Rosewater - Nature's Gift

Rosewater for bathing, skin care and hair care dates back to the days of Cleopatra and is prevalent in skin care and bath and beauty products today. The benefits of rosewater in skin care are many and it is benefical for all skin types. Listed below are some of the magical benefits of rosewater:

Antioxidants - rosewater is full of vitamin A and C which aides in reviving tired skin by stimulating the cell regeneration process. The antioxidants in rosewater offer protection from free radicals and sun damage.

Restores pH balance - Rosewater is good for all skin types as it balances sebrum. Balancing sebrum is an important step in the reduction of pore size as it is the oil that clogs the pore thus streching out the pores.

Soothing and nourishing - a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties and hydrating properties. Rosewater has a calming effect on congested skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis or eczema.

Soothes insect bites and sunburn - a natural way to soothe and relieve insect bites and sunburn.

An atomizer - Is your foundation to dry or have a matte finish? Rosewater makes a wonderful spray to be applied over your makeup as a setting solution and offers up a dewy complexion. Additionally you can use it as a pleasing cooling spray.

Relieves stress and anxiety - when added to your bath, it provides a calming aroma that relaxes the mind.

Basic rosewater recipe:
Place 2 cups firmly packed rose petals in saucepan
Add 2 1/4 cups water (distilled or filtered)
Simmer until water is reduced by half
Let cool and store in a dark sterilized bottle and refrigerate.

Alternately you can also use rose hips
1/2 cup dried rose hips
Filtered or distilled water
Place rose hips in a clean sterilized jar.
Cover rose hips with hot filtered or distilled water and let set 2 hours. Strain through cheesecloth into clean bottle and refrigerate.

Application- apply with cotton ball or pad or use as a spritzer.

For oily skin: Use the above recipe and add 1/4 to 1/8 cup witch hazel.

For dry skin: Use the above recipes and add 6-8 drops glycerin

Using the above basic rosewater recipe you can customize it to your skin type by adding other herbs such as: Lavender, which is valuable for most skin conditions as it also promotes new skin cell growth and balances sebum. Chamomile is good for sensitive skin and dry skin. Sandalwood is good for ageing skin and dry skin. Lemon will brighten pale and dull complexions by its exfoliation properties and is also good for oily skin types. Geranium is good for all skin types as it balances sebrum and is good for sluggish, congested and oily skins.

Mother Nature offers up many herbs and flowers that are often in used in skin care products and roses are no exception. However most skin care products that contain the essence of roses or rosewater today are chemically altered or use synthetic rose fragrances. So why not try these simple all natural rosewater recipes and feel and see the difference in your complexion.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes and Yahoo Shine beauty guru. For more information on skin care and some skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy.