On the shelves of drugstores, we can find glass bottles with hydrolates of various brands. The choice is huge, and each hydrolate has slightly different properties and composition. What are hydrolates? Is it worth using them and how to choose the best one? Read our article that will answer your questions about the use of hydrolates.
HYDROLATE – WHAT IS IT?
Hydrolates are called flower waters. They are obtained by steam distillation of plant materials. During this process, we actually produce two products: essential oils as the oily phase and – hydrolates. Flower waters are often used as the water phase of cosmetics (e.g. creams). They have extremely pleasant fragrances, but apart from the fragrances, they also carry valuable properties. We observe very beneficial effects on the skin. In addition, the hydrolate is a completely natural product, which is of great importance to many.
HOW AND WHEN TO USE A HYDROLATE?
– TONIC
We suspect that people who have not used hydrolates before will be surprised at how many applications they have! One of the first uses is a tonic. Flower waters are often placed in glass spray bottles, so you just need to spray them on your face. However, there is nothing to prevent you from using a cotton pad – if you prefer such an application. The use of floral water prepares the skin of the face – like a tonic – for the next stages of care.
– MASKS
The second option is to use flower water to make a clay mask. Instead of using water (often hard), you can use natural floral water. Your skin will thank you for it!
– BASE FOR OIL
You can know about the third method of using the hydrolate from our previous articles. Do you remember about wet hair oiling? If not, be sure to come back to it LINK.
Hydrolate is a great humectant foundation that is applied to the hair before oiling; Its task is to moisturize and nourish the hair, especially the medium and high porosity hair.
– REFRESHING MIST
Flower waters can be successfully used as a form of refreshment during the day. It is enough to spray the face with the hydrolate to feel refreshed. Especially in summer, such use of the hydrolate is worth its weight in gold! The mist can also be used after depilation – because it has soothing and regenerating properties.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING HYDROLATES
Flower waters are used as tonics. Why? They have a slightly acidic pH, have a toning effect on the skin, preparing it for the next stages of care. In addition, they moisturize and nourish the skin, and their fragrance is subtle and balanced. They do not irritate sensitive skin, so delicate and prone to redness.
Of course, they also have disadvantages as cosmetic products. Due to their natural origin, it is necessary to use preservatives or use them without preservatives, but use them shortly after opening. Allergic reactions may occur in people allergic to a given species of plant that is the raw material for obtaining the hydrolate.
TYPES OF HYDROLATES
lavender – works antiseptic, soothes irritations, moisturizes and softens.
rosemary – cleanses and refreshes the skin, tones, brightens, helps fight dandruff.
calendula – especially recommended for dry and irritated skin, because it has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect and supports the reconstruction of the skin in case of minor damage.
wild mallow – smooths and moisturizes, protects against moisture loss, has antioxidant properties, soothes inflammation, refreshes and tones the skin.
witch hazel – reduces the secretion of sebum, thus preventing the formation of blackheads. Especially used in the care of oily skin.
If you want to learn more about the operation of each of these products – check the product descriptions on our website. We hope that this article has cleared most of your doubts related to the use of hydrolates. If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message, we’ll be happy to answer it!
