6 Reasons To Make Roses A Part Of Your Self-Care Routine

Beautiful to look at and idolized for their scent, roses are much more than the sum of their parts. Rose petals are full of antioxidants, flavonoids and compounds beneficial for healthy skin, shiny hair and good health. Having an ancient celebrity endorsement doesn’t hurt their cause: legend says the Egyptian Pharoah Cleopatra added rose petals to her bath water to keep her skin subtle and rejuvenated. Readily available in the beauty sections of any store rose water and oil can be bought on their own or found added to face creams, body lotions, cosmetics, shampoos and conditioners. Here are six reasons roses should be part of a daily self-care regime. You will never look at a rose the same way again. —Jennifer Cole

skin.Rose water restores the skins natural pH balance. Full of anti-inflammatory tannins rose water is a natural astringent that will refresh, hydrate, and tighten skin. With so many roses in full bloom during the summer months it’s easy to make a batch for personal use. Add 2 cups (473 ml) of organically grown and chemically untreated rose petals to 3 cups (700ml) water. Place in a saucepan on medium heat—stir occasionally making sure the water doesn’t boil. When the petals lose their colour strain and discard them. When the water cools put it in a small spray bottle.

sleep.The expression: get your beauty sleep truly applies to roses. The ethyl acetate extracted from rose petals has a hypnotic affect that combines with the flavonoids and anxiolytic compounds present in the flower to induce a sound sleep. Place a few rose petals on your pillow or set a vase of freshly cut roses by your bedside and sleep like a baby.

anti-aging. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It supports bones, skin, and muscles. As the body ages it produces less causing skin to dry and enhancing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rose water is full of vitamin C which helps the body in the production of collagen. Spritzing it on your skin and face is literally the fountain of youth

healing properties. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties of roses are effective in healing cuts, burns and reducing the appearance of scars. Rose water has been used in the prevention and soothing the symptoms of acne and rosacea.

healthy hair. The high levels of vitamins, A, B3, C and E in rose water and rose oil promote healthy hair growth, assist in repairing split ends and combats frizz, dryness, and dandruff. Using rose water infused shampoos and conditioners will leave your hair shiny and give it a light exotic scent.

relaxation.Go ahead and smell the roses. The scent of concentrated rose oil stimulates the brain to release stress relieving endorphins. Because essential oils must be diluted before touching the skin or added to water, mix essential rose oil with jojoba or coconut oil, and add to a bath to feel wonderfully relaxed.