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A hydrosol is a plant extract, whether aromatic or not, obtained by steam distillation. Hydrolates include plant waters obtained from flowers, resulting from the production of fragrance oils. How do they work on the skin?
How is the hydrolate produced?
In the distillation process, the insoluble particles of essential oils are carried away by the water vapor. After cooling down, the oils are separated from the water. On the other hand, the hydrosol is the remaining water with soluble plant particles and small amounts of fragrance oils.
It should be remembered that hydrolates are extremely susceptible to bacterial growth due to the low content of essential oils and the presence of plant particles. They also tend to change color due to the association of plant particles with metal salts.
For good maintenance, they should be kept away from light, oxygen and temperature changes. Plant waters have long been used in natural medicine as aromatic and cosmetic (skin care) agents.
Hydrolates in cosmetics
Hydrolates are used to care for the skin. Thanks to the floral waters, the skin gains radiance and vitality. They are also suitable for hand-made soaps, creams, tonics or refreshing water.
In order to enrich the aromatic qualities of our products, we can mix them with oils. For more effective hydration of the face and hair, hydrolates can be added to serums, face and hair mists, make-up fixers, masks.
Face and body mist Heavenly fragrance or Face and body mist Sensual freshness can be bought at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Hydrolates for different skin types
Depending on the skin types, we can choose the right hydrosol. Rose water is the most famous product that we obtain from damask rose petals. It is used for problems with dry skin, due to its antioxidant and cleansing effect, strengthening blood vessels. Water can be used instead of tonic, as well as making compresses on the eyelids for a minimum of 10 minutes to eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
Orange blossom, on the other hand, contains the flavonoid hesperidin with an antioxidant effect and betaine with a strengthening, firming and moisturizing effect on the skin. At the same time, the blood vessels become more flexible.
The hydrosol for oily skin is mainly obtained from the flowers of the witch hazel tree. Hamamelidis hydrate cleanses and tightens the enlarged pores, reducing the secretion of sebum and improving blood circulation. Thanks to the large amount of tannins – ellagotanin and hamamelitannin contained in the petals, it is ideal for the care of couperose skin.
For couperose skin, it is also worth trying the Damascus rose, orange blossom, chamomile, linden and green tea. Lavender hydrolate, obtained from narrow-leaved lavender, contains rosmarinic and ursolic acid as well as tannins, which perfectly refresh and improve the tone of the epidermis, making the skin prone to inflammation and abundant sebum production begin to become smooth and elastic.
Other hydrolates suitable for oily skin are chamomile, cistus, calendula, lemon balm, mint, damask rose, green tea, orange blossom, rosemary.
In the case of sensitive skin, prone to irritation, it is advisable to use rose hydrolate, which improves the condition of the skin, and lavender, which reduces irritation and regenerates the epidermis. Thanks to the mineral salts and polyphenols, the cornflower water is perfect for epilation and using the solarium.
Other hydrolates for sensitive skin are mint, linden, orange blossom, green tea, rosemary and jasmine.
We especially recommend Oleiq hydrolates available on Medonet Market:
- nourishing cucumber hydrolate for all skin types,
- raspberry hydrosol for oily skin,
- peppermint hydrosol which improves the condition of the skin,
- aloe hydrosol that nourishes the skin,
- verbena hydrosol that ensures the right level of skin hydration,
- soothing calendula hydrosol for acne lesions,
- cleansing lavender hydrolate with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties,
- Damask rose hydrolate that improves skin tone,
- lemon balm hydrolate, which makes the skin more elastic and nourished.
If you are looking for a cosmetic that will provide your skin with optimal hydration, try the Vianek tonic mist with an atomizer for easy use. The cosmetic is available on Medonet Market.
How to use hydrolates?
Hydrolates have a subtler scent than essential oils. The hydrosol can be used instead of tonic in the morning and evening or spray a mist on the face, neck and décolleté. After a while, when the hydrolate has penetrated the skin, remove the excess with a cotton pad. People prone to allergies to individual plants should not use hydrolates as they may irritate their skin.