Hydrolat is one of the increasingly popular substances used in skin care. Which product to choose and how to use floral water?
Hydrolate is a substance created during the process of distillation of whole plants or their parts with steam. Distillation extracts particles of essential oil from the plants, which separates from the steam after cooling. The water that remains from the process contains the dissolved plant particles and small amounts of essential oil, and is popularly called flower water.
It contains within itself the pure extract of the plant, just as with essential oil, however, it is much milder, so it can be applied directly to the skin. Numerous studies have shown that hydrolates have many properties that work particularly well in natural skin care, cleansing, moisturizing and toning. Interestingly, floral water has a pH similar to the natural pH of human skin, which is why it works so well on it and helps nourish it quickly and effectively. The ingredients of floral water have proven anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, regenerative, antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
On the cosmetic market there are many preparations prepared on the basis of natural floral water. They are tailored to different skin types and pH levels, so before using them for the first time it is advisable to carefully read the recommendations on the product packaging. Although the substance has a mild effect on the skin, an allergic reaction can quickly appear, so it is worth carefully observing the skin after application. Floral water can be used in the daily care of both facial skin and the entire body.
Among the most widely used distilled plant extracts is damask rose floral water. Products prepared on its basis contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants, so they are great for vascular, acne-prone and sensitive skin. For this type of skin, specialists also recommend green tea hydrolate, which accelerates the process of cell regeneration and perfectly protects against UV rays.
For skin that gets oily quickly, experts recommend using lavender flower water, the effect of which helps moisturize and regenerate it. Interestingly, the extract is also popular for scalp care, preventing hair loss and strengthening hair follicles.
The diverse effects and numerous properties of floral water allow the use of plant extracts for many types of cosmetic products. Each of them is prepared on the basis of different plants, which allows you to perfectly match the product to the needs of the skin. The most common products prepared on the basis of floral water are tonics, facial masks, sprays to soothe skin irritations or hair rubs. Thanks to their essential oil content, hydrolates are also used to make natural perfumes and body scented mists. Distilled plant extracts can also be added to homemade cosmetics as desired.
main photo: unsplash.com/Evie S.