Homemade Rosewater facial toner and freshener
Rosewater is gentle and soothing to skin. It hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation. It is slightly astringent - reducing large pores and tightening skin. Rosewater benefits all ages and types of skin.
Rosewater has been a beauty aid since ancient times. Today it can be costly to purchase. So, we lovely ladies on budgets have the option to save money by making our own!
The easiest method requires NOW Rosewater Concentrate or rose hydrosol*, distilled water, and witch hazel. A small bottle of rose concentrate will last for months.
Witch hazel is slightly astringent, reduces inflammation, and reduces irritation.
Mix 1/4 cup each distilled water and witch hazel. Add 10 to 15 drops of rosewater concentrate. Mix and store your "use" bottle at room temperature. Any leftover rosewater should be stored in the fridge.
Use an empty, clean spritz bottle to mist your face. Or, you can dampen a cotton ball to apply the rosewater. The resulting rosewater when made with rose concentrate, or hydrasol, will be clear in color.
If you grow fragrant rose bushes, you can make your own rosewater by gently swishing six rose blossoms in water and draining them on a clean towel. Gently remove the petals.
Add the petals to a stainless steel pan and add enough distilled water just to cover. Simmer gently for 35 minutes, or until the petals have lost color, then strain off the water and set aside to cool. Add 1/2 tsp vodka - as a preservative - for every cup of rosewater you've made. Mix this half and half with witch hazel, if desired.
Add the rosewater to a small spray or lidded bottle. Keep any leftover rosewater in the fridge. Spritz onto face or use a cotton ball to apply. Use rosewater before applying a moisturize.
A rosewater spritz on hot days, especially if cold from the fridge, is a wonderful refresher!
Dark pink or red roses will color your rosewater beautifully.
NOW's Rosewater Concentrate is available online or at most health food stores that sell essential oils.
Rose hydrosol* - a product of the distillation of essential oil of rose - is available from Mountain Rose Herbs. Click the link below.
https://mountainroseherbs.com/
This simple facial cleaner requires only two ingredients.
To make this facial cleaner simply mix equal parts extra virgin olive oil and castor oil.
Olive oil has many skin benefits, such as deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, elimination of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of inflammation and puffiness, it conditions dry skin, and soothes irritated skin.
Castor oil is also called, "Palma christi", which translates to "hand of Christ" because of its many healing properties, such as treating the pain and inflammation of arthritic joints, strengthening and growing hair, as a skin moisturizer, for deep cleansing of skin, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of inflammation and stretch marks, increasing circulation, and it's healing to wounds and scrapes.
Simply mix equal amounts of olive oil and castor oil in a jar. I like to re-use a clean pump jar which it makes it easy to dispense just the amount I need to cleanse my face.
Washing your face with soap - even, so called "moisture rich" soaps is drying to your skin. There's also the danger of allergy, rash, eczema, and irritation. Soap is made with fats and lye. If the soap has not sufficiently "saponified" - allowed to age long enough that the lye is neutralized - all types of skin problems can arise. While soap is fine for washing one's body, it can be too harsh for the delicate skin of the face and neck.
To use your olive oil and castor oil mixture, express a little of it into your hand. Rub your palms together for a few seconds to slightly warm the oil and massage it over your face and neck - chest, too, if desired.
Next, run a wash cloth under very warm water, wring it out, and apply it to your face and neck (chest, too) for a few seconds. Then gently wipe the oil from your face. Finish by splashing your face with cold water.. Gently pat your face dry and mist with rosewater. Rinse the washcloth and hang it up to dry.
A tiny amount of the cleanser may be applied to the fingertips and used to massage into your scalp for a healthy scalp and follicles. Any excess remaining on your hands after cleansing your face may also be rubbed through your hair. Use only a little so your hair doesn't look oily.
My favorite three-part beauty regimen consists of my homemade Rosewater, the two-oil Facial Cleaner, and Skin Essential Anti-Aging Serum. See my post previous post:
Skin Essential Anti-Aging Skin Serum
I (and others) swear my skin looks at least 10 years younger than my age would suggest! At 73-years old my skin isn't dry, thin, or crepey, but plump and clear.
My goal isn't to look like a 40- or even 50-years old, but to have the healthiest, softest, best-looking skin at any age...and to look a bit younger, too.
While there is some cost to acquire the ingredients to make these cosmetic items, you'll save lots of money in the long run. And, your skin will be healthy, moisturized, and clean!
Recent Comments