Benefits Of Applying Rose Water To Facial Skin

Rose water is a natural beauty treatment which many people swear by. It’s use in beauty and medicine spans back hundreds of years to the crusades and with good reason. We’ve done thorough research into rose water and it’s benefits for your facial skin.

What is Rose Water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid made by soaking rose petals in water. This gives the solution a delightful smell but also comes with added benefits of anti-inflammatory and skin hydrating properties. The R. damascena specie of rose is one of the most important species of the rose family typically used to make rose water, essential oils and fragrances[1].

What are the benefits of applying rose water to the skin?

1. Rose water can reduce skin inflammation

Rose water possesses good anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin redness and edema (swelling). Rose water also contains Vitamin C which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[2]. This is good news for suffers of acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions as applying rose water can help ease symptoms.

2. Rose water can protect the skin by battling harmful free radicals

Rose water exhibits strong anti-oxidant properties[3]. Anti-oxidants are essential to maintain healthy skin function as they can help reduce and neutralise free radical production.

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons which can damage the skin by taking an extra electron; this can damage the skin’s DNA. The small amounts of Vitamin C present in the R. damascena plant may also help to brighten to the skin.

3. Rose water can reduce stress which will improve skin quality

High stress levels can wreak havoc on your skin and general health. The fragrance present in rose water can improve your mood and has mild therapeutic benefit. This calming effect can help moderate stress levels; reducing stress means improved quality of sleep and reduced hormonal fluctuation and therefore improved skin quality.

A study conducted my M. Fukada et al. [4] showed that inhalation of rose essential oils significantly reduced stress activity.

4. Rose water’s anti-microbial properties can help acne sufferers

Because rose water is an antioxidant and antimicrobial, it can help acne sufferers. Acne is caused by the P. acnes bacteria as well as build up of sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. Not only will rose water help fight against acne, it can prevent infections occurring from damaged, inflamed skin.

5. Rose water hydrates the skin

A lovely mist of rose water sprayed on the face can help to hydrate the skin. This will in turn mean softer, more supple skin.

6. Rose water protects skin against environmental effects

UV rays from the sun, free radicals, and pollution can all damage the skin’s natural lipid barrier required to protect the skin. Rose water’s antioxidant properties can help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment, therefore slowing the aging process and preventing skin damage.

7. Rose water has anti-aging properties

Some limited studies display the effectiveness of topical rose water application with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

How to apply rose water to the skin

Rose water mist: The easiest way to get your fix of rose water is by creating a mist. Simply fill a spray bottle with some concentrated rose water and spray away for instant refreshment.

Use it as a toner: Rose water can be used as a toner and it’s mild astringent properties can help to minimise the appearance of pores and give your skin a healthy glow. Simply dab a bit of rose water onto a cotton wool ball and gently apply to the whole face and neck.

Ingest it: You can even add rose water to common recipes where it can benefit your skin and overall health.

To sum it up

Applying rose water to the face can help reduce inflammation brought about by acne and other skin conditions. A simply spray can also hydrate the skin and reduce stress levels which will significantly improve the condition of your skin. The best way to apply rose water is through a simple mist produced by a spray bottle.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/#B83

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3862064/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19100811

[4] https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/37/4/347/277648