Rose Water Skin Benefits: Cleansing, Toning and Calming
Soothing Water
Real rose water, which is made from fresh rose petals and steam-distilled water, is beautiful smelling, can be used to flavor some desserts and it is also a natural skin care product. The flower-infused water is not nearly as concentrated as rose essential oil and can be directly applied to even delicate skin. When looking for rose water for your skin, be sure to always choose a natural product that contains only steam-distilled water that has been infused with rose petals.
Rose Benefits
Rose water acts as a gentle, soothing astringent. An astringent contracts tissue, which acts to tighten skin, reducing the appearance of pores and improving overall texture. This action also reduces secretions, helping the skin retain moisture. This is so important for naturally dry skin but also for mature skin. As the body ages skin becomes less elastic, thinner and drier, which contributes to the formation of wrinkles. Using an astringent such as rose water to tone the skin regularly can help slow this process, promoting tighter, smoother and more supple skin. For its astringent benefits, use rose water instead of a conventional chemical-based toner which can be irritating to sensitive skin and does not provide the calming effect of gentle rose water.
Aside from being an excellent natural astringent, rose water also has antiseptic properties. When applied to the skin it creates an environment in which bacteria is unable to thrive. Rose infused water is naturally soothing and cooling, leaving the face feeling refreshed and renewed.
How to Use
Use rose water for your skin after cleansing. Using a cotton ball or even a clean cotton cloth, wipe the water over the entire face. This can be done on a daily basis to tone and calm. Rose water is very gentle and will help moisturize the skin rather then dry it out.
You can also use this fragrant water in homemade skin care recipes to nourish and improve your skin. For dry, irritated skin try:
- 2 to 3 inches of fresh cucumber
- 1 teaspoon of rose water
Blend the two ingredients together. After washing the face with your cleanser, apply the cucumber-rose mask over the skin. Let sit for 15 minutes before washing off.
As an anti-wrinkle treatment use:
- Half a ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rose water
Mash the banana well and then mix in the honey and rose water until you have a nice paste. Apply a thin layer over a clean face. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse well.
Rose water is simple, pure and remarkably beneficial, especially for dry and mature skin. Use on a daily basis after cleansing and try adding to your favorite homemade skin care recipes to add the toning, antiseptic and refreshing qualities of rose water.
References
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Rose Magazine. Therapeutic Benefits of Roses. https://www.rosemagazine.com/pages/therapeutic.asp
photo by Cindy Andrie/flickr
Disclaimer
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