Rose Water Uses

Rose water is well-known for its exquisite sweet fragrance. You will be surprised to know that it has been in high demand in India, China and Middle East for the past several centuries. Traditionally, it is used as a facial cleanser. This not only cleanses the skin but improves the skin condition as well. It is not just the aroma that makes it so popular, it has exceptional healing qualities.

What is Rose Water?
Actually, rose water is a byproduct which is derived during the process of distillation of rose petals and water for the production of rose oil. Thus, you can say it is basically obtained as a leftover liquid. Traditionally, damask roses are used for the production of rose water. This special kind of rose has a large number of petals. This rose was first grown in a large scale for rose water in Iran and then Bulgaria. Today, it is found in many other countries like Italy, Spain and France. Till date, it is the Middle East countries who are the greatest producers of rose water in the world, as damask rose is available in large scale there.

Uses of Rose Water
Rose water is an essential ingredient for natural skin care. It is suitable for all types of skin. It has an excellent hydrating effects and can act as a natural moisturizer for dry skin. It acts as an excellent toner and maintain the oil balance of the oily skin. Rose water possess excellent cleansing properties. As it tightens the skin pores really well, it can also bring down wrinkles and other signs of aging to a great extent. It works as an astringent and heals skin inflammation caused by sunburns. Its antibacterial properties enable it to treat acne and other forms of skin diseases and prevent their recurrence. When the skin tends to become irritated after shaving, it can be used as an aftershave and will have a soothing effect on the skin. Rose water is used as an ingredient in cosmetics and foundations, and it can keep the skin soft and beautiful.

Rose water is added to provide flavor to various dishes. When used in various desserts like rice pudding, cakes and scones it gives a unique flavor to all these dishes. It is used in the preparation of different types of beverages. In some recipes, it is used as a substitute of vanilla because of its sweet smell. Rose water has a sacred importance in Hindu and Muslim religion. In Islamic rituals, it is used before prayers to cleanse up the body and spirit.

How to Use Rose Water?
Following are some of the most popular ways of using rose water:

• Prepare a natural cleanser for your face using one cup of rose water, two teaspoonful of glycerin and a few drops of rose essential oil. When used regularly, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles from your face.
• Apply some rose water all over your face and neck before putting on the makeup. This will help the makeup to last longer and will give a natural glow to the skin.
• Rose water can be used for removal of regular makeup. Simply dip a cotton ball in the water and rub it gently all over your face in circular motions. This will scrub out the make up and retain the soft feel of the skin.
• A natural perfume can be made by mixing up of one cup of rose water and a few drops of jasmine essential oil. Store it up in a dark glass bottle with a tight lid. This perfume is light and has a refreshing natural fragrance. It can be used even by those who have sensitive skin and cannot use regular perfume products.

After reading about its many uses, if you are thinking of preparing it at home, you can do so quite easily. Take some rose petals and water in a sun tea jar and keep it under the sun for some days. Thus, you can get homemade rosewater with this simple method. However, the concoction thus prepared tends to get contaminated by bacteria and will not last for a long time.