Whenever I walk into a department store or drugstore and see a product that my grandmother used to use, I give it a little extra attention – after all, there must be something to ingredients with that kind of staying power, right? My latest interest, for that reason, is rose water and other products with rose oil.
Rose water is a by-product of the steam distillation process by which rose oil is obtained from the flower’s petals, primarily for perfume. As a cosmetic product, it has been used as a gentle astringent and anti-inflammatory for centuries. Better yet, it is an excellent gentle option for anyone with dry, sensitive skin, as recent studies have demonstrated that rose water does not have any drying effect on the skin.
So, is there anything to the claim that rose water is good for your skin? According to several studies, yes! Recent clinical research conducted in Japan found that the extract L. Rose can significantly reduce the damage to skin’s elastin fibers, and associated wrinkling, caused by UVB rays.