Rosewater Benefits for Skin and Hair: Enhances Complexion and Makes Hair Soft and Shiny
There are many pretty flowers like Lily, Marigold and Jasmine. But the one that everybody knows and recognises isโฆ..Rose.
Rose is said to be the most beautiful flower in the world. With its pretty colours and heavenly scent, itโs an incredible treat for our sensory system.
Rose is also a wonderful beauty aid.
Itโs soothing, regenerating, moisturising as well as nourishing. Because of these benefits, rose oil/water has been used as a trusted beauty product for thousands of years. Rose can help enhance complexion, soothe sensitive skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. For the hair, it provides hydration and nourishment, boosting shine and smoothing frizzy hair. And because of its unique balancing effects, it works for all: whether you have oily, dry, combination or normal skin and hair. Also, you can be a guy or a gal.
So how do you incorporate rose in your beauty regime?
Well, you can use rose petals, rose petal powder, rose oil or rosewater. Which one is better for you that you will know after trying it out. But what I use most often in my beauty care is rosewater. Why?? Letโs find out.
What Are The Skin And Hair Benefits Of Rosewater
Rosewater is created by steam distillation of fresh rose petals. This process imparts rosewater with essential oils, fragrance as well as bioactive components that are very nourishing and healing for our skin and hair.
Rosewater For Skin
Rosewater is a light, easily absorbable tonic for our skin. Its astringent effects minimise pore size and make the skin taught and smooth. Rosewater is also moisturising, nourishing and balancing for our skin. It can help plump up dry, dehydrated skin, whereas the oily skin will feel normal and radiant.
Because of the roseโs healing and anti-inflammatory effects, it soothes redness and irritation caused by eczema and rosacea. Rosewater also has amazing anti-aging effects. You can call it the good old age-defying serum. Rosewater can help regenerate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you an even, glowing complexion.
Rosewater For Hair
You can use rosewater as a styling spray to tame frizz and flyaway. And as a bonus, your hair will smell great. With essential oils and bioactive constituents, rosewater replenishes moisture and makes hair more manageable, smoother, shinier and healthier.
You can spray some rosewater on your scalp too. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of rosewater can help reduce dandruff, and its stimulating properties increases scalp circulation and promotes hair growth.
How To Use Rosewater For Your Skin And Hair
If you like to keep things simple, I would say just pour the rosewater in a spray bottle and you are ready to pamper your hair and skin.
But if you want to take it a notch up, add some vegetable glycerine to it. Glycerin is a natural humectant, which means it helps your skin attract moisture from the air and stay hydrated. This quality makes it very beneficial for dry, brittle hair and naturally curly hair. The good thing about glycerine is that it moisturises the skin/hair without making it oily.
Creating Rosewater Spray
You will need:
- 100 ml Rosewater
Optional add-ins:
- 3 ml (about half teaspoon) Vegetable Glycerin
- 5 ml Almond Oil* (optional, use for very dry hair/skin)
- 5 ml Aloe Vera Juice (optional, gives hair extra boost)
- 3 drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil (optional, natural fragrance)
- 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil (optional, natural fragrance)
Simply pour all the ingredients in a spray bottle (I prefer glass bottles). Shake well before use.
* You can replace almond oil with any other lighter oils such as argan, grapeseed , jojoba.
Tip: add more/ less oil or glycerin depending on how light or rich you want your mist to be.
Rosewater as a Hair Spritz
Use the rosewater spray to moisturise your hair. This all natural spray tames fly-aways and makes hair smoother, silkier and shinier. It also aids in detangling and will leave your hair looking and smelling lovely.
To use, spray it on damp or dry hair, focusing on dry, frizzy areas. You can also spray it on your scalp to moisturise and soothe itchy areas.
Rosewater as a Facial Toner and Tonic
Rosewater works as a fantastic toner, helping to tighten pores, balancing your skin and softening fine lines. It also nourishes, hydrates, and protects the facial skin and keeps you fresh and glowing all day long.
After cleansing, spray all over your face and neck, and leave on. Follow up with a natural serum or day cream. I like to use it with a few drops of watermelon seeds oil, which sinks in quickly and makes my skin soft and supple.
More benefits: Rosewater is also said to reduce skin allergies and inflammations, and diminish the redness caused by large capillaries.
Rosewater as a Body Mist
You can use rosewater before applying body cream. Use it right out of the shower whilst still damp; spray all over from head to toe to keep your body hydrated all day long.
Before and/or After Applying Make up
You can also use rosewater spray to prime and as a finishing spray when done with makeup. Spray a little bit after you have finished doing your makeup and it will set it into place. It is the best thing to use if you feel that your foundation is a bit powdery or too matte, it will give you a nice healthy and dewy finish.
Buying tip: Always buy pure rosewater which is free from additives or preservatives. And when buying glycerine, opt for vegetable glycerin as opposed to synthetic one.
Making your own rosewater:
If you got some fragrant roses blooming in your garden then you can make your own rosewater. Take 1 cup rose petals and 2 cups water. Place both in a pot and bring to a boil, then simmer on a low flame for 10 minutes or until rose petals lose their colour. Then strain immediately. Let cool and fill it up in a glass bottle or jar. It will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Note: Homemade rosewater is not the same thing as steam distilled rosewater. It will expire soon and may also discolor in a couple of days. So, I would suggest you buy steam distilled rosewater, which is the real stuff.
Happy Spritzing!ย
Have you tried rosewater spray? Do you have any favourite handmade beauty products?
