The Benefits of Rose Water in Your Self-care Routine

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pantene for MMI Agency. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you’re Armenian or Middle Eastern, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of turmeric, rose water and other natural ingredients way before they went mainstream! Rose water is used extensively in the old world, but its benefits have been shared down through generations and that’s how I came to know of rose water when I was a young girl. My mom used to make us a delicious rose water and apple elixir in the warm summer months and by college, rose water was part of my daily beauty routine. 

Traditionally, rose water has been used to relieve skin irritation and redness, as well as hydrate the skin. It’s filled with antioxidants and works as a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial powers. It’s nature’s beauty powerhouse!

Here are three ways to incorporate rose water in your beauty routine: 

Pantene’s Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water Shampoo and Conditioner
You know I’m always on the hunt for new, cleaner beauty products and I was so glad to discover Pantene’s new Miracle Moisture Boost Collection with Rose Water. Since going back to my natural color, I wanted to restore the shine, smoothness and softness since I find dark hair can look dull if it’s not hydrated!  The Miracle Moisture Boost Collection with Rose Water is made to soothe and hydrate hair, and is free of sulfates, parabens, dye and mineral oil. It has a lot of great benefits minus the toxic stuff that I avoid in my beauty products. 

I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner for 4 weeks now and these are my thoughts. The shampoo is very gentle; it cleanses without stripping my hair of its natural shine and moisture. The conditioner is hydrating and helps tame my frizzy hair. I have thick, textured and frizzy hair so it’s imperative that any conditioner I use hydrates and leaves a silky finish – I also love the light rose water scent! 

The top comment I’ve been getting IRL and on Instagram is that my hair looks so shiny and silky! Best. Compliment. Ever!

Rose Water Toner
I’ve been using a rose water toner for over 20 years since I started swimming competitively in high school and was a lifeguard over the summers. My skin was seriously put through the most extreme conditions from drying chlorine and sun exposure to cold temps and non-existent skincare routine. Basically, my love for swimming was wreaking havoc on my skin. My mom made me a rose water toner that helped soothe irritation plus hydrated my skin. It’s so easy to make which is why I’ve been making my own for over two decades. Here’s how to make your own rose water tone: combine ¼ cup witch hazel and ¼ cup rosewater in a spray bottle. You can either spray on a cotton ball and wipe your face, or spray on your face directly. I do the latter and while my skin is still moist, I top with a sheet mask or serum for maximum hydration. I find that rose water helps the serum and sheet max work better!

Rose Water & Apple Elixir
This was one of my favorite treats growing up. I say treat because cookies, ice cream and cake were reserved for special occasions. I grew up eating fruit as a snack and I thank my mom daily for that. I remember in the summer months my mom would make this elixir for us to help cool us down and hydrate after running around all day. I still drink this elixir but have since discovered additional benefits to drinking rose water. Rose water contains vitamin A, B, C and E, as well as flavonoids and antioxidants. I love to use it to help with stress, digestion, inflammation in addition to hydrated skin. I feel like rose water is nature’s overachiever and I’m totally here for it!

Here’s how to make the rose water and apple elixir:
Ingredients

• 2 medium apples
• 1½ cups water
• 2 Tbsp rosewater
• ice for serving

As my mom likes to remind me all the time, quality matters. Just like the right tahini can make or break your hummus, same with rose water.  
Directions

1. Add ½ cups of water to pitcher
2. Peel apples, grate them to the core on a box grater, and add to the ice water, including any juices
3. Add 2 tbsp to rosewater and stir
4. Put in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill or serve immediately
5. Serve over ice and enjoy