What better way to beat the heat than by spritzing some rose water to refresh your skin or even hair? This rose-based elixir has been used for its beauty benefits for years altogether. It has a soothing, flowery aroma that can make us feel rejuvenated even with a few sprays. It has been widely used in beauty products as well as some food or beverages.

What is rose water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid which is made by distilling rose petals in water. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which thereby help moisturise and nourish the skin and hair.

Let us know more about the potential health benefits of rose water, and how to use rose water for skin and hair.

Rose water benefits for skin

Some of the most revered benefits of rose water include:

1. Hydrates and nourishes the skin

Best for dehydrated skin, rose water enhances the skin’s inherent hydration levels by acting as a humectant (drawing in and holding onto moisture). It also helps maintain moisture in the skin, says cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Priti Mahire.

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2. Soothes irritated skin

Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties. When used topically, rose water can leave a cooling sensation on the face skin and can reduce issues like itchiness, redness, and inflammation brought on by rosacea and dry skin issues. The calming properties of the rose water help in speeding up the skin healing process.

3. Helps maintain pH balance

We are surrounded by environmental stressors such as dirt and pollution. They harm the natural pH levels of our skin, making it prone to dryness, acne, redness and various other skin issues. Rose water has a pH of 4.0 to 4.5. Hence, as per some studies, including rose water in your skincare regime benefits by reducing skin irritation and preserving the skin’s natural pH values. It also balances the skin’s oil content, making you look young and fresh, shares the expert.

4. Improves skin texture

The natural oils present in the centifolia roses that are used to make rose water, aid in enhancing the texture of the skin. Rose water can show best results when trying to moisturise and soften dry or rough regions, leaving the skin feeling supple and smooth.

5. Soothes sunburn

Rose water provides a calming and cooling effect that can help with sunburn relief. To reduce inflammation or swelling, it can be sprayed or can be gently applied with a cotton ball to the affected area. Rose water can also assist in hydrating the skin after sun exposure and preventing peeling, says the expert.

As per the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, rose water boosts antiseptic and antibacterial properties that accelerate healing of the wounds. These properties aid in cleaning and fighting off infection of cuts and burns.

6. Helps remove skin dead cells

The natural cleansing properties of rose water aid in clearing the skin of pollutants, oil, and debris. By eliminating extra oil and dirt from the skin, rose water can help in unclogging pores and prevent acne.

Rose petals and rose oils are a repository of powerful antioxidants which can aid in protecting the skin from sun damage. As per the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, antioxidants found in rose water have potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This further enhances cell protection.

7. Reduces dark circles and under-eye puffiness

The cooling properties of rose water help to lessen the puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. As per the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, the anti-inflammatory properties of rose water can curb skin redness and puffiness. Its anti-bacterial properties can also help mitigate acne issues. Alongside, with consistent use, you can also notice an improvement in your complexion and reduced skin redness.

8. Prevents early signs of ageing

Rose water is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are often considered anti-ageing. By fighting free radicals and neutralising oxidative stress, spraying rose water on the face lessens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Regular application can improve the skin’s suppleness and firmness, says the expert.

9. Helps tighten skin pores

Rose water can aid in tightening the skin pores and also lowers the chances of getting acne and blackheads. By making pores smaller and less noticeable, it can also aid in enhancing the skin’s overall appearance. Rose water can be used as a toner.

10. Improves mood

Using rose water may have strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. A 2011 study noticed relaxation of the central nervous system in mice by using the extract of rose petals. This property of rose water can have a calming effect on the mind.

How to use rose water for the face?

Here are some ways to use rose water on your face:

1. As a toner

Cleanse your face before spritzing rose water lightly over it. You can also apply it with a cotton pad, let it partially absorb, and then follow up with a serum and moisturizer. Rose water can remove dirt and impurities, and leave your skin smelling fresh.

2. As a cleanser

Apply rose water to cotton balls and gently wipe your face and neck.

3. As a facial mist

Directly spray rose water on your face for a natural, refreshing, and calming mist.

4. Can be added to any DIY face mask

5. Spritz your face with rose water before applying a sheet mask to boost hydration.

How to use rose water for hair?

While rose water is more commonly used for skin, it also offers hair care benefits! Its moisturising properties help to reduce dryness and frizz. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water help to soothe an irritated scalp and reduce dandruff. Its astringent nature balances oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry scalps. And ithe antioxidants in rose water protect hair from damage caused by free radicals.

Here are some ways to use rose water for your hair:

1. Hair rinse

After washing your hair, rinse it with rose water to remove excess oil and hydrate the hair. Boil seven to eight rose petals in distilled water, and then use the water as a rinse after it cools. Repeat once a week.

2. Rose water hair mist

Rose water’s mild fragrance can act as a natural hair perfume. Its astringent properties can remove dandruff and oiliness from the scalp, and it can also rehydrate hair to prevent frizz.

4. Massage into the scalp

After applying rose water, gently massage your scalp to ensure even distribution. Leave it in for 15–20 minutes before washing it off.

How to use rose water for eyes?

When it comes to using rose water for eyes, you can try using it as a soothing eyewash or do a compress. For the comforting compress, soak a cotton ball or pad in chilled rose water and place it over your closed eyes for about 15–20 minutes. You can also make a rose water compress by simmering red rose petals in water, straining the petals, and using a clean cotton cloth as a compress.