Like many other health and beauty publications, Beauty and tips magazine is big on the benefits of rose water, claiming that “No matter what your skin type is – this wonder of nature can bring you handfuls of goodness!”

We have seen how adding lemon juice to our morning drink of water keeps our digestion in check, or that adding Epsom salts to bath water can lower blood pressure. Now, let’s take a look at why rose water is fast becoming a new health craze.

Rose water is not a new discovery – in fact, it’s well recorded that Cleopatra used it in her daily skincare regime, while for centuries, the women of India have been staunch advocates of its benefits. Over the past few years, its popularity has increased to the point where it is now considered a must-have item – one similar to Argan oil.

Rose water is suited to all types of skin and as such, has a wide range of therapeutic benefits:

• Rose water is an effective makeup remover (combined with a few drops of coconut oil), cleanser (by adding a few drops of glycerine), and toner. The astringent properties it contains help maintain the skin’s PH balance and can visibly improve the appearance of clogged or open pores.

• Just like a water softener, the antibacterial properties of rose water can help to soothe skin irritation and heal scars, cuts and wounds.

• Applying a cotton pad soaked in chilled rose water helps reduce puffy eyes and gets rid of redness produced by smoke or tiredness.

• Packed with antioxidants, rose water applied morning and nighttime can help to regenerate skin cells and strengthen tissue.

• Using rose water on hair as a conditioner not only leaves your hair smelling of summer it also helps to eliminate dandruff as well as adding a lustrous shine.

• If you suffer from dry and frizzy hair, massaging equal parts rosewater and glycerin into the scalp and leaving for 30 mins before shampooing will leave your hair soft and manageable.

• The powerful bouquet of rose water can act as a de-stresser, and if spritzed on the pillow, can aid a restful sleep. If liberally added to bath water or moisturiser, the mood enhancing qualities of rose water make it one of the best stress relievers around.

• Make a spritz of rose water to freshen the face or set makeup, as well known makeup artists now recommend.

• Last, but certainly not least, rose water can help keep ageing at bay by diminishing those fine lines and wrinkles.

Try and work some rose water into your daily routine by adding some rose essential oil to the water in your filter jug.

[Photo by RescueWarrior]