Apply the paste on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. Basil helps eliminate acne causing bacteria.

SAFFRON EXFOLIATE MASK: Soak saffron strands overnight in water. To this add milk and coconut or olive oil. Dip a bread in this mixture and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid that is very much essential to protect the skin barrier.

Its anti inflammatory properties help in making it best suited for sensitive skin.

Epidermal water loss is the main reason for skin drying out and sunflower oil helps in forming a protective barrier thereby reducing the chances for moisture loss.

The vitamin E present in the oil also helps in trapping moisture for the same moisture lock benefit.

Rich in Vitamin A, D, C and E it helps fight acne by helping prevent acne causing bacteria entry. It helps in cell regeneration as well.

Beta carotene that can be converted to vitamin A is present in abundance and helps in maintaining overall appearance of the skin.

The antioxidant vitamin E also helps fight against sun damage and provides protection against harmful UV radiation.

Collagen and elastin in skin are protected by the vitamin E in sunflower oil when applied topically and thereby help in reducing the appearance of ageing signs like dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

The anti inflammatory properties helps in healing irritated skin and also provides ability to regenerate new cells.

It has a therapeutic effect on eczema when applied topically on the skin.

The oil is non comedogenic and does not clog the pores when applied topically. It also helps in exfoliation by removing dead skin cells and creates a rejuvenated appearance.

DIY:

ANTI AGEING MASK:Mix in a tablespoon of sunflower oil to three tablespoons of yogurt and few drops of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

UNDER EYE TREATMENT: Its light texture and being less potent makes it a great ingredient to treat under eye pigments and eye bags. Dab a cotton ball into the oil and massage gently.

TONER: Sunflower oil can be used as a toner by dabbing a cotton ball in the oil and applying gently all over the face.

MOISTURIZER FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN: Sunflower oil helps in soothing acne prone skin and helps in preventing further acne formation by fighting against acne causing bacteria. Simply dab a cotton ball with oil and massage gently like a moisturizer .

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.