What is scented water
The "scented water (also known as" hydrosol ") is a water-based product embellished with bio-aromas or essences produced by synthesis. the aromatic waters are used to enhance the physical well-being of the person, with positive repercussions also on the psyche.
On the contrary, scented water is usually delicate, light and fresh and for this reason it does not create problems even if it is used when temperatures are high as in summer.
Production
As mentioned, perfumed waters are water-based products enriched with aromas that can be both of natural origin and of synthetic origin.
Distillation is a rather common extraction method used to obtain a perfumed water starting from a plant matrix, whether this consists of flowers, leaves, stem or roots. It is an extractive technique in which a part of the substances contained in the plant material (drug) is transferred into the water by evaporation.
After boiling the water (solvent) that contains the matrix, the plant systems (cells) that compose it undergo a literal breakage; in this way, the micro-droplets of essential oil contained in them evaporate together with the water vapor. point, the "enriched" vapor is conveyed into a special refrigerant, which is essential to condense the mixture (the vapor becomes liquid). The fluid obtained is now collected in a container - called separating funnel - which divides the essence (oily phase) from the hydrolat (aqueous phase called perfumed water).
This ancient procedure for the preparation of aromatic waters can also be replaced by a different, much more immediate method: the distilled water is directly enriched with drops of previously extracted essential oil.
Deepening
Since the water (hydrophilic nature) cannot solubilize the essential oil (lipophilic nature), often cosmetologists add very small percentages of ethyl alcohol to the perfumed water: by doing so, not only the solubilization of the ingredients is favored, but the product final can be stored longer.
Property
The aromatic waters are clearly used only for external use: depending on the essence (or the mixture of essential oils) contained in them, the aromatic waters can be used to refresh, purify, tone the skin, remove daily stress, cleanse the sensitive skin of newborns and even for intimate hygiene.
Therefore, by varying the type and quantity of essential oils contained, it is possible to obtain different types of perfumed waters with the most varied properties, such as, for example:
- Refreshing properties;
- Moisturizing properties;
- Soothing properties;
- Emollient properties;
- Purifying or astringent properties;
- Regenerating properties;
- Energizing properties;
- Etc.
Furthermore, aloe vera gel can be added to the scented water, a substance with well-known emollient and soothing properties, especially useful in case of sensitive, reddened and irritated skin.
However, if on the one hand aromatic waters have the advantage of being able to be formulated in a different way in order to give them different properties; on the other hand, these cosmetic products have the disadvantage of the scarce duration of the fragrance. Being less concentrated and more delicate, in fact, the fragrances conferred by the application of aromatic waters have a much shorter duration than that of classic perfumes.
Treatments with aromatic waters
Aromatic waters are widely used in cosmetics because they are very delicate and suitable for all skin types, from the most sensitive to the driest.
The choice of aromatic water is related to the disorder to be improved or remedied: it is therefore essential to know the properties of the active ingredients contained in the hydrolate before proceeding with the treatment.
In popular tradition, the aromatic waters are used in the form of a pack, an interesting natural treatment that consists in the application of bandages soaked in water mixed with essences on the skin. The packs are removed from the skin only after the temperature of the bandage has reached the the body itself. Depending on the temperature of the water, the pack with aromatic waters is used for different purposes: for example, cold packs are excellent remedies for headaches, strains and fever; while hot ones are more suitable for improve symptoms of rheumatism and back pain.
Types of aromatic waters
So let's see the most common uses of aromatic waters and which essential oils are best suited to improve a given ailment:
- Aromatic water for oily and impure skin: to improve the appearance of this type of skin it is necessary to normalize the exaggerated production of sebum, altered by a hyperfunctionality of the sebaceous glands. For this purpose, frequent compresses with aromatic waters enriched with extracts of lavender, lemon, coriander, fir or lemon balm are recommended. Lavender water, in particular, is also indicated to improve the condition of a skin affected by couperose and to relieve itching.
- Aromatic water for reddened and chapped skin: given that chapped skin needs a further deeply nourishing and hydrating treatment, the aromatic waters with soothing, anti-reddening and calming action can certainly bring benefits to a similar type of skin. For this purpose, we recommend the application, in the form of a pack, of aromatic waters of rose, chamomile, yarrow or orange blossom. Rose water, with its toning properties, is also suitable for treating the skin of child; Orange flower water is more suitable for the treatment of extremely sensitive and reddened skin.
- Stimulating and invigorating aromatic water: a good facial skin tonic can be made with lemon balm, rosemary, sage or rose water. It is recommended to use the aromatic waters with a toning action after performing a delicate facial cleansing.
- Aromatic water against hair loss: a lotion prepared with an "aromatic water enriched with essences stimulating the microcirculation and applied directly to the scalp can somehow hinder or slow down hair loss. For this purpose, the aromatic waters of rosemary, sage, nettle, black tea, walnut, thyme and burdock are certainly the most suitable.
Side effects
Normally, scented water is a cosmetic product that is well tolerated even by people with very sensitive skin.
However, as they contain essential oils (powerful allergenic agents), these products can still favor the onset of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, as well as having the ability to give rise to any irritation of the skin (burning, redness, etc.).
Should this occur, it is necessary to wash the affected area promptly and the use of the perfumed water must be stopped immediately. If the irritation does not disappear within a short time, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
