Known as the Queen of Flowers, roses symbolize love and romance. This delicate flower is a popular ingredient in skincare as well; it is particularly useful in anti-aging products and for hydrating skin.
Rose-infused skincare products use essential oil from the petals of Bulgarian roses, which are handpicked daily in the very early morning. The precious oil—often referred to as “liquid gold”—is extracted immediately for use in these lotions and potions, which explains the hefty price tag on some products from luxury beauty brands.
Paige Bly, esthetician-owner of Treat Skincare Lounge in Los Altos, California, loves to use rose-based products when pampering her clients.
“Synonymous with love, the scent alone can help reduce the presence of anxiety and depression,” she says, “and you can’t get much more natural than the purity of a freshly bloomed flower.” Traditional medicine backs her up. Known as a healing plant in several cultures, the rose has many therapeutic uses. Rose oil has been cited for reducing symptoms of depression, grief, nervous stress, and tension.
In the past, roses were primarily used in rich creams for mature skin because of their amazing anti-aging benefits. Now you can find beauty products with a hint of rose for just about any skin type.
“Cream formulations containing rosewater and rose essential oils are usually best for drier skin types,” explains Bly, “while gel formulations utilize the rose’s healing and sanitizing properties to restore health and vitality to unhappy skin.”
Eager to experience a few rosy products for yourself? Here is a roundup of some of my favorites:
1) Fresh Sugar Rosé Extreme Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
This lip treatment from Fresh is a Sephora-exclusive, limited-edition item. Similar to the brand’s Sugar Rose lip formula, the extreme lip treatment is enriched with real rose oil that smells amazing and delivers more hydrated, healthier-looking lips with a natural rosy tint.
The SPF 15 will help prevent the chapping that’s often caused by the sun’s rays. Throw it in your bag and reapply often. ($22.50, sephora.com)
2) Thymes Kimono Rose Hand Wash
This collection is described by Thymes as “an origami of unabashed femininity,” which rings true. The light rose scent folds together nicely with other delicate floral notes and a hint of spice in this non-drying hand wash. I keep this in the guest bath, but the fragrance is so pleasant I find myself using it every time I need to wash my hands. ($14, thymes.com)
3) Lollia In Love Shea Butter Handcreme
The shea butter–based hand creams from Lollia are cult favorites. The “In Love” fragrance is delicately scented with skin-nourishing oils such as macadamia nut and avocado. Keep it in your nightstand and apply before bed to moisturize and soothe your hands while you sleep. ($25, lollialife.com)
4) diptyque “Rosaviola” Scented Candle
French designer Olympia Le-Tan teamed up with Parisian perfumer diptyque to create this beautiful pink, limited-edition candle with a unique and relaxing scent. Think modern rose with soft powdery notes. Although the scent throw from this candle isn’t as strong as some of diptyque’s other fragrances, it does smell as lovely as it looks. ($67, nordstrom.com)
Your DIY Rose Beauty Treatments
Now that you know all about the benefits of roses in your beauty regimen, you may want to try your hand at making something for yourself. We were lucky enough to have expert Paige Bly whip up a couple of do-it-yourself rose mask recipes especially for HealthyWay readers.
The next time you get roses delivered for a special occasion or treat yourself to a dozen at your local farmers market, give the mask recipe that best suits you a try.
You can try making your own rosewater (known for its calming and relaxing properties) to use in these recipes.
Hydrating Exfoliation Rose Mask
(yields 2-3 applications, store remainder in fridge and use within 1 week)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup freshly crushed rose petals (or dried if fresh aren’t available)
- 1 tablespoon rosewater (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon organic plain yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra thickness)
- 1 tablespoon raw organic honey
- ½ tablespoon purified water or mint tea for a hint of freshness
Directions
1. Add rose petals and oats to a high-powered blender or food processor and blend on high until the mixture reaches a finely ground powder.
2. In a small bowl, mix raw honey and yogurt together.
3. Once the wet ingredients are combined, add the rose petal and oatmeal mixture.
4. To create the perfect consistency add rosewater and as much purified water or tea as needed. The mixture should be thick.
5. Allow to sit for 5 minutes in order for the ingredients to marry.
6. Apply a luxuriously thick layer to the face, neck, and décolletage, then allow to set for approximately 10 minutes. The mask should remain slightly moist so that the skin remains glowing and hydrated.
7. To remove, rinse with tepid water while gently exfoliating the skin using circular motions. Use a wet washcloth if faster removal is desired.
8. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
For Oily Skin: Detoxifying Rose Mask
(yields approximately 1-2 masks)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
- 2 drops 100% rose essential oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Indian healing clay
- ½ tablespoon pure aloe vera gel
Directions
1. Combine the Indian clay powder and the rosewater in a small bowl (preferably glass, especially if using essential oil).
2. Add the rose oil (if using) and enough aloe vera gel to create a smooth paste.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for a few moments so that the ingredients can combine.
4. Apply the paste with a facial brush or fingers over a clean, toned face, neck, and décolletage. Avoid the eye area when applying.
5. Relax and allow the mask to set for 15 minutes or until dry.
6. Rinse off the mask with tepid water using your hands or a wet washcloth.
Sources:
- Paige Bly, Owner of Treat Skincare Lounge, Los Altos, California. Email: [email protected]
- Mahboubi M. (2015). Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.
- Shafei MN, Saberi Z, & Amini S. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 14(4), 295-307.
