There’s a reason why rose has been a favourite ingredient among skincare connoisseurs for years.
Don’t let looks deceive you, this pretty flower packs a punch and boasts an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as astringent and anti-bacterial properties to combat everything from sensitive or damaged skin to acne and inflammation.
“Rose water is a very popular skincare product as rose is highly hydrating and soothing,” Vanessa Charest, aesthetic nurse at London Real Skin in Holborn, explained. “Rose has a cooling and calming effect, this can assist in reducing skin redness and acne, as well as the healing of cuts, scars, and wounds.”
There are countless products available containing rose oil, rose water, or even rose petals, and these extracts are high in vitamin C to help stimulate collagen and vitamin E – which is highly moisturising.
One of our favourites is the Eve Lom TLC cream, which contains essential oils from the exclusive rose, Otto of Bulgaria. This moisturiser smells divine, is a real saviour for skin prone to chapping, dryness, or redness, and is a must during colder months.
Urtekram’s Wild Rose range launches this month and features Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, a very fragrant oil that is brimming with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-ageing properties. The Wild Rose Shampoo and Conditioner is a real salve for the senses as well as colour-treated hair, so create a strong foam using your hands before you apply it to your locks and enjoy the relaxing aroma.
To keep lips super smooth, Barry M’s Rose Lip Scrub is packed with olive, avocado, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Simply brush over lips for the ultimate soft pout.
MAC’s Rose scented Prep + Prime Fix + is a lightweight water mist infused with green tea, chamomile, and cucumber to soothe and refresh skin. Delivering a hydration boost with each spritz, it also refreshes your make-up and has a romantic rose scent.
Or why not whip up your own rose recipe at home? There are plenty of simple ideas to try ranging from scrubs to face masks and toners.
“Add rose petals to a large pot of distilled water and keeping it on a medium-low heat, bring it to a simmer for 20-30 minutes,” Vanessa said. “Once the petals have lost their colour and appear a slightly pale pink, you can then use it like a toner and apply it to a cotton pad and then directly to the face.”
For a hydrating DIY mask, soak six to eight rose petals in water for an hour then crush them in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of plain yoghurt and the same amount of raw honey and mix. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice if you have oily skin.
– Cover Media