How to Use Rose Water for Dry Skin: 10 Tips for Hydration and Soothing Relief
Rose water has been cherished for centuries for its gentle soothing and clarifying properties for skin. Derived from rose petals steeped in water, this floral liquid has long been a beauty elixir for promoting smooth, supple skin.
But what exactly makes rose water so beneficial for skin? The main active components in rose water are flavonoids, tannins, and various vitamins and antioxidants. These compounds provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hydrating effects when applied topically on skin.
The hydrating properties of rose water make it particularly helpful for those with dry, parched skin. The skin microbiome craves moisture and rose water provides a light, refreshing boost of hydration. It helps condition, tone, and soften skin, reducing dryness and irritation.
If your skin has been feeling tight, flaky, or rough, it’s time to tap into the natural beauty of roses and add this floral water into your skincare routine.
In this comprehensive post, we’ll provide 10 tips to help you get the most out of using rose water for dry skin. From the best application methods to complementary ingredients, read on to discover how rose water can transform lackluster skin.
Step 1: Choose Only 100% Pure, Organic Rose Water
With the popularity of rose water on the rise, there are many products on the market ranging in quality and composition. For best results, you’ll want to choose only 100% pure, organic rose water with no additives.
Stay away from any rose water that contains synthetics, fragrances, and chemical fillers, as these will counteract the natural benefits. Opt for rose water that is steam-distilled from fresh roses for the highest quality.
Brands that offer pure, unadulterated rose water include:
- Heritage Store – Their Rosewater & Glycerin spray contains just two ingredients – rosewater and skin-nourishing vegetable glycerin. It’s made from hand-picked roses in Morocco.
- Ecco Bella – Their Flower Waters line uses organic flowers for light, refreshing mists free of alcohol and other additives. Their Rose Flower Water will tone and hydrate.
- Alteya Organics – They use organic Bulgarian roses for their Balancing Rose Flower Water. It’s gentle and great for sensitive skin.
- Jurlique – This brand uses roses grown on their Australian farm for their Rosewater Balancing Mist, which provides a soothing, antioxidant-rich toner.
- Leven Rose – Their organic moroccan rose water is steam-distilled from hand-picked flowers and suitable even for babies.
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to read the ingredients list and confirm the rose water only contains rose flower extract and water. This ensures maximum skin benefits.
Step 2: Apply Rose Water Directly After Cleansing
For best absorption and hydration, you’ll want to apply rose water immediately after cleansing and toning your face.
Start by thoroughly cleansing your face with your regular cleanser or soap to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities. Rinse with warm water. The steam will open up your pores, allowing them to receive the rose water treatment more effectively.
After cleansing, pat your face dry with a soft towel. Then, while pores remain open, apply the rose water so it can readily penetrate into the deeper layers of skin.
If applying cotton rounds soaked in rose water (more on that below), gently wipe over face and neck, starting from the center and working outward.
If spritzing from a bottle, close your eyes and spray evenly over your face 3-4 times, holding the bottle 6-8 inches away from your face.
Use your hands to pat the rose water into the skin. The more your massage it in, the better the absorption. Do not rinse it off.
Apply your rose water immediately post-cleansing for smooth, soft skin. It preps the skin beautifully for the rest of your routine.
Step 3: Pour onto Cotton Pads for Easy Application
While you can certainly spray rose water directly from the bottle onto your face, you may find it wastes product. For more controlled application, pour your rose water onto organic cotton pads.
Cotton pads provide an even distribution of the rose water so you use only what you need. Pour a liberal amount onto a pad, then wipe it gently over clean skin. This prevents excess dripping and oversaturation.
Using a cotton pad also prevents the rose water from getting into your eyes, which can happen if you spray it directly on your face. Instead you can gently wipe around the eye area.
Starting from the center of your face, wipe outwards towards your ears and neck in light, sweeping motions. Flip to a fresh side of the cotton pad as needed to avoid rubbing dirt into newly cleansed skin.
Cotton rounds provide a handy tool for a more precise application, ensuring the rose water covers every inch of your face and neck. Any remaining liquid on the pad can be patted onto the backs of your hands!
Step 4: Transfer to a Spray Bottle for Refreshing Misting
While using cotton pads is great for the initial application, you may want to mist your face with rose water throughout the day too.
To make this easier, transfer some rose water to a spray bottle. Look for a dark colored glass bottle with an easy misting mechanism. Make sure to clean it thoroughly before use.
Keep the spray bottle handy on your vanity, desk, or in the fridge door for refreshing pick-me-ups. A quick spritz whenever your face is feeling tight and dry will revive dull, flaky skin.
Misting your face with rose water is an easy way to tone, hydrate, and calm skin anytime, whether at home, work, or on the go. The cooling mist is very rejuvenating.
Just be careful not to spray it directly into your eyes. Mist from at least 6 inches away and tilt your head back slightly. You can spray it on the backs of your hands too!
Step 5: Pat Gently Instead of Rubbing It In
Once you’ve applied your rose water, either with cotton pads or by misting, resist the urge to vigorously rub it into your face. Instead, very gently pat it into your skin.
Rubbing rose water can actually cause micro-tears in dry, delicate skin. This leads to further irritation and inflammation, worsening redness. Plus, friction from rubbing can destroy the delicate rose molecules.
By patting gently instead, you allow the rose water to work its way into thirsty skin on its own. Think of it as gently nudging the rose water into the layers of your skin.
Use your fingertips to pat upwards and outwards, starting from your chin and working your way up to your forehead and temples. Continue patting as you apply across your cheeks, nose, under eyes, and neck.
Take your time as you pat, letting the rose water penetrate deeply and properly hydrate parched skin. Your complexion will look plumper and more refreshed.
Step 6: Mist Before Applying Moisturizer
Here’s an expert tip for maximizing hydration: Mist your face with rose water before applying moisturizer or face creams.
The light spray of floral water provides the first boost of hydration to your skin. Then when you smooth on your moisturizer, it locks in that hydration and seals it into your skin.
Your moisturizer will be more effective after prepping skin with rose water. The combo keeps complexions optimally hydrated and dewy.
If applying makeup, spritz your face after your moisturizer but before makeup primer and foundation. The rose water will provide a smooth, hydrated base for cosmetics to glide onto seamlessly.
Use this trick morning and night for hydration that lasts. Your skin will be so smooth and supple!
Step 7: Soak Cotton Pads for a Soothing Compress
If your skin is feeling particularly dry, irritated, or inflamed, make a soothing rose water compress. This concentrated dose of floral hydration helps troubled skin.
Pour rose water onto a cotton pad or cloth, soaking it thoroughly. For extra calming properties, chill the rose water in the fridge first.
Apply the soaked cotton pad directly onto dry, irritated areas. Sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes to allow the rose water to work its magic.
You can apply the compress after cleansing or on clean dry skin. The hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce redness and inflammation.
Use this rose water compress on any parched patches, flaky areas, or skin showing signs of sensitivity. The cooling, calming effects will be very therapeutic.
Step 8: Keep a Bottle in the Fridge for Extra Cooling
Here’s an easy way to amplify the soothing effects of rose water: keep a bottle in the fridge!
The chilled temperature of fridge-cold rose water will feel amazing when dabbed onto dry, inflamed skin. It provides an instant cooling effect that calms redness and irritation fast.
Simply store your bottled rose water on a shelf in the fridge door for easy access. Mist your face with the chilled water or apply via cotton pads as needed.
The cold rose water will be anti-inflammatory, taking down puffiness, visible capillaries, and blotchiness. It constricts blood vessels to reduce redness too.
For best results, store your rose water in the fridge in an airtight, opaque bottle. Avoid clear bottles that will let in light, which can degrade the beneficial compounds in rose water over time.
Misting your face with chilled rose water is an easy way to revive dull winter skin back to life!
Step 9: Add to Baths for a Hydrating Soak
Want silky, moisturized skin from head to toe? Add rose water to your bath water!
As you soak in a warm, floral-infused bath, the magnesium-rich rose water will impart deep hydration through your skin’s pores. Amazingly, research shows rose water can still moisturize skin even after rinsing.
Pour about 1⁄4 cup of rose water under running bath water. Make sure the bath isn’t too hot, which can dry out skin.
The luxurious floral soak will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. Take this opportunity to relax and let the rose water work its magic.
For extra moisture and nourishment, drizzle a tablespoon of oil like olive or almond into your bathwater too. This is excellent for extremely dry skin.
Let the rose water penetrate fully before rinsing off. Pat yourself dry, then apply moisturizer to seal in hydration. Your skin will be vibrant and dewy!
Step 10: Drink Rose Water for Internal Hydration
So far we’ve covered the external skincare benefits of rose water. But did you know drinking rose water hydrates from the inside out as well?
Rose water contains various vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that are great for your overall health and body. Sipping rose water provides a dose of hydration plus soothing properties.
Add a teaspoon of rose water to a glass of water or juice. You can also blend rose water into smoothies, chia pudding, ice pops, and more. Go wild and use it to make floral cocktails!
A splash of rose water adds a nice flavor profile – mild, floral, and slightly sweet. But don’t overdo it… a little rose water goes a long way in terms of taste.
Drinking rose water regularly will support your complexion from the inside out. Just make sure to use only food-grade, organic varieties. Avoid cosmetic-grade rose water.
So raise a glass to happy, hydrated skin! Rose water provides beauty benefits inside and out.
Time to Embrace the Beauty of Rose Water!
If your skin has been feeling dry and lackluster, grab a bottle of pure organic rose water and add it to your daily skincare regimen.
Follow these tips to use rose water as a daily toner, hydrating spray, anti-inflammatory compress, bath soak, and more. Take advantage of its natural skin-restoring and soothing benefits.
Always do a patch test before applying it all over your face to check for any adverse reactions. But rose water is generally quite gentle for most skin types.
With regular use, you should notice a remarkable improvement in texture, tone, softness, and hydration levels. Your skin will feel supple and look radiantly refreshed.
Drinking rose water also provides internal nourishment for glowing skin. Sip this antioxidant-rich elixir daily.
Treat your skin to the pampering it deserves and harness the ancient beauty of roses. Your thirsty complexion will thank you! Let us know your favorite tips for using rose water.