Coming up roses

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Love and romance … and a pretty rose garden. Yes please. But this flower offers so much more. They’re also extremely beneficial in skincare, with plenty of products derived from the rose plant that give exceptional results.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of the wild rose bush and is high in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids. This oil has regeneration properties, fixing dry and damaged skin as well as reducing signs of aging. It is also useful for scar tissue, with the ability to reduce signs of stretch marks. It even has antiviral and antibacterial properties due to the phenols that it contains.

It is said that Kate Middleton is a fan of rosehip oil, using it in her daily skincare regime. It has multiple benefits, including hydrating and brightening your skin, moisturising, boosting, collagen formation, reducing inflammation and  hyperpigmentation, and boosting overall immunity. You can either simply apply a few drops to your skin and rub in, or add it to your moisturiser.

Skin Oil from Africa Hydrating Rosehip Oil.  R75 from Clicks and Takealot.

Rose oil

Unlike Rosehip oil, this oil comes from the petals of the flower and not the seeds. While also containing antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, this oil also has effects that extend beyond skincare.

After application to the skin, studies have shown results such as: decreased anxiety and stress, eased depressive symptoms, and relief from menstrual pain. To use rose oil, it can be lightly dabbed onto the skin, added to a diffuser or dropped into a warm bath.

REN Rose O¹² Moisture Defence Face Oil. R1150 from foschini.co.za

Wild rose

Wild rose is known as the Queen of Flowers and unlike the conventional rose, has only five petals. The distillation of this oil was invented many hundreds of years ago in Persia.

It’s ideal for stretch marks and scars, is rich in antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and is ideal for dry and scaly skin.

Morlage & Yorke Apothecary Wild Rose & Sandalwood Hand & Nail Cream – R59 from @Home.

Rose water

Made from water and rose petals, this contains many antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. It has anti-bacterial properties and can protect skin cells from degeneration. Other benefits of using rose water include its ability to soothe irritations, reduce redness and treat infections.

It’s also good for healing cuts or burns. It’s said to reduce signs of aging, and can be used as a toner or cleanser. Simply rinsing your face with the rose water, pat dry and wait for its natural results.

Renpure Rose Water Weightless Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. R149.95 each from DisChem.

Rose Geranium

This one isn’t really from the rose plant at all. The oil comes from a certain geranium plant with leaves that smell strongly of roses.  It is often used in cosmetics and fragrances due to its sweet smell, as well as its favourable qualities, including its anti-aging properties, assistance in healing, its pain relief and anti-anxiety properties, and it’s great at removing dead skin cells.

To use, simply dilute with some water and apply to skin. Alternatively, you can add it to a warm bath or use in a diffuser.

SOiL Organic Rose Geranium Oil.  R150 from soil.co.za
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