FLORAL WATERS: BY GINA KAMBUROVSKI FOUNDER OF GOOD LIVING IS GLAM

FLORAL WATERS: HOW TO USE HYDROSOLS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective way to enhance your skincare routine, aromatic floral waters known as hydrosols are the perfect place to start. You might be drawn to a hydrosol by its alluring scent, but it’s important to know specifically which distillates are best for your specific skin type.  So l et’s explore what makes them so special and beneficial for enhancing the quality of your skin.

What is a hydrosol?

A hydrosol is the water that remains after the process of extracting an essential oil from a plant by water or steam distillation. Toward the end of the distillation process, vapor collects in a condenser, and as it cools, it separates into water and an essential oil. The water that remains is called hydrosol, and contains small molecules of essential oil as well as water-soluble parts of the plant. This means that the water is enhanced with more active principles from the plant than the essential oil.

How can I use hydrosols?

Hydrosols are less volatile than essential oils, so they can be used for a wide variety of purposes without being diluted. They are also generally anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and ideal for people with sensitive skin. Hydrosols can be used as a:

•facial spray

•liquid in face masks

•tonic

•scent/perfume for body and hair

•deodorant spray

•foot spray

•linen spray

•compress

•poultice

•calming, purifying or meditation spray

What is the right hydrosol for my needs?

As you can see there are numerous uses for hydrosols. The best way to figure out what works best for you is to explore and identify what plant properties are best suited for your skincare or lifestyle needs. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common hydrosols.

Lavender Hydrosol: All Skin Type

This all-purpose floral water is beneficial for almost every skin type. Its gentle antibacterial properties make it useful in the treatment of acne and can help balance both oily and dry skin. It can also provide relief for sunburnt skin.

Spike Lavender Hydrosol: Oily, Acne Prone Skin

Most people don’t know this, but there are several different varieties of lavender. Spike Lavender has the most potent antibacterial properties, which is why it’s used primarily for oily or acne prone skin.

Chamomile Hydrosol: Dry Skin

If you suffer from flaky skin, chamomile hydrosol can soothe the dryness, while at the same time reducing stress and anxiety. Other hydrosols that can have a relaxing effect include: German & Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Vetiver, Angelica Root, Melissa and Rose.

Rose Geranium Hydrosol: Mature Skin

If you have mature skin, then this is the perfect hydrosol for you. Geranium is considered to be regenerative for aging skin cells, balancing for both oily and dry skin, and anti-inflammatory.

Rose Hydrosol: All Skin Types

What would the world of beauty and skincare be without the beautiful scent of rose? This amazing flower not only smells hypnotic, but the water also heightens blood flow, therefore stimulating the skin. It also controls and balances production of sebum for both oily and dry skin, helps tightens pores and restores the skins Ph. If you’re plagued with acne, the antibacterial properties found in rose hydrosol would be perfect for your skin.

Grapefruit Hydrosol:Oily Skin

Purifying and astringent, this highly aromatic water is beneficial for cleansing oily skin and firming up pores. This hydrosol isn’t among the most common, but its amazing scent and benefits for oily skin have it at the top of my personal list.

There are so many other wonderful hydrosols out there, such as Frankincense, Patchouli, Helichrysum, Tea Tree, Mint and Witch Hazel to name a few. They are conveniently packaged in small bottles, which means you can easily take these gems on the go for a refreshing and effective treatment. There are also some effective hydrosol blends that are perfectly formulated for a range of skincare needs.

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