Rosewater contains several antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental stressors. It also improves mood, diminishes the appearance of redness, heals cuts, gives the skin a fresh look, and alleviates headaches.
Rosewater was used centuries ago by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Phoenicians and later the Arabs, Persians, and people of European descent. It was first discovered in the 10th Century by a Persian Scientist named Avicenna. The Crusades brought rose water to Europe’s attention and made it a profitable source of trade for the Persians. In the Middle Ages, rose water was used to clean one’s hands before eating, and physicians prescribed it to prevent fainting, strengthen organs, and protect the heart.
When it was found to have healing properties, it was cultivated all over the world and used for religious ceremonies, fragrance, flavor, and even medicine. Rose water, or the “hydrosol” of the rose, is made by crushing and distilling rose petals to produce essential oil.
Summer is one of the best times to take advantage of this underrated beauty product. It will shield your skin from the effects of the sun, chlorine, salty water, and excessive sweating. Rose water is great for toning and hydrating the skin. It is safe and effective for all skin types and helps balance natural oil production. Rose water enhances circulation and encourages a clear, bright complexion.
Not all kinds of rosewater are equal- there are cheap imitations that contain synthetic ingredients.
To ensure you enjoy optimal benefits, here's how to make pure rosewater at home.
The most vital point is to choose the correct type of petals.
How do you choose from over 100 different varieties of roses? Use these basic rules as a guide.
Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1.5 liters
This involves simmering dried or fresh rose petals in water. The resulting product has a short shelf life.
Yields a more stable form of rosewater that lasts longer.
Here are some additional ways to use your rosewater.
Sometimes sunburn occurs even if you're wearing sunscreen.
Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar with the rosewater mixture into a spray bottle. Store in the fridge for added skin relief.
Use this recipe for a quick DIY toner. Add 5-8 drops of essential oils such as lavender or chamomile (soothing), geranium (suitable for all skin types), sweet orange (antiseptic), or carrot seed or patchouli oil.
Just like pure rosewater, you can use this mixture to set your makeup.
Are your strands starting to smell musty, but you're running short on time for a shampoo session? Make a hair mist by mixing 25-30 drops of various essential oils (rosemary, ylang ylang, patchouli, lavender, etc.) with one teaspoon of vanilla extract in a 4-ounce dark glass spray bottle. Add some rosewater and store it in the fridge. Shake well before use.
Add 1-2 cups of rosewater to your bath for both relaxing and hydrating home spa treatment. Add some Epsom salts to relax muscles, encourage sleep, and soothe any pains.
Countries like Turkey and Morocco add rosewater to their recipes to boost flavors. Add some drops to your fruit salad, tea, yogurt, pudding, and pastries before baking. Many food recipes from China, India, and the Middle East also use rose water. It adds a pleasant flavor to syrups and jellies and can even be sprinkled over rice, puddings, and cakes.
If you've never made rosewater before, we recommend starting with the simmering method.
When you move to distilling, make sure you have enough time, so you don't rush the process. Once you start incorporating rosewater into your life, it quickly becomes a favorite!
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team