
Best Floral Waters For Sensitive Skin
I’m in love with floral waters. Also called hydrosols, floral waters have multiple uses and can be beautifully incorporated into your skincare ritual.
Hydrosols are produced by the steam distillation of aromatic plants; the steam extracts the aromatic molecules from the plant while retaining the aroma and therapeutic properties of the plant. They’re also gentler than essential oils, which makes them safe to use on sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
Benefits Of Hydrosols
Floral waters have remarkable cosmetic and therapeutic properties. They can tone, tighten pores, promote healing, soothe and freshen – but above all, they are wonderful to hydrate the skin.
Choosing the right floral water for your skin
It’s important to do a bit of research before purchasing a floral water as you’ll want to make sure you’re usig the right combination of flower essence for your skin. My advice is to always look beyond the hype of a “cult” product. Read customer reviews and ask if you can purchase a sample. There’s nothing worse than investing in an expensive product and once you get home, your skin reacts badly to it. If you’re working with a trusted aesthetician, ask for her recommendation according to your skin’s needs and keep in mind that your skin will need different care through the seasons.
Last tip before we jump in, always read the ingredients on the label! You’ll want your floral water to be as clean as possible! (See my comments below on alcohol free hydrosols.)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which helped tremendously with my rosacea “bumps” / breakouts on my cheeks.
I battled with these pimple-like breakouts for YEARS and I tried many products on the market and nothing really worked. When I started using witch hazel as a toner and a blend I made with pure essential oils I started to see major improvement. In this free guide, I share with you 3 serums that have rehydrated my skin and helped me tackle those annoying little breakouts on my cheeks.
I no longer have these “bumps” on my cheeks and I’m suspecting that witch hazel and essential oils played a big part in my skin healing.
Another HUGE difference I see as a result of using witch hazel is that my pores finally came back to normal. One of the side-effects of rosacea (or inflammation on your skin) is enlarge pores. Witch hazel acts as an astringent, causing tissues to contract, therefore shrinking pores. (Can I get an AMEN?!)
Because witch hazel is astringent (reduces excess oils), it can also be drying, which is why I often blend it with a rose hydrosol.
In this video, I share why I like Witch Hazel, why finding a hydrol without alcohol is best for sensitive skin and how to blend it with hydrating floral waters.
Tip: Try mixing a blend of 50% Rosewater with 50% Witch Hazel to create a balanced blend of hydration (Rose) and astringent (Witch Hazel). If my skin feels dry — especially in winter — I’ll use this blend as opposed to only witch hazel.
By the way, witch hazel is very hard to find without added alcohol (alcohol is used as a preservative agent), and it just wouldn’t have a long enough shelf life without it. If you can, find a brand or supplier that makes it pure. Pure hydrosols have a significantly lower shelf life and those with added alcohol.
Rosewater
Another favorite is Rosewater, which has anti-inflammatory properties and works great to soothe irritation or itch. It’s also beautifully hydrating, and it smells divine!
Got reactive skin? Think ROSE.
Quick note: Extracting the essence of rose is extremely pricy, so most hydrosols will use Geranium rose.
The main ingredient in my pure, Soothing Flower Water is organic Rose hydrosol combined with Helichrysum , Melissa, and carrot seed oil.
Orange Blossom (Neroli)
Orange Blossom gently purifies, and it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant.
The antibacterial properties of Neroli can be effective in treating acne and other skin-irritating conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Neroli is regenerative to skin cells and regulates moisture. Any type of skin can benefit from Neroli essential oil, although it is particularly good for mature, dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
Just like witch hazel, Neroli can tone the skin and minimize enlarged pores because of its astringent quality.
Here’s how I use hydrosols and why:
FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
When chatting with Skincare Expert Sara Sumic of Healthy Skin Glows, I realized that I was over-cleansing, which was leaving my skin feeling “tight” and dry.
So, lately, I’ve been skipping the full face wash in the morning and opting for a gentle cleanse with floral water.
In the morning, I love a blend of Rosewater (hydrates and soothes redness) and Witch Hazel for its astringent quality.
Basically, I just spritz my face with this blend, then wipe off any excess using an organic cotton pad. Then, I spritz again but leave the essence on.
I love taking a moment during this morning ritual to close my eyes and center myself as I inhale the floral essence. It’s a beautiful way to get centered as you send love to your skin and set an intention for your day.
BEFORE & AFTER MAKEUP
Before applying makeup, I’ll mist rose or neroli water then apply my essential serum, then lock the moisture in with a hydrating cream.
I usually use a pressed mineral powder from Jane Iredale to even out skin tone or use RMS UnCover foundation (less drying than powder). A great way to “set” powder is to spritz floral water once you’re done applying your makeup. This will also make the powder look less “powdery” and add a glow to your skin.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
I always have a bottle of floral water on my desk. I love taking breaks to either sniff an essential oil or mist floral water on my face. This is a moment to breathe deeply and tune inwards — even if it’s just for a minute.
AT NIGHT
Once my makeup is removed, I use Witch Hazel as a toner, which leaves my skin feeling really “clean.”
(Witch Hazel can be a little drying in the winter, though, so feel free to alternate with Rose, Neroli or Jasmine.)
I then apply my Radiantly Clear Face Oil.
Mixing Your Own Blends
Depending on the brand, natural, organic floral waters can be a bit costly, and it’s often hard to find the exact combination of essences I’m looking for to rebalance rosacea-prone skin.
So, I like to purchase 1L of Rose, 1L of Witch Hazel and 1L of Neroli from a trusted, local organic supplier and make my own blends.
Shop hydrosols
Rose + Neroli Hydra-Vitalizing Treatment Mist
This revitalizing facial mist is a very effective and innovative way to infuse your skin with balancing actives and perfect hydration.
Each tiny drop of this divinely scented mist is formulated to care for combination, normal or sensitive skin to restore a fresh complexion.
Rosewater is known for its sebum-balancing properties. Fresh Aloe Vera juice works at keeping skin moist and protected from environmental aggressors. Aspen Bark’s potent astringent properties help to minimize the appearance of pores. Neroli pairs with Aspen Bark to help mitigate blemishes and promote skin’s well-being.
This mist instantly brings back comfort and glow to the skin.
Rose & Helichrysum Flower Water
Made with pure, organic Rose, organic Wild Carrot Seed, organic Helichrysum italicum, and organic Melissa (Lemonbalm).
This hydrosol is made from 100% pure plant & flower distillate and does not contain alcohol. Please use this beautiful flower water within 2 to 3 months to experience its most potent botanical properties.
The Rose Soothing & Hydrating Rose & Helichrysum Hydrosol leaves the skin feeling supple and nourished, ready to receive the benefits of the Aloe Vera & MSM Serum, Calendula Face Oil, or Radiantly Clear Face oil.
This hydrosol is step 2 in the Radiantly Clear Botanical Rosacea Skincare System.
Rose Bambou Ultra Moisturizing Facial Essence
A lightweight, silicone-free essence that refreshes, tones, and calms the look of skin. A juicy bouquet of floral waters—lychee, bamboo, rose, and lemon—quenches skin, while hyaluronic and lactic acids firm and plump. Ideal after cleansing, or anytime you need a refresh, four to five spritzes before serum or oil sets the scene for optimal penetration. It’s great for setting makeup, too.
Citrus & Citrine Regenerating Toning Mist
Citrus & Citrine is your girl for a glowing, revitalized, and radiant complexion. Her refreshing blend of aloe vera water, juicy organic hydrosols, and pure Hawaiian sea silt will work harmoniously to liven up your complexion. She provides ample hydration while energizing and illuminating your skin and spirit.
Each bottle houses a Citrine gemstone that has been purified in the Hawaiian sea and sun. Citrine emits a strong vibration of joy, prosperity, energy, and abundance. Citrine also helps to clear negative energy. Mist often, and may each spritz envelop you with energizing aloha.
SKIN TYPE: Citrus and Citrine is best suited for oily, mature and acne prone skin.
Century Flower
This alcohol-free tonic contains water extracted directly from lotus root and orange blossom plants to refresh and soothe skin. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals, the hydrating spritz evens and smooths the look of the skin. Perfect for restoring comfort and glow on demand.
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