Imagine a drop – gentle, fragrant and made from the pure essence of nature. Imagine skincare that doesn’t just moisturize, it revitalizes. Not just refreshed, but transformed. Rose water is the touch of nature that makes your skin softer, fresher and more radiant. Are you ready to add Rosa Damascena rose water to your beauty routine?
In this article, we’ll tell you what rose water is and the most effective ways to benefit from its properties.
What is Rose Water?
Rose water is an aromatic hydrolat obtained by steam distillation of fresh rose petals. This delicate floral water is the result of a process that extracts the purest and most beneficial ingredients from roses. It is a product rich in rose oil and active ingredients that moisturise and refresh the skin and hair.
How Is Rose Water Made?
Rose water is produced by steam distillation, in which fresh rose petals are placed in special copper vessels and treated with steam. The heat of the steam evaporates the essential oils and other active ingredients from the petals, then the steam is cooled and condensed to release the rose oil and rose water. This process preserves all the beneficial ingredients of the roses and ensures the purity and quality of the final product.
Some of the highest quality rose water and rose oil in the world are made in the Rose Valley in Bulgaria. The climate and fertile soil allow special varieties of roses to be grown, such as Rosa Damascena.
Roses are picked in May and June. Rose picking begins early in the morning, before sunrise, when the rose blossoms are most saturated with essential oils. The low morning temperatures preserve the quality of the rose oil in the roses until the sun has heated the flowers. The roses are hand-picked, an extremely labour-intensive process which ensures that only the best and freshest blossoms are used in the distillation of rose oil and rose water.
Harvesting the roses requires skill and speed as the roses must be picked by midday before the temperature rises and the quality of the essential oil in the blossoms begins to drop.
Traditions preserved over the centuries combined with modern technology make Bulgarian rose water an exceptional cosmetic product sought after worldwide.
The Fascinating History of Rose Water
Rosewater has deep roots in the history and culture of ancient civilisations. It has been valued for its healing and skincare properties since ancient times. It was used in Egypt and Persia. In the Middle Ages it became an important part of Arab and European medicine and cosmetics for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.
In Bulgaria rose oil and rose water have been produced for 300 years.
Benefits of Rose Water
Rose water is a true skin elixir. From hydrating and soothing to anti-aging, it has unique properties that make it a universal remedy for all skin types.
Moisturising and hydrating properties
Thanks to its natural sugars and minerals, Rose water helps to retain moisture in the skin and acts as a gentle moisturiser. It penetrates deep into the skin’s layers to hydrate and restore its water balance. This makes it ideal for refreshing the skin during the day or as part of a morning and evening skincare routine.
One of the greatest benefits of rose water is its all-purpose use. It does not cause irritation or allergies, which makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With its light texture and delicate fragrance, rose water provides a feeling of comfort and freshness without feeling too oily.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing
Rose water is a real miracle for skin that needs to be soothed and protected from external factors.
- It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Rose water soothes the skin and reduces inflammation.
- It is particularly effective for skin irritation caused by the sun, wind, cold or dirt.
- Daily use of rose water as a toner or compress help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Rose water’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent treatment for problem skin. It promotes soothing, reduces irritation and itching, and balances oil, making it ideal for acne skin.
Rose water can also be used as a compress on areas of eczema or rosacea to reduce discomfort and improve skin condition.
Anti-aging benefits
Rose water is your ally against ageing.
Free radicals are one of the main causes of premature skin ageing. Rose water is rich in antioxidants that neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from damage and loss of elasticity.
Regular use of rose water helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while keeping skin fresh and youthful.
Over time, skin loses its elasticity and contours begin to sag. Thanks to its hydrating properties, rose water improves skin tone by making it smoother and firmer. It also stimulates collagen synthesis.
Rose water is an invaluable aid in maintaining healthy, radiant and youthful skin. It combines everything your skin needs to look and feel great every day.
| Skin type | Skin benefits of rose water | How to use rose water |
| Dry Skin | Hydrates and locks moisture in the skin, soothes dry and irritated areas. | Use as a toner in the morning and evening after cleansing, or as a refreshing spray during the day. |
| Oily Skin | Regulates sebum production, minimises the appearance of pores and reduces shine. | Apply to skin with a cotton pad after cleansing or mix with clay for a face mask. |
| Sensitive Skin | Helps soothe redness and irritation, reduces inflammation. | Apply with gentle tapping as a soothing toner or compress to irritated areas. |
| Combination Skin | A balance between hydration and oil control, it refreshes and firms the pores. | Use as a toner on T-zone and dry areas, or as a refreshing spray during the day. |
| Acne Prone Skin | Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe irritated areas and reduces acne. | Spray on face as a toner after cleansing. |
| Mature Skin | Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals. Restores the freshness and radiance of the skin | Use as an antioxidant toner in the morning and in the evening, or add to facial masks. |
Choosing the Best Rose Water: How to Spot Quality and Avoid Fakes
With the growing popularity of rose water, there are many commercial products on the market claiming to be the ‘best’ and ‘purest’. In reality, however, they are not all of the same quality. To choose the best rose water that will benefit your skin and hair, it is important to know how to recognise quality products and avoid those with artificial additives and synthetic ingredients.
The first thing to check is the ingredients list. Good quality rose water should only contain one or two ingredients – Rosa Damascena flower water and possibly water (if the product is diluted). Avoid products with long ingredient lists, especially artificial fragrances, preservatives or alcohol.
Pure rose water is obtained directly from the distillation of rose petals. It contains all the natural oils and active ingredients.
To make sure you’re getting the best, look for products that clearly state on the label that they are “100% pure rose water” or “primary distilled”.
Some rose waters contain synthetic fragrances, colours, preservatives or alcohol, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions. One of the most common compounds is “phenoxyethanol”, a synthetic preservative that has no place in real, pure rose water. Also beware of products that contain fragrance (“fragrance” or “parfum”), as this often means that the rose scent has been added artificially.
Look for products labelled ‘organic’ or ‘bio’ as this ensures that the roses have been grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals. Also look for certifications from reputable organisations, such as USDA Organic or ECOCERT, which guarantee the quality and purity of the product.
Trust products from brands that specialise in natural and organic beauty products. Read customer reviews and seek professional recommendations to ensure the quality of the rose water you choose.
How to Use Rose Water in Your Skincare Routine
Rose water is an ideal natural toner that hydrates and prepares the skin for the next steps of facial care. To get the most out of it, apply rose water to clean skin using a cotton pad or directly spray a small amount from the spray bottle. Gently pat the skin with your fingers and while the skin is still damp, apply the next product – serum or cream. This locks moisture into the skin for deep hydration.
If you are using a face mask, add a few drops of rose water to it to boost the hydrating effect and give the skin an extra glow.
When and how often to use rose water?
Rose water can be used both in the morning and at the evening, after cleansing the face and before applying a serum or cream. It is mild and gentle enough to be used daily.
You can even use it as a refreshing mist during the day in the summer or when your skin needs extra cooling.
How to use rose water for acne and oily skin
Rose water is an excellent natural choice for oily and acne skin as it regulates sebum production, soothes inflammation and cleanses without irritating the skin. Used regularly, it will help keep your skin healthy, matte and free of blemishes.
Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and balancing properties, rose water is an extremely effective and gentle way to treat acne and oily skin.
Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your daily routine
Use rose water as a natural facial toner to regulate oil and cleanse pores. After washing your face with a suitable cleanser, spray a small amount of rose water onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over your face. This will remove excess sebum, shrink pores and help reduce inflammation without drying out the skin.
If you have red and inflamed pimples, soak a cotton pad or gauze in pure rose water and apply to the problem areas for 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce redness and swelling and speed up the healing process.
If you feel your skin is getting oily or needs a refreshing, spray your face. The rose water will absorb excess sebum and leave your skin matte and refreshed.
Once a week, make a mask with white or green cosmetic clay mixed with rose water. Apply the mask to your face and allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. The rose water will help soothe the skin and prevent excessive dryness that often occurs when using clay.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Pure Rose Water? Shop Now Alteya Organic Bulgarian Rose Water!
- 100% natural product
- USDA Certified Organic Rose Water
- Distilled in the famous Rose Valley
- Hydrates, revitalizes, and refreshes your skin.
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