Hydrosols in facial care!
At the heart of natural care, hydrosols stand out as essential allies for enhancing the skin. Produced using an ancestral distillation method, they capture the very essence of plants and offer a range of benefits suitable for all skin types. Let's discover all the keys to understanding, choosing, and incorporating this refined treatment into your daily routine, so you can fully enjoy its soothing and purifying properties.
What is a hydrosol?
A hydrosol, also known as floral water or hydrosol, is the residual product of steam distillation of plants. This process extracts both the active molecules of the plant and the essential oil. Hydrosol, which is less concentrated, is rich in water-soluble compounds such as polyphenols and minerals, bringing softness and balance to your skin.
The manufacturing process
The plant parts (flowers, leaves, roots) are subjected to the heat of steam in a still. Condensation allows the essential oil, which settles on the surface, and the hydrosol, which collects in the lower part of the container, to be collected separately. This process preserves the specific properties of each plant while ensuring a moderate concentration of active ingredients.
Adapt the hydrosol to your skin type
The choice of hydrosol depends mainly on skin type and the issues to be treated:
- For oily and acne-prone skin:
By removing impurities and rebalancing pH levels, hydrosols strengthen the skin barrier, ensuring healthy, balanced skin. Witch hazel hydrosol, for example, has astringent properties that help purify the skin, reduce excess sebum, and tighten enlarged pores. - dull or tired skin:
Orange blossom hydrosol revitalizes the complexion and stimulates cell regeneration thanks to its natural antioxidant properties. - For sensitive and irritated skin:
Gentle and soothing, chamomile hydrosol reduces redness and calms irritation, making it ideal for reactive skin. - For mature skin:
Thanks to their antioxidant properties, certain hydrosols help slow down the signs of aging and tone the skin, while offering protection against free radicals. One example is rose hydrosol, which is rich in regenerating active ingredients and helps reduce the signs of aging while restoring firmness and radiance to the complexion.
Practical application for optimal results
To fully reap the benefits of hydrosols, it is essential to incorporate them into a specific skincare routine:
- Step 1: Cleaning
After cleansing your face with a gentle product, apply the hydrosol to clean, slightly dry skin. - Step 2: Application
Soak a cotton pad or your hands with a small amount of hydrosol and gently pat onto the face and neck. This step helps to rebalance the skin's pH, which is generally around 5.5, and prepares the epidermis to receive subsequent moisturizing treatments. - Step 3: Additional care
Follow with your usual serum or cream to ensure optimal protection against external aggressions.
Additional uses in cosmetology
Beyond their use in facial care, hydrosols can be incorporated into other cosmetic practices:
- Hair care:
When added to shampoos or used as a mist, certain hydrosols revitalize hair, moisturize the scalp, and prevent dandruff, such as sage hydrosol. - Eye care : Cornflower hydrosol is known for its soothing and antiseptic properties, which are ideal for relieving eye fatigue, reducing irritation, and revitalizing the eye area.
Preserving hydrosols to maintain the purity of the treatment
Due to their mainly aqueous composition, hydrosols are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. To ensure their effectiveness, it is recommended to:
- Store in a cool, dry place:
The refrigerator is the ideal option for limiting oxidation and microbial growth, while preserving the quality of the active ingredients. - Use opaque glass containers:
These bottles protect the product from UV rays, which could degrade the active molecules.
Shelf life
An unopened hydrosol can be stored for between 12 and 24 months, while after opening, it should be used within 6 to 12 months. If there is a change in smell or the appearance of deposits, discontinue use to avoid any deterioration.
