Floral water

Floral water … This amazing cosmetic was one of the most valuable body care products. But today it is more often perceived as something outdated. And completely in vain: a delightfully aromatic, intensely moisturizing liquid in its effect is the same full-fledged aromatherapy tool as aromatizing rooms with an aroma lamp or an individual aroma upon.

Each fragrant water fully retains all the beneficial qualities of the essential oils of plants from which they are obtained. But unlike aromatic oils, which must be diluted before use, fragrant water can be applied even to the most sensitive areas of the skin as it is (it is very often used as a means of intimate hygiene).

Surprisingly gentle, deliciously light, and completely non-greasy scented water is an indispensable base for many cosmetics and an underestimated fragrance. One of the clear benefits of this skincare product is its affordability.

WHAT IS HYDROLAT?

Fragrant water is often called flower water because most of its varieties are obtained from flower petals. The scientific name for fragrant water is hydrolat. It is obtained in the process of distillation from different parts of plants. And while water passes through the plant material many times, as a result of which not only water-soluble plant extracts but also many useful elements and essential oils are included in the composition of future fragrant water.

Due to the content of additional substances that you will never find in aromatic oils. This fragrant water acquires the properties of a natural moisturizer and antioxidant and is very actively absorbed by the skin, leaving no trace.

The properties of fragrant water do not differ too much from essential oils. So, therefore all hydrolases are considered similar to them. Many experts suggest perceiving flower water as an aqueous, weak solution of essential oils, an alternative to concentrated oil mixtures. Some manufacturers do just that: they simply mix prepared purified water with essential oils, selling the mixture instead of hydrolat. Such fragrant water fully retains the properties of essential oils, but there are no additional beneficial substances. it is considered less valuable and effective.

Before buying, be sure to read the composition of fragrant water:

If it is not indicated on the package that it is a hydrolat, but essential oils are mentioned in the composition. Then this is not natural fragrant water. Consider whether it is worth purchasing because such a mixture is easy to prepare at home. But more on that later.

ACTION AND APPLICATION

The effect of scented water as an aromatherapy agent should be equated with the effect of essential oils themselves, but significantly diluted. Retaining a unique aroma, but being more adapted for use by skin methods, fragrant water, like essential oils, acts through direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes and by inhalation.

A delicate and subtle aroma, becoming over time a part of an individual scent, changes the psycho-emotional state, evokes pleasant associations, depending on the type of fragrant water, it brings calmness, relaxation, or vice versa, filled with energy.

The effect on the skin is comparable to the effect of using essential oils, but fragrant water, due to the lack of oil content, can be actively used for any type of skin, especially effectively affecting problems and affected areas. In addition, overdoses with floral water simply do not happen, and this is a significant plus.

Hunk water can be used both for its intended purpose, applying it to the skin, and as an aromatic additive for baths, when enriching cosmetics, for self-preparation of tonics and lotions, for washing, in inhalation, aerosols, moisturizing sprays, and as a make-up fixer as an alternative to thermal water.

WHICH SCENTED WATER TO CHOOSE?

The choice of fragrant water should be based on the properties of the essential oil akin to it. Fragrant pink and lavender waters are real legends that have come to us since the days of ancient Roman baths and baths. They (like chamomile, cornflower-blue, and lime-colored) actually flower waters, which have every right to be called that.

But other hydrolases are not inferior to them in the number of useful properties: mint, lemon balm, sage, eucalyptus, hyssop, wormwood, thyme, rosemary-scented water are excellent in skincare, and as a deodorizing agent, and in aromatherapy procedures.

Let’s take a closer look at the main representatives of floral waters:

  • Fragrant rose water has a characteristic, uniquely delicate aroma that changes slightly on the skin, creating a slight halo of expensive powder or classic perfume scent. It very effectively relieves dryness, inflammation, peeling, vascular patterns, has unique bactericidal, moisturizing and soothing properties and can be used for all skin types. Inhaling the scent of rose water can relieve stress, tune in to a positive or romantic mood, get rid of fatigue and irritation.
  • Lavender water very effectively regulates the work of the sebaceous glands and eliminates acne.It has bactericidal properties, perfectly moisturizes the skin and deeply cleanses the pores. Suitable for all skin types, but especially good for oily skin which Can used for intimate hygiene.
  • Chamomile water has a disinfecting effect, relieves irritation, inflammation, abscesses, eliminates itching, redness, rashes, dermatitis and actively whitens. Ideal for dry skin, but can used for other types as well.
  • Hyssop water is indispensable for allergic rashes, excessive sweating, dermatitis and eczema.
  • Kewra water is an excellent antioxidant, flavoring and cleaning agent, also good for your skin, and used for drinking and cooking.
  • Mint water adds to the general moisturizing, tonic and bactericidal properties the unique ability to even out complexion and tighten pores, actively eliminating rosacea.
  • Sage water can also be used for hair care, and is especially effective for acne.
  • Rosemary – improves the condition of oily skin and prevents hair loss.
  • In case of fungi, burns, damage to the skin, aromatic wormwood water exhibits unique healing qualities.

All of these fragrant waters are an excellent alternative to essential oils as an additive for aroma lamps and aroma baths. At the same time, a bath with scented water can be combined with hygienic procedures. Which is absolutely contraindicated in the standard procedure with essential oils.

MAKING FLOWER WATER AT HOME

Flower water can also be prepared at home, however, its shelf life will be very short.

  • The easiest way is to add the desired essential oil to non-carbonated mineral water with a high-quality composition and shake the mixture thoroughly before each use. But since essential oils do not dissolve in water without a trace, the liquid obtained in this way cannot be compared with a real hydrolat in texture.
  • In order to obtain a more homogeneous mixture, essential oils should first be diluted in alcohol, vodka, lemon juice or mixed with honey, and only then added to chilled mineral water. For every 100 grams of water, you can add up to 5 drops of essential oil and a teaspoon of thinner. The aromatic water obtained in this way changes its properties in accordance with the characteristics of the solvent.
  • The green parts of the plants can first be infused with vinegar (two parts of any fruit vinegar must be added to one part of the crushed leaves) for at least 4 days. Then diluted with the strained infusion with mineral water. Such scented water only partially retains the properties of essential oils, but very well takes care of oily skin. It is best to prepare mint water this way.

A homemade version of hydrolat can be prepared in a double boiler:

About one and a half glasses of plant material (citrus zest, rose petals, herb twigs) are placed in a double boiler, pour 1 liter of water. And bring it to a boil, turn it off, and set aside until it is completely cooled. The resulting fragrant water in the refrigerator can be stored for no more than 2 weeks. And at room temperature – only 2 days without loss of properties.