When discussing beauty’s most valuable players when it comes to DIYs, you can’t leave rosewater out. This wonder ingredient has been used by Indian queens and skincare enthusiasts for centuries to create face masks that make skin look more youthful and taut. If you’re someone who enjoys whipping up a homemade face mask every now and then, we highly recommend making rosewater a part of your routine.
What is rose water?
It is a flavoured, fragrant potion made by steeping rose petals in water. It has antibacterial properties that zap acne and is a natural astringent that minimises pores. It balances and hydrates skin, soothes any redness and inflammation, and balances the skin’s pH level.
How to use rose water for acne
If your skin is sensitive and prone to breakouts, here’s some good news for you. Rosewater not only smells heavenly, but it can also soothe inflamed skin. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent free radical damage.
How to use rose water as a toner
Rosewater has a good reputation as a pore-minimiser because it contains ethyl alcohol and tannins that give skin a tightened look. It reduces oiliness that may lead to acne and keeps dryness at bay.
To use rosewater as toner, simply spritz it directly on cleansed skin or pat it on using a reusable cotton pad.
How to use rose water for your skin and hair
For your skin: You can add some rosewater to your homemade face masks and toners. It can easily be used as a refreshing face mist to give yourself a quick pick-me-up in the middle of a hectic workday. Stress is one of the leading causes of skin and hair concerns a quick spritz of it of scented water can and has been proven to reduce nervousness and tension.
For your hair: Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face and so it is important to give it the same level of TLC. Rosewater can help reduce greasiness, dryness, and frizz. Since it is a very mild ingredient, it can be used with mostly all DIY skin and hair masks.
4 DIY rose water face masks to try
Turmeric, rosewater, and honey face mask
What you need:
A pinch of turmeric
2 tbsp rose water
1 tbsp honey
What to do: Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and apply it to your face and neck. Let it dry up and wash it off using cold water.
Benefits: Turmeric and rosewater soothe skin and honey will moisturise it. All three ingredients are very well-known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties so if you have sensitive skin, give this mask a go.
Oats, rosewater, and yoghurt
What you need:
1 tbsp oatmeal
2 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp yoghurt
What to do: Mix all the ingredients well and use more rosewater if needed to get a paste-like texture. Apply it on your face and let it semi-dry. Wash off with warm water using circular motions.
Benefits: Oatmeal and yoghurt are both excellent ingredients that exfoliate the skin without drying it up or making inflammation worse. They gently get rid of dead cells and will leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
Aloe vera and rosewater
What you need:
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp rosewater
What to do: Mix the two ingredients well and apply them to cleansed skin. Wait for five minutes and wash off.
Benefits: If you’re dealing with dry skin, rose water and aloe gel will be your beauty BFFs as they work in sync to hydrate and refresh complexions.
Rosewater, besan, and milk
What you need:
1 tbsp besan
1 tbsp raw milk
Rosewater as needed
What to do: Combine the ingredients together so you have a semi-runny paste. Apply and wash off once semi-dry.
Benefits: Besan is an excellent cleanser that absorbs the excess oil and impurities from the skin without drying it out. Milk is a mild exfoliating and hydrating agent.
Tips on how to add rosewater to your beauty routine
As a toner…Using rosewater as toner is a great idea as it has multiple benefits that include hydration, balancing natural oils, temporarily tightening pores, and offering a refreshing, soothing scent.
As a face mist…If you’re looking to beat the 4pm slump, spritz some rosewater generously on your skin. Bonus points if you remember to pop it in the fridge beforehand.
As a pillow mist…Allow the sweet scent of roses to lull you to the land of nods. Mist your pillow generously with some rosewater and get ready for some quality sleep.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a one-stop ingredient that suits most skin types, rose water is your best bet. But, it is always advisable to do a patch test and consult a dermatologist before making any major changes in your skincare routine.
FAQs
How many times can I use rosewater on my face in the day?
You can spritz it as many times as you like.
How do I know the rosewater that I am buying is pure?
Rosewater is usually colourless in nature so if the one you’re purchasing has a pinkish tint, there are chances it could be adulterated. Look for terms like ‘steam distillation’ on the product label as this method holds on to all the properties of the flower.
Can rosewater minimise pores?
Yes, but only temporarily. Like any astringent, this effect isn’t permanent.