Look Sweet, Smell Sweet, Be Sweet: Rosy Glow Toner

Rose extract has been known to reduce the damage of UVB
rays to skin's elastin fibers which causes lines in your skin.

In this part of the northern hemisphere there are only a couple parts of our bodies that are exposed to the elements year round and our face is one of them. Soothing our skin is paramount in maintaining a radiant visage. Consider using rose water as a toner in your natural skin care regime. I do and I love smelling like a rose.

Benefits of using rose water topically:

• Soothes irritated and inflamed skin due to acne, psoriasis, shaving, and exposure to the elements
• Reduces puffiness around the eyes
• Evens skin tone and texture
• Lightly moisturizes
• Aroma-therapeutic indications: depression, eczema, mature skin, menopause, stress.

"On the skin it is most effective for moisturizing and hydrating, while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature, and irritated skin. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation as well as skin redness and is useful in eczema and herpes. Rose water can also be used for conjunctivitis." Quoted from this essential oil supplier.

Using Rose Water as a Skin Toner

Where Turkish delights, saffron, and dates are sold
you will also likely find rose water.

I keep a small spray bottle on my bathroom shelf for toning my face between cleansing and moisturizing. Applying it with a cotton ball also works as a quick midday boost.

Store the remainder of the rose water in the fridge for quick refills as needed. Keep in mind that if your rose water smells sour it's time for a fresh bottle.

Rose water is a by-product of the steam distillation process by which rose oil is procured from the flower's petals for perfume. It has been used as a gentle astringent and anti-inflammatory cosmetic product for centuries.


Rose water is commonly used as a food ingredient used in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in Persian and Indian markets.

If you are blessed with an abundance of fragrant rose petals in your spring garden, consider making a stove-top still to distill your own rose water. The Woodwife's Journal explains in detail how to go about this. It's easier than you think!

Links to the rest of my natural skin care regime are found here.

See you and your glowing face in the clinic,
Dana



Sources:

• http://health.yahoo.net/experts/skintype/rose-water-gentle-skin-care-option
• Image:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rose-oliv.jpg 
• http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/eo_rose.html
• Image: http://parsmarketcolumbia.wordpress.com/2013/01/
• http://www.news1130.com/2013/02/04/can-vancouvers-little-india-district-survive/