When you think of a queen or a princess having a royal bath, you’re likely to think of a large tub filled with fragrant water or milk and lots of rose petals floating on top. And you wouldn’t be wrong – legend has it that Cleopatra bathed in milk and rose water!
Rose water has been a significant ingredient in skin and hair care in the Middle East for centuries. Today, we look at rose water and skincare, and list out everything you need to know about this magic potion of the royals!
Benefits of Rose Water for Skin
- Rose Water Maintains the Skin’s pH Balance
Rose water is the ideal ingredient to balance the skin’s pH level, bringing it back to its natural state. This way, the skin can act as a protective barrier against bacteria, dirt, and pollutants.
- Astringent Properties
Rose water has hydrating and astringent properties, which helps it give skin that healthy glow. It tightens capillaries and clears out clogged pores, giving that youthful appearance.
- Packed with Antioxidants
Rose water is just chock full of antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals that cause cell damage. The antioxidants help in skin regeneration, which is important for consistently healthy skin.
- Anti-aging Properties
This probably explains how Cleopatra stayed looking so young for so long! While the antioxidants do their part to protect the cells from damage, rose water also reduces visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Soothes Irritated Skin
Rose water is the perfect antidote for skin irritated due to sun damage or skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and puffiness, and also evens out the skin tone.
- Treats Infections
Rose water was used in ancient times not only as a beauty elixir but also for medicinal purposes. It has excellent antibacterial and antiseptic properties, because of which it can be used to treat infections, including cuts, burns, and eye infections.
10 Ways to use Rose Water in your Skincare Routine
- As a Cleanser
If you’d instead use your own cleanser, you can dab on some rose water after washing your face. If you have dry skin, you can also add a few drops of glycerine to the rose water.
You can use Mamaearth Micellar Water Foaming Makeup Remover as a cleanser/face wash as it works fantastic for all cleansing reasons.
- To Exfoliate
Rose water combined with Fuller’s Earth or Multani Mitti makes an excellent exfoliator. Mix a couple of teaspoons of rose water with a teaspoon of Fuller’s Earth. Apply all over the face, massaging it in for about 2 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry.
- As a Toner
Rose water is the ideal natural toner thanks to its astringent properties. Just put some rose water on a cotton ball and dab it all over freshly cleansed skin. For dry skin, add a few drops of glycerine too.
Mamaearth Rose Water Toner is an excellent way to include Rose Water in your skincare routine. It tightens pores, detoxifies the skin, and enhances the natural glow. Made with Rose Water, Witch Hazel, Cucumber, and Aloe Vera, it’s gentle yet effective.
- As a Moisturizer
You can make your moisturizer by mixing rose water and raw honey in a 2:1 ratio. Apply all over the face, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse off with cold water.
- In a Face Mist
Rose water makes the ideal ingredient for a face mist – simply pour it into a spray bottle or mix in some cucumber or aloe vera. This face mist can act as a quick refresher, to set makeup or to prep skin for makeup.
- To Remove Makeup
Rose water also makes a great makeup remover. Just mix a few drops of rose water with a few drops of coconut oil or almond oil and put on a cotton pad. Use this pad to erase any makeup, including eye makeup gently.
Mamaearth Micellar Water Foaming Makeup Remover is formulated with the goodness of Rose Water and Glycolic Acid for maximum effectiveness. It gently exfoliates, moisturizes skin and removes makeup, including eye makeup.
- In a Face mask
Rose water is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Make a face mask by combining it with honey, gram flour, or Bentonite clay for dry, normal, and oily skin. If you use a sheet mask, apply some rose water on your face before placing the mask for deeper penetration.
- As Acne Treatment
Mix equal parts of lemon juice and rose water and apply on the problem areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off with cold water.
- To Treat Sun Damage
Make a mist of rose water and crushed holy basil leaves and apply frequently. You can also use a mask of gram flour and rose water to tackle excessive tanning.
- To Brighten Eyes
Mix 2 tablespoons of chilled rose water with 2 tablespoons of cold water or milk. Soak cotton pads in this and place them on the eyes for 20 minutes. This helps tackle dark circles, redness, and puffiness.
Rose water is generally safe for use and suitable for all skin types. However, it is still advised to do a patch test first and waiting for 24 hours, especially if you have a history of allergy.
