There was a time, when I, the one who advocates skincare to everyone who would listen or read (or wouldn’t), did NOT use a toner. I know I know, dark times! But the thing is, I wasn’t into skincare so much earlier. When I dove headfirst into waking up with flawless skin, the first thing that I came across was moisturiser and then came the glorious rose water. Beauty gurus, make-up artists, friends, confidants, my grandmother – anyone I would speak to, would always either recommend rose water or would tell me of their experience with rose water in some form and THEN advocate the usage. Obviously, I rushed to the make-up aisle at my favourite store and bought rose water everything, mist, toner and even a rose lip balm (I was always a junkie).
With the ‘going natural’ and ‘DIY’ wave riding the beauty industry, I was, of course, curious about making this a DIY experiment. After all, it would be so cool, if the flowers that your SO got you (or the ones that you got yourself), can actually be put to good use after!
Before we dive into the goodness, let’s talk about why this magic potion is a crowd favourite for all ages.
Also Read: Rose Water For Healthy And Glowing Skin
Benefits Of Rose Water
1. Rose water maintains the skin’s pH balance and also controls the production of excess sebum on oily skin.
2. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and get rid of acne, dermatitis and eczema. It is a great cleanser and aids in cleansing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores.
3. Rose water helps hydrate, revitalise and moisturise the skin giving it with that refreshed look.
4. It also aids in healing scars, cuts and wounds because of its antibacterial properties.
5. The antioxidant properties of rose water strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissue.
6. Rose water also has astringent-like properties, so it cleans pores and tones the skin.
7. The aroma is said to be a powerful mood enhancer. A spritz on your pillow can also help you sleep better.
8. Rose water is known to treat mild scalp inflammations and get rid of dandruff.
9. It also helps keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Multiple Uses Of Rose Water
1. As Your Delicious Morning Tea
Start your day with a sweet cup of freshness with rose water-infused tea. Not only will it give your morning an aromatic start but the antioxidants in the tea will make sure your skin remains hydrated and supple all day long!
2. As A Gentle Facial Cleanser
If you’re battling sensitive skin, then a cup of rose water mixed with 2-3 drops of glycerine can act as a gentle facial cleanser. It helps remove impurities without irritating your sensitive skin.
3. As A Toner
Most toners are alcohol based, and therefore, harmful to sensitive and acne-prone skin. A cotton ball soaked in rose water can be applied as a toner for that beautiful glow from within.
4. As A Moisturiser
Give your daily facial moisturiser an uplift by adding some handy drops of rose water in it. It will hydrate your skin and also make for quite a fragrant morning treat.
5. As a Face Mask
Face masks act as a luxurious treat to your skin and are super relaxing, too! Amplify its hydrating effects by adding scented drops of rose water to it. We are sure you’ll be addicted to this concoction.
6. As A Fragrant Body Lotion
Whether you want to thin out that luxurious body butter or just want to treat your skin with a hydrating kiss, rose water would be the best!
7. As A Natural Body Mist
If you prefer a natural perfume over chemical-infused, store-bought ones, then a rose water mist would be perfect. Just mix double the amount of rose water along with distilled water in a sanitised spray bottle and spritz away!
8. As A Face Freshener
Blotting papers and face tissues can be quite pricey. Especially if you live in a hot and humid city, and use them often. Enter rose infused face freshener! Just mix equal quantities of rose water and H20 and spray it on the face to freshen up during those shaadi shopping sprees.
9. As A Fragrant Bath Solution
Rose water can help on days when you want to calm your tired joints and also treat yourself with a comforting bath. Just add in some pure rose water drops to your bathtub and soak yourself in the fragrant pool of the magic potion a la Cleopatra! Caution: This can get quite addictive.
10. As A Silky Hair Rinse
We all know the kind of sulfates and other chemicals that our shampoos carry. Go the natural way and treat your tresses with a kiss of a gentle rinse of rose water. It will help remove the extra product from your hair while adding a boost of shine and body to your hair.
11. As A Makeup Setting Spray
We get you, it is painstakingly difficult to keep your makeup from running in the humid climate. But fret not, a rose water-infused spray can be your daily saviour just when your makeup decides to budge. Since it is all natural, you can even use it before your makeup to give your skin a healthy glow and after, to make sure your makeup stays on even after a long day.
12. As a Sunburn Soother
Whether you are suffering from a stubborn sunburn or are naturally prone to patchy, irritated skin, natural rose water can be your ultimate saviour. Mix some drops with glycerine and apply on the affected area daily. We bet, your sunburn will be cured in a week!
13. As A Body Scrub
Who doesn’t like an indulgent scrub? Get into the bathtub and wash away that flaky skin by adding some drops of rose water into your scrub. Make sure to use a gel-based one along with rose water drops to soothe oily and acne-prone skin.
14. As A Razor Mark Soother
Banish all those stubborn skin bumps and razor marks on your skin by dabbing a generous amount of pure rose water on cotton wool. Make sure you refrigerate it before applying it to the affected area for that ‘thanda thanda, cool cool’ effect!
15. As Moisture Layer Under Your Sheet Mask
Sure, we all love sheet masks. But if you want to amplify its benefits, do dab/spray a generous amount of rose water on your skin. This will help in hydrating your skin even more, and locking in the moisture of the sheet mask efficiently.
How To Make Rose Water
What You Need
Roses as many as you’d like
Distilled water enough to cover the petals
What To Do
- Pluck the petals off the stems and rinse under lukewarm water to remove any dust residue.
- Add petals to a large pot and fill the pot with enough distilled water to just cover the petals. If you add more water, you run the risk of diluting the potency of the rose water.
- Bring the water to a simmer over medium-low heat and cover.
- Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the petals have lost their colour (have turned pale pink).
- Strain the mixture to separate the petals from the water.
- Store the rose water in a jar to use later.
DIY your supply of rose water and use it everywhere! Seriously, you can’t go wrong with it.