Rose is the queen of flowers so why shouldn’t we use its properties in products and start introducing into daily skin care beauty treatments? Apart from its captivating aroma, do you know how incredibly beneficial influence rose has on skin, hair and nails? How does rose extract work?

Rose in cosmetics

Stunning aroma is the thing that I just adore, that’s why I love perfumes that feature rose notes. When it comes to drugstore products that I buy, I always pay attention whether they contain natural rose extracts and whether they aroma is close to the real rose. Why do I do this? Because a few tons of rose petals are required to extract one liter of rose oil. Therefore, some brands go for substitutes of doubtful quality, which I obviously want to avoid.

Since I’ve started talking about rose oil, let me tell you a few fun facts that are connected with this substance. Firstly, it’s extracted either from damask or hundred petaled rose (alias the Provence rose or cabbage rose). Secondly, it has aroma-therapeutic, anti-allergic, soothing and anti-depressive effects. Basically, this oil relieves headaches and heals up scalds. Thirdly, it’s antibacterial therefore it’s frequently used as a cosmetic constituent.

Rose: Applications and effects

Damask Rose

It’s cultivated in Mediterranean regions. Damask rose’s medicinal and beautifying properties were already known to the ancient people. This beautiful flower offers high concentrations of vitamin C and flavonoids. Also, damask rose is know for wielding strong antioxidative power – it combats free radicals that are responsible for accelerated ageing processes of organism. What’s more, is fights back bacteria and soothes skin. Finally, damask rose is also able to fresh you up, moisturize your skin/hair and fight off signs of fatigue.

Wild Rose

These are seeds, rose hips and flowers that are used for beautifying and medicinal purposes. Alike damask rose, wild rose offers high concentrations of flavonoids, vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Moreover, rose hips contain vitamins A, B, P, K, E, carotene, tannins, organic acids and flavonoids. The very hips are used to obtain oil that is used to cure skin inflammations – it displays antibacterial and relieving properties.

I should also add that rose hips contain large concentrations of vitamin C that is known for boosting immunity and fosters body healing in its broad sense. For that reason, products with rose hip extracts are used to cure a common cold, kidney stone and gallstone as well as help solve the problem of insomnia. Furthermore, wild rose stimulates collagen production, reduces acne, improves skin condition and highlights discolorations.

Hundred Petaled Rose

It originates from France and is a blend of a few species of roses. Its petals are more delicate than damask rose’s and are edible so they can be used to produce juice and jams. Petals of this rose are antioxidants, reinforce blood vessels, regenerate epidermis, soothe and softens skin. Oil extracted from hundred petaled rose has relaxing and anti-depressive effect.