How to use rose water for skin and hair care and in culinary recipes

We shall give you a DIY rose water recipe and will tell you how to use it for skin and hair care at home. The rose is not only a very beautiful flower that never loses its popularity, it can be successfully used for face skin and hair care. Women began to use roses for cosmetic purposes in antiquity. It has been used for refreshing and cooling skin since the days of the ancient Romans and Ancient Persia.

Rose water, also known as rose hydrolat, is actually a by-product of the steam distillation of roses. Classically, the Damascus rose flowers (Rosa damascena) are used for the extraction, which are characterized with a very strong and intense fragrance. Until the 17th century, Indian rose oil dominated, and since the beginning of the 18th century – Persian, Egyptian, Tunisian and Bulgarian. Around 70% of the total world production of rose oil is obtained in Bulgaria, where the largest growing area of the wonderfully fragrant flowers is located. There are other growing areas in India, Morocco and the Middle East, especially in Lebanon and Iran. The composition of rose water is very simple. It includes essential oils of certain rose species and water. Pure water must always be alcohol-free and has a high proportion of essential oils.

In the countries of Asia and the Middle East, rose water has been used in cooking to flavor sweets and rice dishes. It is often added in drinks as well as it gives an exquisite taste to lemonades and herbal tea.

Rose water properties and benefits

Rose water is a traditional cosmetic product. It is widely used to cleanse the face and give the skin freshness. One of its main advantages of  is that it can be used for any type of skin. It has moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and other equally beneficial properties. The action of the product is due to its rich composition – natural essential oils, trace elements, vitamins A, B, E. Here is a short list of the many benefits:

• Maintains the pH balance of the skin;
• Soothes skin rashes;
• Has a beneficial effect on dermatitis and eczema;
• Smoothes, moisturizes, nourishes and renews the skin;
• Tightens pores;
• Makes skin soft and velvety;
• Heals scars, cuts and wounds;
• Its antioxidant properties help strengthen skin cells and tissue regeneration;
• Helps revitalize aging skin;
• Eliminates sin peeling and dryness;

• Reduces redness;
• Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles;
• Eliminates dark circles and absorbs bags under the eyes;
• Relieves tired eyes;
• Tones the scalp;
• Enhances blood circulation in the scalp;
• Promotes hair growth;
• Relieves inflammation;
• Relieves stress and anxiety.

DIY rose water recipes and methods

As you see pure rose water is exceptionally beneficial for skin and hair care. There are two methods to make rose water at home. The easiest way is to simmer dried or fresh rose petals in water. The second method is distillation, but it is more time consuming. Here is an easy recipe:

Ingredients:

300 ml of distilled water

1 handful of rose petals, fresh or dried. It is best if you use Damask Rose petals as they are very fragrant, as well as edible.

Instructions:

Remove petals from stems and wash them under lukewarm water.

Add petals to a large pot and top with distilled water.

Bring the water to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Let simmer for 20-30 minutes covered and move from the heat.

Leave covered overnight or for at least 12 hours.

Strain the mixture and remove the petals.

Pour water into a suitable glass bottle and it is best to store it in the fridge.

How to make rose water with essential rose oil?

This is another quick and easy method to make your own rose water. You may have a bottle of rose essential oil lying around at home which you received as a gift or bought as a souvenir. Keep in mind that rose essential oil and fragrance oil are different things. You need the essential oil.

Ingredients:

240 ml distilled water

10-12 drops of rose essential oil

Instructions:

Heat the water to 40 degrees Celsius/104 Fahrenheit and add the rose oil.

Pour the mixture in a suitable dark bottle and shake well.

Store in a dark place overnight.

Shake again the next day and sieve through a coffee filter.

Your homemade rose water is ready. Store it in a glass bottle.

How to choose high quality rose water?

It is good to know how to choose high quality rose water, especially if you cannot find fresh or dried rose petals or you simply prefer to buy it from a store. The truth is that despite the wide range of such products it is not so easy to find real rose water. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when shopping:

Always read the label carefully. Pay special attention to the country of origin. The best products come from Turkey, Iran, Bulgaria, India.

Check out the composition. Real rosewater, regardless of brand, contains rose hydrolat or distillate and distilled water. It is best if you buy a product made via distillation.

Remember that rose water is a natural product. It should not contain preservatives, perfumes, emulsifiers, parabens, fungacides or any other synthetic additives. If the product contains alcohol, then it is not rose water. It does not soften or moisturize the skin. On the contrary, it dries it.

How to use DIY rose water for skin care at home?

Store bought and DIY rose water is excellent for the daily skin care. It can be used as facial toner, cooling mist to refresh your face. The product helps treat wounds and sunburn on all skin types. It can also be used after shaving to soothe irritated skin.

Rose water is very beneficial to the skin and is added to various creams and face masks. It helps cleanse normal skin. For oily skin, the use of rosewater is also beneficial, as it helps control the release of fat and acts as a toner. Sensitive skin becomes smooth.

How to apply it to the face? Depending on the desired result, choose the appropriate method.

The easiest way to use rose water as a facial product is to use it as a toner. This procedure normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, restores the water balance and helps narrow your pores while removing residual dirt and oil from your face. If you have dry skin, you can add 5 ml of glycerin to 30 ml of rose water. For oily skin, mix 5 ml of apple cider vinegar with 50 ml of rose water. Dip a cotton pad in the solution and wipe your face. Let the toner dry. You can use the toner 1-2 times a day.

You can use the water for washing your face. Add a small amount to your cleanser to increase its effectiveness. The skin is not only cleansed, but also nourished.

Use rosewater to treat minor small inflammations, rashes and irritated skin. It has antiseptic properties and is excellent for skin rashes. It is enough to wipe the skin twice a day – in the morning before applying makeup and in the evening after washing. Sensitive skin gets easily irritated. Clean your face and apply a cotton pad soaked in rose water on the skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes. There is no need to rinse your face after that. This procedure will soothe irritated skin.

Use rose water to eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Moistened cotton pads and apply to the skin near the eyes for fifteen minutes.

How to use rose water for hair care?

Rose water is one of the main ingredients in many hair care products. If you apply it to the scalp and hair regularly, it will certainly improve their condition. It reduces inflammation, accelerates the circulation of blood and promotes hair growth.

As we already mentioned, rosewater helps remove excess oil from the skin when used as a toner. It also works on hair. If your hair gets dirty quickly such toner will help you reduce oiliness and restore the natural shine. Soak a cotton pad with toner and rub it into your scalp. Be patient and treat your entire head in this way. Once this is done, wash your hair with rose water to remove excess oil. This is a very effective method, and unlike cleansing shampoos, it will not dry your hair.

Rose water is also beneficial for dry and curly hair. It soothes the scalp and moisturizes it. To get the most benefit, use glycerin mixed with rose water, as it enhances its moisturizing properties. To prepare the solution, mix equal parts of glycerin and rosewater. Rub it into the scalp and hair. Leave this mixture for 20 minutes, then rinse well. For best results, repeat this mask once a week.

To help dry and damaged hair restore its natural beauty, you can use rinse your hair with rosewater after using shampoo. It moisturizes your hair better than any expensive conditioner and restores softness and shine. The pleasant aroma is a great advantage as well.

To bring life back to splitting hair ends, try a homemade mask. Mix  the contents of 3 tablets of vitamin E and a teaspoon of jojoba oil into a cup of rose water. Shake well and apply the mask over the entire hair length and scalp. You can leave this mask for the night, and rinse with shampoo in the morning.

Health benefits of rose water

In addition to the benefits of rose water as a skin and hair care natural product, it can be used to relieve stress and fatigue. Add some to the water in your bath and it will help you relax and cheer up.

It has medicinal properties. It can be used to rinse a sore throat and relieve inflammation of the tonsils.

It is very beneficial for teeth. Dentists use it to treat dental problems such as periodontitis. If you suffer from inflamed gums, dip cotton swabs in the water and apply then to the gums. You can also use it to rinse your mouth to relieve gum inflammation. Regular use of rose water will help you relieve and cure gum pain, strengthen your teeth and get rid of bad breath.

If you have a headache, then apply a cold compress and leave it for forty-five minutes. It will relieve the headache and help you feel better.

How to use rose water in culinary?

Rose water is widely used in oriental cuisine and gives the dishes a tender and pleasant aroma. You can use it in baking recipes, for lemonades, smoothies, milk shakes, ice cream, cookies, rice pudding, semolina cake, etc. It is important to use it moderately otherwise you can spoil the dish. Find below some recipes.

Rose water lemonade recipe

Ingredients:

1/4 cup rose water

5 Ice cubes

2 sprigs mint leaves

2 cup water

1/4 cup concentrated lemonade

2 lemon wedges

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, stir well and refrigerate.

When serving garnish it with lemon wedges and mint leaves.

Strawberry and rose water ice cream

Ingredients:

400 ml double cream

1 x 410 ml tin evaporated milk

1 tbsp rose water, or to taste

160 g caster sugar

400 g strawberries, plus extra to serve (you can use raspberries as well)

chopped pistachios, to serve

Directions:

Put the double cream, evaporated milk, rose water and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently, stirring from time to time until almost boiling.

Remove from the heat and let it cool.

Lightly grease 8 small bowls with canola or sunflower oil.

Mash the strawberries and mix with the cooled cream and milk mixture.

Pour into the bowls, cover with cling film and freeze for at least 3 hours.

To serve, remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving and turn on a serving plate or simply serve as they are.

Garnish with extra strawberries and chopped pistachios.

Rose water, cardamom, walnut and date bites

Ingredients:

2 cups raw unsalted walnuts + ¾ cup chopped

¾ teaspoon finely ground cardamom

½ teaspoon rose water

2 cups dates, pitted

½ cup raw shredded coconut

Directions:

Place shredded coconut into a small bowl and set aside.

Place two cups walnut halves in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add cardamom and rose water and pulse. Gradually add the dates while the machine is running and pulse until well combined. The mixture should easily stick together.

Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and stir in ¾ cup chopped walnuts.

Form bite size round balls using the palms of your hands.

Coat generously with shredded coconut.

Place bites in a large container lined with parchment paper.

Seal container and freeze until cold. Store in the freezer and serve cold.

Cardamom and rose water tea cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely chopped

3 tbsp sugar

3/4 tsp cardamom

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 tsp rose water

1 stick(110 g) butter, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300°F/150°C.

In a large bowl, combine flour, walnuts, sugar, and cardamom. Add the vanilla extract, rose water.

Add the butter in small pieces. With your hands, combine everything together until a coarse dough forms.

Form the dough into small balls.

Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 35 minutes and carefully transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly.

Place the powdered sugar on a plate for rolling.

When the cookies have cooled but are still warm to the touch, roll the cookies in the sugar until evenly coated.

Return the cookies to the cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

When the cookies are cooled completely, roll them once again in the powdered.

Rose water shortbread cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup (131 grams) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon rose water

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/3 cups (285 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

melted dark chocolate

freeze dried raspberry sugar mixture*

dried rose petals

Directions:

Using a mixer, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add in rose water and vanilla extract.

Whisk together flour and salt. Add dry mixture to creamed butter and mix until well combined. The dough will be slightly dry and a bit crumbly.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C.

Allow dough to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of 1/4-inch (0,6 cm.)

Use a round cookie cutter, cut cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper leaving 1-inch (2,5 cm) between the cookies.

Bake for 15 minutes until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet.

When the cookies are cooled to room temperature, melt the chocolate.

Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and place on a wire rack. Sprinkle freeze dried raspberry sugar mixture and dried rose petals over chocolate.

Allow chocolate to harden and set before serving.