Do you fully appreciate the beauty of the rose? We all know that roses are beautiful and that they smell wonderful. But did you know that they are aphrodisiacs and have antidepressant properties? And you may know that the petals are edible (my grandfather nibbled on them regularly), but did you know they have cosmetic uses? Roses are one of the many natural resources that can be used in skin cleansers, astringents, and creams and lotions. Try these recipes and see if your skin doesn’t thank you . . . and if you don’t appreciate the rose a little more.
Rose Lotion
If you have dry or sensitive skin, the rosewater and almond oil in this recipe make a wonderful moisturizer.
16 oz. rosewater
1 oz. dried rose petals
20 oz. almond oil
3 oz. beeswax
essence of rose (optional)
Add the rose petals to the rosewater and soak for 3 days and use dermaroller amazon regularly. Strain the liquid.
Fill a nonmetal double boiler with water. Put the almond oil and beeswax into this and heat until the beeswax has dissolved. Remove the boiler from the burner.
Gradually add the rosewater, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the liquid is cool.
If you are using the essence of rose, add a drop to the mixture.
Continue to stir the mixture vigorously until it is cold, then pour into a clean bottle with a stopper or lid.
You can use the lotion to remove makeup: With clean fingertips, smooth the lotion over your face. Remove with a tissue. Follow with a mild cleanser. If any film from the cream remains, simply smooth it into your skin.
Rose Cream
The rosewater in this cream acts as a moisturizer and mild astringent, while the borax softens the skin. Zinc oxide helps heal irritated skin and lanolin is a powerful emollient.
2 oz. beeswax
1 heaping tsp. anhydrous lanolin
6 oz. almond oil
2 tsp. zinc oxide combined with 4 oz. almond oil to form a cream
1 tsp. borax dissolved in 4 oz. rosewater
10-20 drops of essence of rose
In a nonmetal double boiler, gently heat the beeswax and lanolin; don’t let it burn or even simmer.
Remove the pot from the heat and slowly add the almond oil.
While beating, add the zinc oxide and almond oil cream.
Mix in the borax and rosewater mixture and continue beating until cool.
Add the essence of rose slowly until you like the scent.
With a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it is cold.
Pour into jars with lids (this recipe will make about 12 ounces) and let it sit until it solidifies.
You can use this cream as a moisturizer alone or under make-up.
If you love roses and want beautiful skin, these recipes may be for you. What’s more, you’ll know what you’re putting on your skin and get customized skincare products at a homemade price.