Why is Hydrosol Water and why is it the perfect water for your skin?

Spraying on my Hydrosol Water is my favorite part of my skincare ritual. Do I actually feel the difference? Yes, however, the cells in my skin feel that addition of hydrosol water and over time your skin will look more clear, hydrated, and glowing.

What is Hydrosol Water?

Hydrosols are often referred to as "flower waters." This is because they are produced by distilling fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. When you distill a plant, either through water or steam distillation, you are left with two end-products: the essential oil, which contains the oil-soluble constituents of the plant, and any condensate water, which contains the water-soluble constituents as well as microscopic droplets of the essential oil. This condensate water is what we call the plant hydrosol.

The plant matter used in the distillation process imparts the hydrosol with the water-soluble aromatic and therapeutic properties of the plant. Unlike essential oils that should be diluted prior to application to the skin, hydrosols are much gentler than their essential oil counterparts and can generally be used directly on the skin without further dilution.

Key Differences between Hydrosol Water and Essential Oils:

• Hydrosols contain the water-soluble parts of the plant, whereas essential oils are made up of the fat-soluble constituents.

• Most hydrosols have a shelf life of 8 – 18 months, whereas most essential oils have a shelf life of 3 – 8 years.

• Hydrosols can grow bacteria naturally, whereas essential oils are generally incapable of growing bacteria without direct contamination.

How does Hydrosol water affect your skin cells?

The skin is organized into two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis, each comprised of specialized cell types that contribute to the unique properties of the layer. The epidermis is composed of keratinocytes in varying states of differentiation and primarily serves a barrier function, preventing water loss and invasion by microbes and toxins. The main function of the dermis, which consists mostly of collagen and elastin, is to provide physical and nutritional support to the epidermis.

The clinical manifestation of aging and inflammation is ultimately one of the losses of fuel production at the mitochondrial level. As you get dehydrated, as you fail to get oxygen and hydrogen in the form of water inside the cell, you lose the ability for those mitochondria to be cranking out all of that energy … used for cellular repair, replacement, and the whole anti-aging effort.

So in effect, we need to keep our bodies and skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and apply water to your skin to keep it hydrated. Botanical water “hydrosol water” is perfectly balanced to hydrate the skin.

When should you apply a Hydrosol?

Hydrosols can be used multiple times a day on your skin or hair because they are super gently and full of wonderful plant material to heal and feed your skin.

Healthy skin is usually slightly acidic and has a pH level of around 5.5. This shift in our pH is what can cause acne and breakouts to develop, making the use of a hydrosol (or toner) essential after cleansing the skin. To break it down, hydrosols typically have a pH level of about 4.5-5.5, similar to our skins naturally acidic levels. When they are applied to the skin post-cleanse, it will help to re-balance sebum production and act as a strong anti-bacterial layer on the skin.

• Use it to balance your skin's pH after cleansing. Most of the water in our homes is neutral or slightly alkaline, whereas the acid mantle of our skin has an optimal pH of 5.5, which is slightly acidic and helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin. A toner is also slightly acidic and can help restore your skin's pH after cleansing or rinsing with tap water.

• Spritz your face 3 to 4 times a day to replenish your skin. This will keep your skin plump, nourished, hydrated, and looking it's absolute best.

• Use it to set your makeup. Spritz some on after your makeup is all done to help it stay in place. A post-makeup misting will also lend a gorgeous dewy finish to your skin and will help your makeup look more natural.

• Use it in combination with a face or body oil to help the oil absorb into the skin. Spritz your skin generously with the hydrosol, then apply the oil while your skin is still damp. This process delivers the same benefits as using a cream or a lotion, only without the additional emulsifiers and preservatives.

• Use it in place of water when you mix clay masks for added benefits. This also allows you to customize your mask, using different hydrosols depending on what your skin needs most at any given time.

Check The Label of Your Hydrosol Water?

Not all hydrosols are created equal. There are a lot of brands who manually blend essential oils with water and sell them as false hydrosols. To avoid this, make sure to check the ingredients label every time.

• Make sure "hydrosol" is listed in the ingredients. A high-quality hydrosol's primary ingredient should be the actual hydrosol, not a mixture of essential oils and water. Look for hydrosol, distillate, or hydrolat" in the ingredients list. All of our Botanical Toner Waters use hydrosol water only.

• No added fragrance or perfume. Hydrosols don't need any added artificial fragrance - they're aromatic on their own. You don't need any additional fragrances to your skin. Many fragrance oils are made with unknown ingredients so try to steer clear of them especially on your face.

• Nothing with water as the first ingredient. This is the biggest sign of a poor-quality hydrosol. Either the product was not produced from distillation or the company diluted the product to save money.

I hope you take the opportunity to try our botanical toner waters to heal and balance your skin.

Best Hydrosols for your skin type?

We have provided a bread-own of different hydrosol waters and how they can benefit your skin:

Rose - Rosewater is one of the most common and popular hydrosols it smells amazing and is a lightweight moisturizer - it acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin and help retain it. It's also mildly astringent and aids in minimizing the appearance of pores while controlling oil production and restoring the skin's pH balance. No. 26 Botanical Toner Water

Cypress- This hydrosol works well at helping to control oil production, It is also great for congested, oily face with large pores.

Clary Sage - This is a great tonic for oily acne-prone skin. Clary sage can also be used in hair formulas, as a treatment for dandruff.

Helichrysum - This hydrosol smells earthy, herbaceous, and somewhat tea-like. It's great for restoring or enhancing the skin's natural health and beauty. Because it's so powerfully rejuvenating and renewing, it's especially great for mature or sensitive skin type. No. 27. Botanical Toner Water

Lemon Balm Melissa - This hydrosol can also be used as a soothing skin toner, helping to calm even the most sensitive skin.

Neroli - A lovely anti-aging ingredient, it is gentle enough to use on even the most delicate of skin types. No. 26 Botanical Toner Water

Lavender - This water is great for cooling and soothing irritated skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it's great for reducing redness. As with Rose Hydrosol, it is suitable for all skin types, from oily to dry. No. 26 Botanical Toner Water

Witch Hazel - This is an astringent hydrosol and considered the best skin toner for oily skin types in large amounts.