I am not one to use a lot of expensive creams or lotions. To be honest, apart from lipstick, I don’t even wear make up. Having said, today I want to share a natural skincare solution I think every woman (or man) should try : rose water.
No matter where I have lived in the world, tap water has always dried my skin. I’d get out of the shower and my skin was either tight, red, irritated or all three. And for some reason creams never really solved the problem for my super sensitive skin. Luckily, that all stopped when I started using rosewater. It’s been used in the Middle East for centuries (think Cleopatra-style rose water milk baths) and to this day remains a popular ingredient in creams, bubble bath, lotions, toners and a myriad of other beauty products. But I’m ashamed to say that I only truly discovered its benefits the first time I got my eyebrows threaded here in Dubai, where it is common practice for the esthetician to put a cotton ball soaked in rosewater to soothe the excrutiating pain and inflammation that comes after getting your eyebrow hair pulled out.
From then on, I began using it almost every day as a post-shower toner AND moisturizer.
Why use it?
Rose water is a multi-purpose product. It has been known to help relieve stress, improve sleep, ease digestive problems and much more. But I will just focus on what it can do for your skin:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce redness and irritation
- Rosewater is filled with antioxydants, which prevents damage caused by oxidative stress, UV rays and pollution
- It’s antibacterial and has been said to help
- Treat acne, eczema, dermititis
- It’s beneficial for all skin types
- It hydrates dry skin
- Rosewater helps reduce under eye circles as well as fine lines
How to buy it
Basically, rose water comes from the distillation of rose petals that have been boiled. There are two broad categories:
- Food-grade rose water is used in cooking and is safe for consumption as well as for the skin. It is also the best bang for your buck. It is cheaper than some of the cosmetic rosewaters because it is not as potent.
- Cosmetic rose water varies in quality and price depending on how it’s produced and whether or not it is partially synthetic. If you want a high quality rose water, look for “pure rose distillate”.
How to use rose water
- Fill up a big spray bottle with food-grade rosewater and spritz it the morning or before going to bed on your face, legs or whichever part of your skin that needs it. It acts both as a toner and moisturizer. It is also an effective refreshing mist when the weather gets hot.
- Some men who swear by it as an after-shave….
- If you want it to have a stronger toner effect, add witch hazel to it (50:50 ratio). Witch hazel is also natural and has great astringent properties. I use this one.