Rose Water and its Benefits for Face and Skin

There's so much to love about rose water, popularly known as Gulab Jal in India!

A bottle of rose water in your bathroom-counter is close to having magic water up your sleeves. Rose water has increasingly become part of popular skincare brands as a base for their products. A swipe of rose water twice a day will keep your skin away from any acne, inflammation, irritation, or redness. With its hydrating and soothing properties, it is used as a skin toner and texture enhancer.

Rose water has been part of our skincare for thousands of years. Sure, the western world and cosmetics industry has recently worn the hat of adding it to products, it has been around since the Middle Ages.

In fact, distilling soft rose petals in steam are believed to have originated in Iran. If you have been looking forward to a simple skincare routine where a product can multitask, you need a bottle of rose water. 

Is Regular Use of Rose Water Beneficial?

Regular use of rose water smoothes skin texture. It is known to have a gazillion skin benefits when used the right way. Trust us on this, missing the mark with rose water may cause some serious skin reactions.

This article will guide you on how to use rose water for the skin, its various benefits, uses, along with its side effects.

We believe in taking care of the skin every day for beautiful glowing skin. If you have acne-prone skin, a customized skincare routine will help you get even toned clear skin within weeks.

You can also get rid of persistent acne with rose water. Here is how rose water is the holy grail of the skincare regimen. 

What is Rose Water? 

Rose water is distilled water created by steaming or steeping rose petals. It has a mild natural fragrance that is often used in perfumes, food, and beverages.

Apart from being the center of the skincare regimen, rose water is also beneficial for our mental health. According to the Vedas, rose water balances our emotions and their effect on our mind and heart. So, a few drops of rose water will not only brighten your skin but calm down your mind as well.

The extraction of rose oil and using them to make rose water is one of the most common uses of this beautiful flower. Other popular products of rose are dried rose petals or rose hips. These products are used to control various health problems. 

Benefits of Rose water

Treat your bottle of rose water as the all-in-one toner, acne fighter, pore cleanser, and texture enhancer. It has all the benefits of becoming an all-rounder and proudly takes care of every skincare issue. It has been used traditionally both in the beauty and culinary world. It comes with a lot of benefits. These are mainly: 

1. Reduces Skin Irritation

Rose water has been endorsed by various over-the-counter products for its ability to smoothen skin texture and calm any skin redness or irritation. Rose water or Rosa damascena is known to have antibacterial properties that soothe skin irritation or redness. 

2. Eases Redness around the skin

Recent studies on the benefits of rose water suggest that it has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries, living just below the skin surface. Applying natural rose water on the enlarged capillaries on the skin can reduce irritation or redness.

Rose water is only effective when it is made from genuine, natural rose oil. Artificial rose water may not affect the skin, so look for natural rose water. 

3. Relieves stress 

Rose water is often used to soothe nerves and an emotional state of mind. Some even consider the usage of the rose as a mild sedative and antidepressant. It works wonders to the mind and helps calm the nerves and relieves stress. 

4. Has Antibacterial properties 

Rose oil and rose water are known for their antibacterial properties. In fact, there have been studies that rose or R.damascena is similar to many medicinal plants that exhibit antibacterial properties.

Since it controls the prevention of free radicals, regular use of rose water will reduce acne, blemishes or pimples.  

5. Reduces Puffiness Around Eyes

If you have been looking around several products to reduce eye puffiness, all you need is a swipe or two organic rose water.

The puffiness around the eyes is mostly due to the accumulation of fluids around the area. Gentle cold press of rose water will reduce the puffiness and relieve any stress. 

How To Use Rose Water

We have established that having rose water in your skincare regimen is a definite yes. Now, let’s see the various ways you can use that cold, aromatic bottle of yours. Yes, you can use it as a toner and a hydrator, but there are other uses also. 

1. Use it as an after-shave that cools

Gone are the days where you have to deal with the small red bump after shaving. With rose water, you can calm down your skin after shaving. With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, you can quickly soothe your skin and reduce any inflammation or redness.

How To :

After shaving, drop some of the rose water on a cotton pad or spritz some rose water on the shaved area and allow it to sink in. After a few minutes, moisturize the area, and you are done!

2. Use it as an effective makeup remover

As a makeup remover, rose water is pretty effective. This simple flower never ceases to amaze us with its multi-properties. If you have dry or sensitive skin, looking for a makeup remover can be tricky.

Wrong products will lead to breakouts and itchiness. The hydrating and soothing properties of rose water will gently and effectively remove any dirt or makeup from the skin.  

How To :

Use a cotton pad and soak it with rose water, then gently clean your face with it.

3. Use as a mini-hydrator 

If you are picky in choosing products due to breakouts or dry skin, try out rose water. It has hydrating properties that help lock the moisture and give the skin a fresh, plump look. 

How To :

Spritz rose water all over your body after shower. Let the water sink in and then quickly apply your favorite moisturizer to lock all the benefits. Rose water will help hydrate the skin and keep it refreshed.  

4. Sprinkle on your face mask

Rose water has been part of our tradition for years. It is often used as a skin booster and rehydrator. For a plump, glowing skin, use a few drops of rose water instead of regular water in your home-made face masks. Rose water will give the mask an extra dose of nourishment and hydration.

If you are looking for a face mask, check the ingredient list for rose water or rose oil, or petals for beautiful, younger-looking skin. 

5. Use as a Toner

Though this goes without saying, rose water can be used as an effective toner for sensitive or dry skin. With its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it reduces acne and prevents further breakouts. It also balances the pH level of the skin. Regular use of rose water will give you clear, smooth skin. 

6. Use as a pH Balancer

A good pH balancer is vital for smooth skin. If you feel like your skin is oily some days and normal the others, you are using skin products messing with your pH.

Rose water is the perfect product for balancing the skin’s pH and keeping it to natural value. It also helps to keep the skin from getting too oily or dry, or just plain sad.

Spray rose water all over your face or dip it in a cotton pad for a refreshing natural look.  

7. Use for shiny hair

If you have been looking for a hair mist that leaves your hair shiny and refreshed, look no more. 

8. Use as an anti-aging tool

The exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun makes our skin prone to aging. To slow down the aging cycle, look for products that contain antioxidants like rose water and other anti-aging serums.

Antioxidants like rose water effectively fight the free radicals and stop the signs of aging. They also keep your skin healthy and glowing. You can also look for effective anti-aging serums if you want to target wrinkles and signs of aging.  

FAQs

Can I use rose water daily?

You can use it as a natural skin toner to reduce inflammation or itchiness. In fact, rose water suits every skin type and can be used daily, preferably twice a day. You can use it as a toner or makeup remover daily and give your skin a plump look. 

When can rose water be applied on the face? 

Any time you feel like! If your skin needs instant refreshment or hydration, go ahead and spray rose water and let it sink in. You can also use it as an after-shave, makeup remover, or even a regular natural toner.

Should we wash face after applying rose water?

There is absolutely no need to wash your face after applying rose water. If you feel uncomfortable spraying it, then use a cotton pad and soak it with the rose water. Clean your face with it and let it dry off naturally. Washing the face after cleaning it with rose water will wash off all its benefits and bring you back to square one! 

The Takeaway

Rose water is a natural antioxidant with amazing properties to keep your skin healthy, glowing and radiant. Adding rose water to your skincare regimen will help you fight any skin irritation, redness, dryness, or aging. It is also an excellent way to relieve your stress and calm your body and mind.