Rose – with love for the skin
We often think of the rose as the Queen of flowers, a symbol of love and femininity. But actually, this delicate and colorful flower with sharp thorns not only warms our hearts, but could also give a huge amount of love to the skin, in the form of an oil, water or aroma. Find out how and immerse in the bliss of the rose today!
The use of roses in traditional medicine and beauty care has a long and diverse history. It is even believed that the distillation of rose water started already in Ancient Persia. The Ancient Greeks and the Romans used rose petals to flavor bathwater and to decorate festival halls.
For the Indians, on the other hand, the rose continues to be an integral part of their Ayurvedic practices, as a means of calming and detoxifying the mind and the body. And in Bulgaria, rose oil is produced from the rose petals, famous throughout the whole world with its powerful aroma and amazing therapeutic effect on the hair and on the skin.
Today, the rose is still used in alternative medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and in beauty care, but in a wide range of products – extracts, essential oil, rose water, distilled water, rosehip seeds, rose petals. It is a valuable source of vitamins (A, B3, C, D, E), proteins, citric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid, tannins and zinc, which gives it antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, diuretic and antidepressant properties.
It is most commonly used as an oil or in the form of calming water, for problems with the blood vessels, gastrointestinal disorders, external and internal infections, spasms in the lungs, intestines and muscles, and even helps for a cold. Besides all that, rose products help the healing of open wounds, purify the blood, stimulate the production of hormones inducing menstruation, reduce symptoms of PMS and strengthen the nervous, digestive and excretory systems, as well as the liver.
As a cosmetic ingredient rose is an invaluable source of antioxidants and anti-aging agents, which smooth, soften and heal the skin, and also protect it from potential problems. Actually, the rose oil is the only one of plant origin that contains retinol (vit. A), which makes it very efficient for removal of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and stretch marks. Furthermore, it kills bacteria, smoothes the complexion, hydrates and nourishes the cells in depth. The rose water, on the other hand, has an exceptionally restorative effect on pores, as it constrict the blood vessels, giving a youthful freshness to the skin.
What are the other benefits of rose in cosmetic products?
- Cures acne, rosacea, eczema, swelling, redness.
- Cleans and tightens the pores.
- Cleans dirt and make-up.
- Protects skin cells from the damage of free radicals.
- Prevents sunburn.
- Prevents the formation of dark circles under the eyes.
- Hydrates dry skin and soothes sensitive skin.
- Nourishes the scalp.
- Increases blood flow to the follicles and stimulates hair growth.
- Adds shine to the skin and the hair.
As rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils, due to its laborious extraction (for the production of 30 g. tens of thousands of flowers are needed, picked right after they’ve bloomed, i.e. only at dawn), and the rose water is not as effective, the best way to give love to your skin, taking advantage of the miraculous qualities of the rose, is through the use of cosmetic products. Whether it is going to be a face cream, a therapeutic ointment, a lotion, a tonic or a bath foam – the choice is yours!
