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It’s that time of the year when the weather no longer warrants strappy bikinis and poolside cocktails, but it’s not blisteringly cold yet either.
However, it is in the colder months when our skin starts to look and feel its worst as when temperatures drop, so does humidity, which strips away 25% of our skin’s moisture according to Simple.
Sure, you can stock up on moisturisers and creams specially formulated for extra dry skin, but there is a cost-effective and natural way to beat winter skin, and autumn is the best time to start including it in your regime!
Ever since ancient times, roses have been known for their healing properties. When the skin is dried out, it loses hydration and can become itchy, flaky or scaly.
A great way to restore moisture and eliminate dryness is to add rose water to your skincare regime.
The good news is that you can make rose water pretty easily in the comfort (and warmth) of your own home.
What Is Rose Water?
Rose water is the natural extract of roses and distilled water containing between 10-50% rose oil according to Medical News Today.
It’s a very easy DIY project that will allow you to make rose water at home and keep your skin hydrated all year round. Rosewater is used as an astringent, tonic, and emollient.
It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and deodorising, and has been shown to have wound healing properties. Rosewater is traditionally used in the treatment of acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
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Rosewater has a truckload of benefits and is so easy to make that you might ask yourself why it’s just now that you’re making or learning about it, not to mention – it’s super affordable!
Anti-Aging — If you’re looking for an ingredient to combat and slow down the signs of premature ageing, rose water is your best bet. According to a study by SMEDA, “It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries”.
Hydration — Rose water is an excellent hydrator. It helps your skin to retain moisture and avoid transepidermal water loss (or TEWL).
Antimicrobial, Antiseptic & Antibacterial — These properties have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties as well as keeping the skin clean.
Antioxidants — The high levels of antioxidants in rose water can help to prevent uneven skin pigmentation and protect cells from damage. One study found that these antioxidants had potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects that provide powerful cell protection as a result.
Scented — It smells like roses! You can use it for scented oils and bath gels because it has a sweet, floral scent that blends well with other fragrances.
pH Balanced — Rose water has a pH level of 5.5, which makes it an excellent toner for balancing the pH levels of your skin while also gently removing dirt and impurities.
Low Cost — Making rose water is one of the most affordable ways to look after your skin when it comes to DIY skin care treatments.
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Natural rose water without any chemicals can be used on a daily basis, according to aromatherapy expert Kannank Laseeta. Unless you are allergic to roses, rose water is great for all skin types and can be used directly on the skin.
A skin type can be classified into four different categories, each with its own unique needs.
Here’s how rose water works for each:
Sensitive Skin — Due to its gentle nature, rose water is ideal for sensitive skin that may be adversely affected by other ingredients.
Oily Skin — Due to its balancing properties and its role as a toner, rose water is a great choice for oily skin.
Dry Skin — In areas where your skin needs moisture the most, rose water is a natural hydrator.
Combination Skin — Keeps combination skin in balance by stabilising oil production and hydrating dry areas.
How To Make Rose Water At Home
Before you begin, collect some roses from your garden if you can, if you don’t have roses, try asking your local farmer for quality food-grade rose petals – you don’t want pesticides, chemicals or any other nasties included in your rose water.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
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2-3 cups fresh rose petals, rinsed and cleaned
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A wide pot with a lid
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A small glass bowl (that has a smaller diameter than the pot)
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3 cups of ice cubes (or more if needed)
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Glass spray bottle or jar
Tip: The best roses for making rose water are the Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa gallica
WHAT TO DO
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Remove the petals from the stems and clean them making sure you’ve gotten rid of any dirt and insects.
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Once you have the amount you want, put the bowl into the centre of the pot and place your petals around the bowl.
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Fill the pot with just enough distilled water to cover the petals – if you add too much you’ll dilute it! Make sure the water doesn’t go above the top of the bowl.
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Place the pot on the stove on low heat, and put the lid onto the pot, face it upside-down. The lid will trap steam inside the pot.
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Place some ice on top of the lid, it will create condensation that will help to speed up the process. The rose-infused condensation will settle on the underside of the lid and drip into the bowl. When the ice begins to melt, remove the water and add more (use a new or sterilised turkey baster or a small ladle to remove the water without moving the lid).
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As soon as the water inside the pot starts to boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. It will take approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
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Before removing the lid, make sure the mixture has cooled and no remaining ice cubes or water drips into the bowl. Once the bowl has been removed, pour the rose water into a glass spray bottle or jar.
Use the rose water as a toner, mist it over your moisturiser or add some to your bath.
What Is The Shelf-life of Rose Water?
It’s so important to maintain the potency of rose water by keeping it in either a fridge or in a cool and dry area.
Sometimes, rose water loses its efficacy over time. When made using the distillation method (this method), it can last up to 6 months if kept in a sterile, sealed glass container.
Products To Consider
You could probably find rose water at your local beauty department store, but many manufacturers label their products containing rose essence which could be synthetic and have no therapeutic value.
So if you are looking for an alternative to making it yourself, try one of these popular options:
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater
This formula is infused with fragrant herbal extracts and rosewater to refresh and hydrate skin whilst relieving dehydrated and tight complexions.
Fresh Rose Instant Hydration Mist
Fresh has infused damask rose and rose water to create a kind-to-skin formula that is well-balanced in soothing and hydrating the skin.
Glossier Soothing Rosewater Face Mist
Aloe vera, rose water, and glycerin are packed into this formula for hydration and soothing. It seals in moisture when used before serums and moisturisers.
