Rose water benefits and how to use it for your skin, hair and eyes

What better way to beat the heat than spritzing a little rose water to refresh your skin or hair? This rose-based elixir has been used for its beauty benefits for years. It has a soothing, floral scent that can revive us even with a few sprays. It is widely used in cosmetic products as well as some foods or beverages.

What is rose water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid made by distilling rose petals in water. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help in moisturizing and nourishing the skin and hair.

Let’s learn more about the potential health benefits of rose water and how to use rose water for skin and hair.

Rose water benefits for skin

Some of the most respected benefits of rose water are:

1. Hydrates and nourishes the skin

Best for dehydrated skin, rose water improves the skin’s inherent hydration levels by acting as a humectant (drawing in and holding moisture). It also helps maintain moisture in the skin, says cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Preeti Mahire.

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2. Soothes irritated skin

Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties. When used topically, rose water creates a cooling sensation on the facial skin and reduces itching, redness and inflammation caused by rosacea and dry skin problems. The soothing properties of rose water help speed up the skin healing process.

3. Helps maintain pH balance

Environmental stressors such as dirt and pollution are all around us. They disrupt the natural pH levels of our skin, making it prone to dryness, acne, redness and many other skin problems. Rose water has a pH of 4.0 to 4.5. Therefore, according to some studies, including rose water in your skin care regimen can reap benefits by reducing skin irritation and preserving the skin’s natural pH values. It also balances the oil content of the skin, making you look younger and fresher, shares the expert.

4. Improves skin texture

The natural oils present in centifolia roses, which are used to make rose water, help improve the texture of the skin. Rose water shows best results when trying to moisturize and soften dry or rough areas, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.

5. Relieves sunburn

Rose water provides a calming and cooling effect that helps relieve sunburn. To reduce inflammation or swelling, it can be sprayed or gently applied with a cotton ball to the affected area. Rose water also helps hydrate the skin after sun exposure and prevent peeling, says an expert.

According to Iranian Journal of Medical SciencesRose water boosts antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help heal wounds quickly. These properties help in cleaning and fighting cuts and burns.

6. Helps in removing dead skin cells

The natural cleansing properties of rose water help remove pollutants, oil and debris from the skin. By removing excess oil and dirt from the skin, rose water helps unclog pores and prevent acne.

Rose petals and rose oil are a repository of powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from sun damage. According to Iranian Journal of Basic Medical SciencesAntioxidants found in rose water have potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. It further enhances cell protection.

7. Reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes

The cooling properties of rose water help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. According to Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, the anti-inflammatory properties of rose water can prevent skin redness and swelling. Its anti-bacterial properties also help in reducing acne problems. Moreover, with consistent use, you will also notice an improvement in your complexion and a reduction in skin redness.

8. Prevents early signs of aging

Rose water is rich in vitamin A and C, both of which are often considered anti-aging. By fighting free radicals and neutralizing oxidative stress, spraying rose water on the face can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Regular application improves the skin’s smoothness and firmness, says the expert.

9. Helps in tightening the skin pores

Rose water helps tighten skin pores and also reduces the chances of acne and blackheads. By making pores smaller and less noticeable, it also helps improve the overall appearance of the skin. Rose water can be used as a toner.

10. Improves mood

Using rose water may have strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. A 2011 study Relaxation of the central nervous system was observed in rats by using rose petal extract. This property of rose water has a calming effect on the mind.

Also Read: Rose Water For Skin: What Not To Mix With This Natural Ingredient

How to use rose water for face?

Here are some ways to use rose water on your face:

1. As a toner

Cleanse your face before sprinkling rose water lightly. You can also apply it with a cotton pad, absorb it partially and then follow with serum and moisturizer. Rose water removes dirt and impurities and leaves your skin smelling fresh.

2. Purification

Apply rose water to cotton balls and gently wipe your face and neck.

3. As a facial mist

Spray rose water directly on your face for a natural, refreshing and calming mist.

4. Can be added to any DIY face mask

5. Spritz your face with rose water before applying the sheet mask to boost hydration.

How to use rose water for hair?

While rose water is mostly used for the skin, it also offers hair care benefits! Its moisturizing properties help reduce dryness and frizz. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water help soothe irritated scalps and reduce dandruff. Its astringent nature balances oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry scalps. And the antioxidants in rose water protect hair from damage caused by free radicals.

Here are some ways to use rose water for your hair:

1. Rinse the hair

After washing your hair, rinse with rose water to remove excess oil and hydrate the hair. Boil seven to eight rose petals in distilled water, cool and use that water cleanly. Repeat once a week.

2. Rose water hair mist

The mild fragrance of rose water acts as a natural hair perfume. Its astringent properties remove dandruff and oiliness from the scalp and it can rehydrate the hair.

4. Massage the scalp

After applying the rose water, gently massage your scalp so that it is evenly distributed. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.

How to use rose water for eyes?

When it comes to using rose water for the eyes, you can use it as a soothing eyewash or compress. For a comforting compress, soak a cotton ball or pad in chilled rose water and place it on your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. You can also make a rose water compress by boiling red rose petals in water, straining the petals and using a clean cotton cloth as a compress.