June is the month for roses …
… wonderful in gardens, in vases and in skincare. Here are a few things you should know about why we love roses in skincare …
Did you know that 96% of women’s perfumes and 42% of men’s fragrances contain rose oil? Also, the first cold cream was actually known as ‘ointment of rosewater’ as both rose water and rose oil were ingredients.
Rose essential oil is steam-distilled from the petals; but it can take up to 60 flower heads to create just one drop of rose essential oil.
The best scent is from Rosa gallica (the classic red rose of Lancaster), also known as the apothecary’s rose. Its flowers are aromatic, astringent and able to control bacterial infections, promote healing and improve morale.
Rosehip oil is gentle, smooth and a very long oil enabling luxurious strokes along stretched-out limbs. That’s why you’ll find it in Field Fresh Skincare Essential Sensual Body Moisturiser.It’s a wonderful oil for mature skin helping with wrinkles as well as burns and scars.
The post-flowering hips of wilder roses such as sweet briar and eglantine (Rosa eglanetria and Rosa Rubiginosa) are cold pressed to make rosehip oil. These are rich in flavanoids, tannins and antioxidants – all perfect for hydrating and nourishing the skin.
At the end of this newsletter I’ve included a recipe for making your own rosewater – a few minutes of simple preparation for a blissful summer potion. For ten more inspiring ideas of skincare to make with a handful of rose petals, click here.
June is also the month for Fathers – the third Sunday of the month is always their special day. This year that’s Sunday 18th.
There’s still time to delight them with a gift made with love: a pot of Field Fresh Skincare Orange Smoothing Balm. It will guarantee they love you forever (just don’t tell them it only took you five minutes to make!)
FEATURED INGREDIENTS:
- Borage Oil
- Mullein Oil
- Comfrey Oil
- Thistle Oil
- Rapeseed Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Petitgrain Essential Oil
OILS THAT SMOOTH
- Orange Smoothing Balm cares for hard and rough skin with a fantastic combination of oils:
- Borage oil is soothing and good for dry skin.
- Mullein oil rehydrates and moisturises.
- Comfrey oil softens, promotes the growth of new skin cells and helps skin become more resilient by counteracting dryness and cracking.
- Thistle oil is nourishing and balancing, especially good for oily skin.
- Rapeseed oil is great for health, bursting with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT WORK
- The wonderful citrus and woody scent comes from:
- Orange essential oil – great for stress relief and brightening the skin.
- Petitgrain essential oil – refreshing, aromatic and a good skin toner.
Hedgerows in June
Our hedgerows come alive with flower and scent in June. Along with the honeysuckle, dog roses and speedwell we find the icon of midsummer: elderflowers. These are one of the four summer hedgerow flowers infused for Field Fresh Skincare Summer Garden Hand Cream (more to follow next month about another of the ingredients, limeflowers).
Elderflowers are widely used in skincare as they are conditioning and also skin-lightening: properties which can be handy for reducing freckles, sunburn and dark circles under eyes. They can also lighten and condition blonde and grey hair. An infusion of elderflowers can be used as a softening component by adding it to cleansers, toners and conditioners for hands, face and body.
Elder lore
Elder has attracted lots of folk lore and myths:
- As one of the white flowered queens of the hedgerow, elder was a reminder of the White Goddess and therefore revered (along with rowan, hawthorn, dogwood and holly).
- It is said that the elder is never struck by lightening.
- Elder saves both house and garden from sorcery. An elder tree in your garden is therefore very lucky, especially if it is self-sown.
- Elder wood and bark is believed to be physically warmer than that of other trees because they bloom at the peak of the sun’s strength, at midsummer.
- And apparently, the weather never changes when elderflowers are in bloom. You can check that one out for yourself!
Elderflower water
You can use the rose water recipe below to make elderflower water too – use it as a toner or hair rinse. When gathering elderflowers seek out the whitest blooms, you’ll find they smell much nicer than the creamier ones. Enjoy experimenting : )
Make your own skincare
Any strongly scented rose can be used to create rose water.
The 17th Century herbalist Gerard recommended rose water as ‘good for strengthening of the hart and refreshing of the spirits and likewise in all things that require gentle cooling’.
To take his advice: when the temperature rises, dab some rosewater on your forehead and rest for ten minutes in a darkened room. The combination of rosewater and peace will help you emerge feeling fragrant, refreshed and soothed.
Alternatively, you can put your rosewater into a spray bottle and spritz to freshen up yourself or the air around you.
Click here for ten different recipes you can make for your skin, each starting with a handful of rose petals.
Rose water
Place a handful of petals in a heatproof bowl. Bruise them gently – the round end of rolling pin works well for this job.
Pour over ½ litre (1 pint) boiling water and cover tightly.
Leave to steep overnight.
Strain through a coffee filter and refrigerate.
This will only keep for a few days so make up new batches as and when you need it. Ensure you strain out all the plant material as it will last longer that way.
