More than just a pretty flower, the rose provides a range of benefits– making it a beauty and wellness all-star ingredient
Roses are synonymous with love and beauty, so it seems only natural that the flower actually offers beauty-boosting benefits. For centuries, roses have been a staple ingredient in cosmetic and medicinal products–even Cleopatra was a fan of the Queen of Flowers! Known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, rose-infused products provide a range of benefits for all skin types. Here are four simple ways to incorporate roses into your regime and enhance your natural beauty.
- Balance pH and Tighten Pores with a Rosewater Toner
Toners are an important part of any skincare regimen– they help to remove excess oil and debris from the skin while balancing pH levels post-cleanse. Many toners contain alcohol or other drying ingredients, making them difficult to use on sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin. Rosewater– made by steeping rose petals in water– is the perfect toner for all skin types and is gentle enough for daily use. Rosewater toners combine the flower’s soothing and hydrating properties with its natural astringent effect for tighter pores and a balanced complexion without stripping the skin. Toning with Rosewater can help calm redness and inflammation and infuse the skin with a slew of antioxidants to heal the skin’s natural barrier and promote better product absorption.
How to: After cleansing and before applying serum and moisturizer, apply your favorite rosewater toner to a cotton round and sweep across the face and neck. Can be used in the morning and/or evening.
- Hydrate and Refresh with a Rosewater Mist
Rosewater mists are a must-have product in any makeup artist’s kit. Used for prepping the skin before makeup application or refreshing and rehydrating the skin on the go, mists are an easy way to keep your skin looking great from morning to night. Additionally, the toning effects of rose water can help to absorb excess oils and reduce shine throughout the day. A rosewater mist can even be used in the hair post-workout or in between wash days to combat greasy roots, tame frizz, and provide a subtle fragrance without damaging or drying the scalp.
How to: Spritz skin before makeup application to prime. Throw your favorite rosewater mist into your bag and touch up skin and hair as needed.
- Brighten and Protect with Rosehip Facial Oil
Rosehip oil is a pressed seed oil that comes from the rosehips– or the fruit of the rose flower that contains the rose plant seeds. Rosehip oil is an incredibly popular skincare ingredient and is known for its hydrating, softening, and anti-aging benefits. The oil is rich in fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy skin barrier function and regulation. While using a facial oil with oily or acne-prone skin may seem counterintuitive, these skin types often have a damaged barrier that results in the overproduction of sebum or inflammation and breakouts. Rosehip oil is antimicrobial and rich in omega-6 fatty acids making it particularly helpful for healing blemishes and regulating oil production. It also contains a natural source of vitamin C to fight free radicals, sun damage, and lighten hyperpigmentation; along with vitamin A to promote cell regeneration and vitamin E to calm and soothe irritation.
How to: After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of rosehip oil directly to the skin or mixed in with your favorite moisturizer. Great for use with a facial roller or gua-sha massage techniques, and gentle enough to apply both morning and night.
Nourish and De-stress with a Rose Infused Bath
One of the earliest known uses of the rose comes from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who were said to have used rose petals to perfume their baths. Fast forward 2000+ years and rose baths are still used as a luxurious form of self-care. Bathing with rosewater will provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to the entire body, while the aroma helps to relax. Adding rose oil to a rosewater bath can potentially boost your mood and help alleviate headaches– and, you’ll smell amazing after!
How to: Mix rosewater, dried rose petals, and/or a few drops of rose essential oil into the bath weekly, for a quick way to unwind and reduce stress. To boost your bath, add some pink Himalayan salt to detoxify and soothe muscles.