What is hydrolat and how to use it correctly?

To date, the cosmetology market is represented by a chic assortment of preparations intended for skin and hair care, while many of the fair sex prefer exclusively natural products. The most popular remedy among them is hydrolat. It has useful properties and is effective in application.

Hydrolat is a unique liquid product (in simple words - flower water), which is obtained during the production of essential oils. Such a tool is considered universal, as it is actively used in the field of cosmetology and has no side effects. The composition of hydrosols does not include synthetic, as well as alcohol additives, which makes them indispensable in the care of curls and epidermis. Hydrolat is produced in several ways.

• Steam. A special net, which is filled with flowers and leaves of plants, is suspended above the water, covered with a dome on top and placed on a gentle fire. The water vapor obtained during the heating process, passing through the raw material, is filled with useful substances and then turns into drops of hydrolate.
• Vodyanym. For the production of a natural product, coarse parts of plants (berries, roots) are used.After cleaning, they are immersed in water and then distilled. This method is more popular, as it simplifies the extraction of valuable substances from plants.

On the basis of hydrolate, you can prepare various scrubs, masks for various parts of the body and hair at home. In addition, this remedy is often added to balms, shampoos to strengthen hair follicles and eliminate dandruff. With the constant use of hydrolate, the curls acquire splendor, shine and silkiness.

As for the disadvantages, flower water, unlike essential oils, deteriorates quickly. It is recommended to use it within one month and store it in the refrigerator. In addition, hydrolat is not able to replace thermal water.

Hydrolat is in great demand, as it is considered a real discovery. The beneficial properties of this product are known to everyone, it does not contain alcohol and fats, which allows you to perform a number of cosmetic procedures for skin and hair of all types. Hydrolat can be used not only for its intended purpose, applying to the skin - it is also enriched with cosmetics, aromatic additives, perfume analogues and cleansing tonics. Floral water is also good for removing make-up.

A gentle liquid applied to the skin creates a light fragrance on it, close to the smell of classic perfume or powder, it allows you to tune in to a romantic mood and quickly get rid of fatigue.Beauticians often use hydrolat in various anti-aging programs, since the natural remedy delicately cares for all skin types, smoothes wrinkles, nourishes the epidermis with moisture, normalizes blood flow and gives the dermis a natural shade. If you use flower water as an additive to shampoos and rinses, then in a short period of time you can see the results: hair acquires a natural shine, becomes lush and quickly recovers from painting.

Recently, in the market of cosmetic products, you can find many different types of agglomerate, which differ from each other in composition, and, accordingly, in the spectrum of action.

• Rose hydrosol. It is considered a universal product for the care of all skin types. It helps to rejuvenate, strengthen blood vessels and moisturize the epidermis. This floral water can replace many cosmetic products (bath foam, lotion, body milk, moisturizer). If you use a hair care product, the tendency to dandruff will disappear and the microcirculation of the scalp will improve.
• Chamomile hydrosol. This is an affordable antiseptic and antibacterial product that has many useful properties: restores the skin after allergic rashes, injuries, burns, stabilizes the water balance in the epidermis, eliminates peeling, dryness and irritation. Ideal for newborn skin care, it is recommended to add it to bathing water. In addition, the product can be added to sprays and tonics.
• Cornflower hydrolat. The medicinal properties of this flower have been known since ancient times, it was used by our ancestors as a healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating agent. In cosmetology, this product is widely used to reduce circles under the eyes, relieve dryness and remove fine wrinkles. Floral water is also recommended as a conditioner, it stimulates hair growth well, gives them a natural shine and volume.
• Lavender hydrosol. It is considered one of the most classic and versatile cosmetic products with anti-aging and toning properties. It is recommended for rubbing into the hair roots, with regular use, their growth will accelerate, and the formation of dandruff will decrease. In addition, the aroma of this water has hypnotic and sedative effects.
• Parsley hydrosol. It is considered indispensable in the treatment of acne, helps reduce oily skin and reduces pores. Parsley flower water is the most expensive, as it is characterized by versatility. Best used as a spray.
• Immortelle hydrolat. Removes redness on the skin of the face caused by inflammatory, allergic processes, and also helps to restore weakened hair. Well heals the epidermis with dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
• Sage hydrolat. Favorably affects dry skin: moisturizes, nourishes it and slows down age-related aging, saturating cells. Floral water can be used for toned and gentle cleansing, as well as in anti-cellulite programs. Perfect for dark hair care, giving them a great brightness of shades.
• Linden hydrolat. It is a very fragrant, gentle remedy with many positive properties. Beauticians recommend buying it for tired, dry and sensitive skin. Linden water will help fight allergic reactions, even out skin tone, giving it a natural beauty. The hair will become obedient and soft.
• Rosemary hydrosol. It is considered a good tonic and cleansing water that helps fight acne. In addition, the tool is used to reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands. In combination with sage water, it can be used as an anti-cellulite product.

Flower water made on the basis of other popular plants is also in great demand.

• Mint. Perfectly refreshes and relieves traces of stress and fatigue. Fragrant mint, which is included in the main composition of the product, has an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effect.
• Calendula. This plant is considered a powerful natural antiseptic, so calendula hydrolat is usually used to treat and prevent inflammation, relieve various irritations and swelling.
• St. John's wort. Heals wounds, nourishes and tones the skin.
• Eucalyptus. An ideal choice for problematic skin care. The Crimean eucalyptus, which is part of the preparation, strengthens the hair roots well, fights the appearance of dandruff and helps to brighten the skin tone.

Flower water, made on the basis of wormwood, lemon balm, neroli, hyssop, cucumber, green tea and feijoa, also deserves special attention.

Hydrolates based on medicinal plants are very popular among the fair sex, therefore they successfully lead the market, displacing conventional tonics. At the same time, few people thought about the fact that these two cosmetics differ from each other not only in composition. Tonics and hydrolats have the same purpose - to equalize the water balance of the skin, thoroughly cleanse it, soften it and prepare it for subsequent care procedures. Both products are made on the basis of water, but tonics contain auxiliary ingredients, alcohol, glycerin, but they are not in hydrolates. If tonics can be used exclusively for their intended purpose, then flower water is often added to masks, shampoos and creams to increase their effectiveness.

There are also differences in the smell of products: tonics have a pleasant, and hydrosols have a specific aroma that may not appeal to everyone. If there is a choice between tonic or hydrolat, then the latter wins in many ways. One of its main advantages is naturalness and the absence of artificial flavors, dyes in the composition of this cosmetics.

Since hydrolats are presented on the market in a huge assortment, it is very difficult to make a choice in favor of one or another remedy, since its composition and medicinal properties may differ. Cosmetologists recommend selecting fragrant water depending on skin type.

• Normal. She needs moisturizing, protection, toning and cleansing, so it is best for her to choose hydrosols from lemon balm, viburnum, nettle, lavender, mint or cornflower.
• Dry. This type of skin requires constant hydration and nutrition, which will help increase elasticity and eliminate tightness. This will help products based on acacia, rosehip, chamomile, fennel and lavender.
• Problematic or oily. Owners of such skin need to pay special attention to care, choosing products that eliminate oily sheen, narrow pores, and reduce the production of sebum. In this, hydrosols based on lemon, rosemary, tea tree, chamomile and celandine can be useful.
• Combined. This type of skin combines the advantages and disadvantages of normal and oily skin and needs gentler care. A good choice in this case will be products based on calamus, rose, oak, cornflower, hops and laurel.

Natural hydrolate is produced by distillation, without the addition of preservatives, therefore it has high quality indicators, but limited terms of use. In no case should such a product be stored in a plastic container: flower water will quickly deteriorate in it and absorb the smell of plastic. Therefore, before you buy a hydrolat, you need to look at its packaging. This product should only be sold in glass bottles, tightly stoppered and wrapped in foil. If you look at the agent in the vial in the light, then it should be transparent without turbidity.

A real distillate has a slight aroma, and it differs from the smell of the plant from which it is made. If the purchased flower water has a sharp aroma, this indicates its fake (a flavor or essential oil has been added to the composition). When applied to the skin of fakes, the fragrance quickly disappears without opening. As for natural products, their aroma from body heat becomes richer and disappears smoothly.

The scope of hydrosols is wide, since they are considered a universal cosmetic product. Experts recommend using them in the treatment of various problems of hair and epidermis. These natural products have found applications and in homeopathy.

In the process of making hydrolates, all the active substances of medicinal plants are preserved, so their essential oils, dissolved in water, have the ability to penetrate deeply into the structure of the epidermis and hair. Many ladies use them instead of tonics to moisturize and cleanse their skin. To do this, the hydrolat is sprayed or applied using a cotton pad. Lotions with flower water added to masks, creams also received good reviews, they are recommended to be done in summer (during the heat) and in winter (if heating devices are installed in the room).

Often, hydrolat and oil are combined and a procedure is carried out to nourish the epidermis. Floral water enhances the conduction into the oil cells, and the effect of care is enhanced. Separately, you can use an agent to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, but for the care of the skin of the eyelids, alginate masks should be additionally applied. The product is also great for spraying on clay masks, preventing the skin from drying out under them.

Flower water showed excellent results in hair care as well. all types. It not only moisturizes the skin of the head, nourishes, heals the roots, but also helps to reduce hair loss, helps fight the problem of dandruff. Curls acquire a shiny appearance, become thick and easy to comb. Hydrolat can be applied by spraying it on the hair.

Many of the fair sex appreciated the effective effect of hydrosols. The advantages of this natural remedy, they attributed: increasing the tone of the skin of the face, tightening its oval. Positive feedback was also left by older ladies, as this product helps maintain the hydrobalance of the epidermis, restoring youth to mature skin. Dermatologists recommend hydrosols for the treatment of rosacea, psoriasis and acne.

Since flower water has no fragrances, young mothers who use it when bathing babies also liked it. The owners of weakened hair were also satisfied: by regularly spraying the product on their hair, they noticed the acceleration of their growth. Curls take on a beautiful appearance, are easy to comb, and dandruff disappears. At the same time, some women are not satisfied with the fact that hydrolats have a limited period of use, they cannot be stored for a long time. There are also many fakes on the market. The price of certain types of flower water also leaves much to be desired.

How to make hydrosol at home, see the following video.