All You Need To Know About Rose water: Composition, Diy, Uses, Benefits And More!

ROSE WATER

The importance of a healthy body cannot be over emphasized and as the world gravitates towards emulating an eco friendly life, the best products to use these days are organic products and that’s why I am writing this post on a foremost beauty secret, the rose water, it’s uses and it’s benefits.

One of my goals for 2018 is to have a skin that looks like caramel and chocolate dipped in honey. So I decided to do a research on ways to get a beautiful black skin without spending a lot. Remember I am a beauty on a budget kind of girl. Well, I found this easy yet amazing means and I thought to share with you,  my amazing readers. So here we go!

A little rosy history about rose water

Rose water has a long spanning history as far back as the 11th century. The first distillation process was performed in Persia. Rose water is also a staple in most Indian and Asian homes. Mainly used for purification and beautification purposes. However the most stunning fact about rose water is that it was a key ingredient in the legendary Queen Cleopatra’s beauty regimen. It’s said that she regularly indulged in rose water baths and facials. If the queen of beauty used it, why not you?. Rose water contains antioxidants, aids in anti-ageing and helps maintain the skin oh level by revitalizing the skin with its antibacterial/antiinflammatory properties.

What does rose water consist of?

Authentic rose water is made from Rose petals and distilled water. However there are different variations of Rose water like the traditional rose water, essential oil infused rose water etc. In essence, the ingredients in making rose water varies based on your preference.

How to make rose water

Rose water can be made at home as the ingredients needed are readily available and it is easy to make. It’s best to make your rose water by yourself as some store bought rose water contains other chemicals and if you are searching for 100% organic rose water, then your best shot will be to do it yourself (DIY).

I will be giving you different rose water variations because as usual, I love to go the extra mile for my amazing readers.

1. How to make traditional rose water

What you will need

• Organic rose petals or dried rose petals
• Distilled water : You will need enough to cover all the rose petals in a pot. It’s very important to use distilled and not tap water because tap water contains bacteria. However, you can boil your tap water, let it sit till its cool, then use it.
• A cooking pot
• A sieve
• A jar or bottle for storing the rose water

Procedure

• Wash petals in Luke warm water to get ride of any residue.
• Next, put the rose water into a cooking pot, fill the pot with distilled water and leave to boil at low temperature for 15-25 minutes.
• Allow to cool, sieve and pour into a tight jar
• Store in a cool place or refrigerator.

This rose water can be use for skin, hair, cooking or body sprays. This is the traditional way of making rose water, this variation can then be used to make several others like number 2 and 3.

2. How to make Essential Oil/Oils Infused rose water

What you will need

• Traditional Rose water (see above)
• Essential oils of your choice eg almond oil, coconut oil, etc.
• Jar to store.

Procedure

• Mix 3/4 rose water to 1/4 essential oil
• Shake to mix and store in a cool place or refrigerator

3. How to make rose water and glycerin

What you will need

• Traditional Rose water
• 5 table spoons of Glycerin

Procedure

• Mix traditional Rose water and glycerin together.
• Shake well and store in a jar/bottle

Making rose water is very simple and you can always tweak yours to fit your need. For example, if it’s a rosewater hairspray, you might want to add aloe vera gel as it helps in giving your hair an extra boost.

Uses of Rose water

There are several uses of Rose water such as

• For cooking
• Health benefits
• Hair care
• Skin care
• For fragrance/perfumes

Yes, you can use rose water for cooking, it adds an alluring flavour to meals. However in this post we won’t be taking about the uses of Rose water for cooking, we will focus on the uses of rosewater for skin and hair care.

Uses of Rose Water For Face & Body

1. Rose water as a moisturizer: Rose water contains soothing properties which makes it a great moisturizer as it helps relieves dry flaky skin. It is highly hydrating and leaves the skin healthy and refreshed
2. Rose water as a facial spritz/spray: You already know rose water is used for moisturizing which is why you can use it as a face spritz. Just put your homemade rosewater in a spray bottle and spray away!. This can be used as a cooling mist to refresh the face during a dry or sunny day. Still don’t believe me? Then why do you think half of the beauty industry has gone agog with the Mario Badescu facial spray? It contains aloe Vera and rosewater and it’s simply amazing.
3. Rose water as a Facial cleanser: Rose water is effective as a facial cleanser because it’s astringent properties helps to clean clog pores
4. Rose water to prevent Acne: Rosewater can be used to prevent acne as it is an astringent.
5. Rose water used to heal scars and wounds: Remember when I mentioned that rose water contains antibacterial properties? Well, rose water is effective in healing mild scars and wounds.
6. Rose water to relieve sunburn and insect bites: Rose water is antiinflammatory and hence it helps to reduce redness caused by sunburn or insect bites. Simply apply rose water to the spot and watch it sooth and relieve your skin. If you are an avid reader of my blog, you will remember I mentioned using rose water to ease the irritation I got from using a charcoal peel off mask.
7. Rose water as a toner: Rose water works great as a toner. It restores the skins ph level, rids the skin of dead skin cells and hence leaves the skin evenly toned. You can combine rosewater with apple cider vinegar to see faster results.
8. Rose water for skin lightening when combined with lemon juice: lemon juice contains skin lightening properties and is one of the best ways to naturally lighten your skin. But Lemon can be harsh when used alone, so if you have a sensitive skin, it’s best to use Lemon mixed with drops of Rose water to lighten skin. Because it’s antiinflammatory will help tone down the harsh effects of lemon on the skin.
9. Rose water as a hair removal agent when combined with Alum: Grinded alum mixed with Rose water to form a paste, works well as a hair removal. The essence of Rose water in his combination is to tone down the harsh effects of alum as it can be very abrasive.
10. Rose water as a makeup setting spray: I haven’t tried this out but I have heard makeup gurus swear by this. You can mix your rose water with aloe vera gel or witch hazel to get a healthy glowy finish and make your makeup last longer.

Uses of Rose water for hair

1. Rose water relieves itchy scalp: An itchy scalp can be caused by bacteria or as a result of dry scalp. Rose water works as an antibacterial agent and relieves itchy scalp. It also moisturizes the scalp and reduces dryness.
2. Rose water reduces dry and frizzy hair: Want to keep your hair moisturized on a budget? Then use rose water, it moisturizes both hair and scalp. Hence reducing dryness and improving hair’s texture.
3. Rose water as hair conditioner: Instead of using regular hair conditioner, you can rinse your hair with a full cup of Rose water. It moisturizes and strengthens the hair just like any regular conditioner would.
4. Improves hair appearance and quality: Rose water contains vitamin E, A and C. It’s very effective in improving the strength and quality of one’s hair.
5. Rose water to relieve scalp inflammation: Is your scalp inflamed after making your hair especially after braiding your hair. Then dab the areas with a cotton pad soaked in rose water to help relieve inflammation.

Other uses of Rose water

1. Rose water as a body mist: The scent of Rose is very alluring and applying rose water as a body mist to areas like behind your ear lobes, neck etc will leave you smelling nice and alluring all day.
2. Rose water as a Natural perfume: You can use rose water as a natural perfume in making your soaps, perfumes or bath oils. It is healthier than most artificial perfumes plus it smells great.
3. Rose water for cooking: Some people add rose water to their food as a flavouring.
4. Rose water for a relaxing bath: Tired after a long day?, then treat yourself to a steaming bath. Add a cup full of Rose water to your bath water, it will soothe your nerves and your skin will thank you for it.

Benefits of Rose Water

Rose water has so many benefits because it’s very rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Here are some if the benefits of rose water.

• Rose water helps maintain the skin’s Ph level.
• Rose water clears acne scars
• Rose water prevents acne
• Rose water rejuvenates the skin
• Rose water slows down aging
• Hydrates the skin
• Controls excessive oil in hair
• Rose water is harmless, it suits all skin type even sensitive skin.

Rose water product recommendations

Too busy to make your own rose water? Here are great and yet affordable rose water products you can get.

The Maria Badescu Facial spray

This spray is the truth! One of My favorite Nigerian YouTube bloggers, Dimma Umeh in her latest YouTube video talked about how she has joined the bandwagon and gotten the Maria Badescu facial spray. Trust me, Dimma isn’t one to just join trends, so if she did, then this product is definitely the truth!

This product is really affordable, it goes for about $7 on the Maria Badescu official website. If you live in Nigeria, you can get this spray from beeolabeauty on Instagram.

Boots glycerin and rose water toner

I have used this product before and I know it’s a cheap alternative that works just fine. This product is available on Jumia and you can shop it here for less than N2000

Veet skin lightening  glycerin and rose water toner

I am currently using this as a toner and even though I haven’t been consistently using it twice a day, I have seen visible results. This product can be found in most super stores like everyday supermarket( Ph), Prince Mega cosmetics store ( Mile one, Ph), Just rite super store (Ikorodu, Lagos). These are the places where I have seen this product. It may be available in stores near you. Be on the look out or save yourself the stress and buy here.

I will be giving you all a review of this product on the blog soon.

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Have you used rose water before? What do you have to say about it. If you will love very detailed posts like this one the blog, please let me know.