Rose water! Both my grandmothers had a bottle of it on their dressing tables and I never understood why until my mum suggested I started using it on my face the same way she used it. I didn’t really like it as it had a distinct smell but now, two decades later I fully appreciate the benefits and advantages this ‘rosy’ smelling liquid has!
Rose water has been used for centuries in both the Middle East and India as a beauty tool since it is hydrating, has a calming effect on irritated skin, acts as a natural antiseptic and is an anti-inflammatory toner. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used on oily, dry or combination skin. What more do we want? Gold in a bottle! I guess my grannies knew better… You need to remember though, that it is best to buy 100% pure rose water i.e. the distilled water of rose petals without the chemicals, as anything else simply beats the purpose. Many high-end brands use it as the base for many of their products but in all fairness, if you want to experience its full benefits you need to try and get hands on rose water which is derived from steam distillation.
“In traditional rose water steam distillation, fresh roses are packed into a still, steam rises through the petals and their cells burst open releasing plant compounds. When the steam is cooled and turns back into liquid, this water is enriched with these compounds including microscopic particles of rose oil.”.
The antioxidants in rose water protect skin cells against damage and help strengthen them and regenerate skin tissue. At the same time, it helps hydrate, revitalise and moisturise the skin giving it a refreshed look acting as an anti-aging product and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps maintain the skin’s pH balance and controls excess oil. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can help reduce the redness of irritated skin and ease any irritation caused by dermatitis and eczema. Rose water’s caustic like properties help clean pores and tone the skin especially when applied after a steaming therapy as it reduces redness and blotchiness.
Distilled rose water also has amazing effects on the eyes. If you have irritated eyes you can use it as eye drops. Just add drop in each eye and keep them closed for few minutes. You will feel its soothing effect instantly. You can also use it as an eye wash to help distress tired eyes that have been working in front of a computer all day. Saturate a ball of cotton wool with it, close your eyes and wash them. It will refresh them immediately.
Last but not least, the distinct scent of rose water can help you sleep a little better after a long, tiring day, making you wake up all refreshed and ‘rosy’. Spray some on your pillow before you go to bed at night and let its ‘magical’ effects relax you!
‘Till next week…
