How to DIY Rose Water with the Distillation Method
Many of you readers, I’m sure, have received a bouquet of roses on Valentine's day or other special occasions before. However, these freshly cut flowers are always so short lived in our vases. Have you ever felt that it's such a waste to throw them out after they have wilted away? Have you ever turned them into dried flowers? I have. But eventually they just take up too much space and are all just sitting there covered with dust. What I have been doing lately is turning those beautiful rose petals into distilled rose water that you can use.
Rose water can be used both internally and externally. First, let’s discuss the effects of rose water. I have done some extensive research online and I’ve summarized the findings as follows:
1. Soothe Skin Inflammation, Irritation, and Redness:
Key active anti-inflammatory ingredients in rose water are its vitamin C, terpenes and glycosides. It can help calm itchiness and irritation caused by acne, dermatitis, eczema, skin redness, rosacea and/or psoriasis.. Also with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, rose water improves post-acne scars and scars caused by other skin issues. It can reduce dark spots with its natural brightening properties, even out overall skin tone and improve skin complexion which gives you a boost of radiance. If you have acne prone skin, it can help prevent further swelling and discomfort brought on by the inflammation.
2. Balances Skin’s Natural Oils
Rose water is known to help control excess sebum production by balancing your skin's natural oils and pH level without dehydrating or stripping your skin. Its low pH level assists in restoring normal function to the protective acidic layer on the skin's surface and helps repair damage, resets skin's pH, and prevents blackhead, whiteheads and pimples by controlling the excess oil.
3. Helps Prevent and Treat Infections and Heal Wounds
Rose water has powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can keep wounds clean, prevent and treat infections, and speed up your skin’s healing process. Can use rose water to treat cuts, burns, scrapes, and scars.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Rose petals are loaded with vitamins A, B, C, E, and flavonoids, making rose water a rich source of antioxidants. Studies have found that because of these vitamins, along with the presence of phenolic compounds, rose water can help shield skin from free radicals and oxidative stress that can cause skin inflammation,blocked pores, and acne. It can also strengthen and protect the cells responsible for skin's immune function giving you healthier looking skin.
5. Helps with Depression, Anxiety, and Enhances mood
Rose water has strong antidepressant and antianxiety properties. Since roses are great at calming one's nerves, it allows you to work more calmly with greater accuracy and higher quality of work. It also improves your memory and increases concentration. Traditionally, inhaling rose water vapors or drinking rose water has been shown to improve a person’s mood.
6. Has Anti-Aging Properties
Rose water is rich in vitamin C, E, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. When you apply it to your skin, it helps hydrate and plump up your skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps tighten the skin, leaving your skin looking firmer and more radiant.
7. Soothes Sore Throats and Digestion Problems
With its analgesic and high amounts of vitamin C properties, rose water has been found to reduce mild sore throats. Anecdotal evidence suggests that rose water also has a relaxant effect on the respiratory systems and helps ease flu-like symptoms such as with coughing and congestion. It also helps relieve stomach aches and other digestive issues.
The Many Ways to Use Your Rose Water:
Because rose water is super gentle, calming, and pretty much suitable for all skin types, you really can use as much and as often as you want to. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your daily skin care routine:
***Keep in mind rose water is generally considered safe, gentle and mild for most people. Still, it’s possible for some to have an allergic reaction to it. Always do a patch test before using to ensure there’s no reaction.***
FTC Disclaimer: Some links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!Put your rose water in a facial mist sprayer and spritz your face whenever you need it throughout the day. It provides your skin with instant hydration and restores its natural pH balance. For added bonus, chill your rose water before use, to give your face a quick cool down and refreshment on a hot day. The rose fragrance also acts as a natural perfume.
After cleansing, dap a disposable / reusable cotton pad with rose water and swipe it across your face. This helps remove any extra oil or dirt that still remains on your skin after cleansing and also acts as a toner. It is a less drying option than some of the alcohol or chemical based toners out in the market. By doing so consistently, it can prevent formation of blackheads and acne caused by clogged pores. Can also help with eczema/rosacea flare ups.
Soak 2 disposable / reusable cotton pads in chilled rose water and place them on your eyelids for 5 minutes to soothe tired and puffy eyes after a long day of work.
Apply rose water before layering on your favorite serum, moisturizer and/or sunscreen to lock in the benefits.
Mix a few drops of rose water into a clay mask and apply it once or twice a week for a deep, purifying cleanse. Or if you prefer to use sheet masks, you can spray an even layer of rose water on your face before applying your favorite sheet mask to boost rose water’s hydration properties.
Use rose water as a mild astringent to soothe razor burns after shaving.
Mix 3 tablespoons of rose water with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. (Best to use a double boiler or set a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan filled with a couple of inches of water to melt the solidified oil into liquid form before mixing) and you have yourself a natural makeup remover. It is also a wonderful massaging oil to use over your face and body.
Drink it. As I mentioned before, it helps with depression, anxiety, concentration and enhances your mood. It also helps with soothing sore throats, easing flu-like symptoms, and soothing stomach aches and digestive problems. An easier alternative you can consider and still give you the same benefits is to buy a pack of organic rose tea to brew. I love rose tea. I love it so much I gave them out as my wedding favors to guests who attended my wedding.
Were you surprised by how much benefits roses have to our health and skin? Will you try out the distillation method the next time you get your hands on some roses? Out of the 8 ways to use rose water, which one is your favorite? Do you have a unique way of using rose water? Comment below and share your thoughts.