Although most of us love roses because of their beauty, scent and symbolic value, some of us love them for entirely other reasons. You may or may not know this but, roses have many nourishing components for your skin. So, when all the joy is gone from receiving a dozen and two, why not repurpose those petals instead of trashing them? Well, I can, and so can you, it's really not all that complicated. I’ll get to the how-to's in just a moment, but first here are some facts about our flowered friends.
Roses contain a high concentration of Vitamins C & E which help calm and soothe the skin. These vitamins provide active anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial components which deeply cleanse, moisturize, brighten, and protect the skin against environmental pollutants. That’s what makes them such a great cleanser, oil, mask, bath, or spray. That’s also what makes them the key ingredient in many skincare treatments and beauty products. It’s no coincidence that you find rosehip oil and rose water tonic at your local pharmacy. But why spend a fortune when their properties can be repurposed at home for free? It’s time to put those roses to good use:
Rose Petal Hydrating Mask:
6-8 Rose Petals
3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water
2 Tsp Honey
1 Tsp Plain Yogurt (optional)
Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl. Add honey and yogurt to the soaked petals and water. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Rose Petal Hydrating/Moisturizing Scrub:
8-10 Rose Petals
3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Almond Oil Or Avocado Oil
1/2 Tbsp Sugar
Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl with water. Choose an oil and add the preferred amount to the water and petals. If using coconut oil, be sure to warm and liquefy for better blending results. Finally, add sugar for exfoliation. Mix all ingredients into a relatively even consistency. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, rinse very well if using coconut oil.
Rose Water Cleanser:
7-10 Rose Petals
3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water
2 Tbsp Honey
1-2 Tsp Milk (optional)
Procedure: Soak rose petals in distilled water for about 2 hours. Crush and mix petals in water, then stir in honey (and milk). Rub all over the skin in circular motion for 15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Brightening Rose Face Mask:
8-10 Rose Petals
3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water
1 Tbsp Honey
½ Tbsp Turmeric
Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Crush petals in a bowl of water, add honey and turmeric. Mix until you have a smooth paste. Apply all over the face. Allow to sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, followed by cool.