Rosewater has been used in skincare treatment for many centuries as a soothing and highly hydrating agent. It is a pure ingredient that maintains the pH levels of the skin, makes redness fade, and gives radiance to the skin. Instead of purchasing rose water, which has chemical additives, you can simply prepare rose water at home, fresh and pure.
This article will walk you through three super simple steps on how to make rose water with simple ingredients for that glowing skin.
What is Rose Water?
Rose water is a fragrant water solution made by steeping or distilling rose petals. As such, it has been used through the centuries in skincare, haircare, cooking, and medicine owing to its powers of hydration, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.
Why Rose Water Is So Good for Your Skin
Before we get on to the making of rose water here, let’s understand why it is good for the skin:
Hydrates and Refreshes Skin: Rose water acts as a natural moisturizer, keeping your skin soft and supple.
Soothing Skin Irritation: It has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce redness, sunburns, and tenderness of skin.
- Balances the pH of the Skin: Reduces excess oil but keeps moisture in through natural means.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Scavenges free radicals, which are known to cause premature aging, and keeps skin youthful.
- Natural Astringent: Tightens pores, thereby presenting a fresher tone to the skin.
- With that, you know why it is good for you, so now let us get started on how to make rose water at home!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Roses
The type of roses you have will determine the quality of your rose water. Here is what you should keep in mind:
Organic roses: Use fresh pesticide-free roses to eliminate chemical use in skincare.
More fragrant varieties: Those roses with a naturally stronger smell will give the very best rose water toner.
Fresh petal-on-petal: Avoid dried or wilted petals since, most likely, they won’t give the benefits needed.
Pro Tip: If you do not have organic roses available, just wash the petals very well to remove all pesticides before using them.
Step 2: Prepare the Rose Water
You can make rose water in several different ways. But the easiest and best method of all is the simmering method. Here is the method for doing it:
Materials and Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cups fresh rose petals (the red or pink ones are the best)
- 2 to 3 cups distilled water
- A saucepan with a lidity
- Strainer
- A glass jar or a spray bottle to store it
How to make
Wash well: Rinse the rose petals in cool water to remove dirt or impurities.
Boil water: Now add the distilled water to a saucepan and boil.
Simmer the petals: Add the rose petals to the boiling water, turn down the heat, and cover the saucepan.
Simmer for about fifteen or twenty minutes or until the petals lose their color.
Cool and strain: After cooling, strain the soothing liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the petals.
Proper storage: Store the fresh rose water in glass bottles or spray containers.
Step 3: Storing the Rose Water
Proper storage is also vital in keeping your rose water homemade, fresh, and potent:
Keep in glass: Glass is considered much better than plastic when it comes to keeping the natural properties of rose water.
Keep it cool: Being stored in the refrigerator gives it a longer life- well, up to two weeks.
Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to light and heat can spoil it.
Pro Tip: If you want to store rose water for a longer time, you can add a few drops of any natural preservative like vitamin E oil in it or stack them in ice cube trays and refrigerate them.
How to Use Rose Water for Glowing Skin
Now that you know how to make rose water, let us all understand what it can do for you as it becomes part of your skin care regimen:
- As a facial toner: Swab cotton with rose water and wipe away dirt and extra oil from your face.
- As a face mist: Pour it into a spray bottle and mist your face throughout the day for that totally refreshing glow.
- For DIY face masks: Mix rose water with other ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, or even turmeric to create an amazing hydrating face mask.
For acne treatment, Dab rose water on acne-prone areas to reduce inflammation and redness.
Additional Tips & Variations
- With Aloe Vera: Mix rose water with fresh aloe vera gel for an extra-hydrating boost.
- Combine with Glycerin: Rose water can be used with glycerin as a natural moisturizer.
- Rose Water Ice Cube: Pour rose water into ice cube trays and freeze. Whenever irritated, apply it to the area.
Making rose water at home is easy, natural, and good for your skin. Follow the 3 simple steps- choosing the right roses, preparing the rose water, and storing it properly- and you can enjoy a clean, problem-free skincare remedy.
Now that you know how to make rose water, you can actually give it a try with these incredible benefits. Comment and let us know how you use rose water for your skin!
FAQs
Can I use any kind of rose to make rose water?
Organic and pesticide-free roses are ideal. Most fragrant roses work best, like the Damask roses (Rosa damascena) and the French roses (Rosa gallica). Any store-bought kind should be avoided because it may well be treated with chemicals.
How long will homemade rose water last?
Homemade rose water can last two weeks when stored in a refrigerator; however, adding natural preservatives such as vitamin E oil or witch hazel will extend this to one month.
Can rose water be prepared without boiling the rose petals?
Certainly! The distillation process can be used; place a heat-proof bowl in the center of a pot and put the rose petals and water around it. Then, cover it with the lid in an upside-down position. The steam will condense and collect in the bowl, giving you more concentrated rose water. Still, this process requires more time.
Rose water and rose essential oil: what is the difference?
Rose water is a mild, water-based extract of rose petals that tones and refreshes the skin.
Rose essential oil is an aromatic concentrated oil obtained by steam distillation for use in perfumes and aromatherapy.
How often should I use rose water on my face?
Rose water can be used twice on the face: in the morning after cleansing and at night before sleeping. It can also be used during the day when needed for hydration in a facial mist-form spray.
Does rose water help with pigmentation and dark patches?
Rose water itself does not lighten dark spots, but it finds support in brightening the pigment in collaboration with other agents like lemon juice or aloe vera after some practice.
Can I use rose water for my hair?
Yes! Rose water hydrates the scalp, curbs dandruff, and offers shine to hair. You can either spray it onto your scalp or add it to your shampoo for conditioning.
