Every large and little element in life has been touched with innovations with time. Newer ingredients are being added to products concerning daily use, the compositions are modified, properties are explored, etc. More focus is put on the application of natural components instead of synthetic ones. The result – better performance and numerous options for personal care, beauty, health and hygiene!
With increasing pollution and stress in everyday life, self-care is essential to well being. Proper health, skincare and hygiene routine can help in this matter. The best thing, however, is the fact that skincare products can be prepared at home in very simple steps.
Much of this is possible owing to the increasing use of hydrosols. They are no longer discarded as by-products while manufacturing essential oils. Their hydrating, anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties are being utilized in various DIY recipes (do it yourself recipes).
Let us understand in detail the DIY hydrosol recipes and ingredients for various skincare products!
What are hydrosols used for? How can they be made?
An important question here is, what are hydrosols used for? The answer has many dimensions. Hydrosols have many nourishing, reliving and therapeutic properties. Hydrosols, unlike essential oils, are much more dilute. Different kinds of hydrosols are being obtained from various herbs. They are safer and much lighter – which makes them ideal for daily use.
Hydrosols are usually obtained by the steam distillation of fresh plant matter. This includes flowers, leaves, fruits, etc. Due to this, they serve as healing compounds with unique properties. This releases the plant matter oils and on cooling, the steam and oils separate into hydrosols and essential oils. Essential oils have had prolonged use, but hydrosols can benefit greatly in your beauty routine.
Now that we know the answer to what are hydrosols used for, we will find out more about the top skin care recipes that can be made with hydrosols.
The effective and easy to prepare DIY hydrosol recipes include:
Rose body lotion – for a soothing skin
After a long day under the sun, a refreshing shower may be accompanied by a rose body lotion. Since most hydrosols are rose-based, the lotion recipes become more accessible. The ingredients needed for this are:
1/2 ounce of cocoa butter, grape seed oil, coconut oil – both refined and unrefined,
1 tablespoon rosehip seed oil and vitamin E oil
1/4th cup of aloe vera gel and organic rose hydrosol is essential.
Around 10 drops patchouli essential oil, sandalwood essential oil, balsam essential oil
The process includes blending the seeds and oils, heating them over boiling water. Let the mixture cool down and add aloe vera or the rose hydrosol. Mix for a thick texture. Add the essential oils and let it cool. Store it in a container with lids in a cool place.
Face mask – to enhance the glow
An interesting way to make your skin glow is to periodically apply a face mask. The procedure and ingredients needed for this are:
Powdered clay in tablespoons
Few tablespoons of hydrosols
Some warm water
A washcloth
The powdered clay and hydrosol are mixed to get a thick paste. Store it for refrigeration. Apply to your face with fingers or a brush. Let it dry for some minutes. Wipe it with the washcloth which was soaked in warm water.
Conditioner or hair oil – for soft, silky hair
This helps to nourish your hair and give it a soft and silky appearance. Conditioners can also improve hair growth, add aroma, control dandruff, etc. The ingredients required for this DIY recipe are:
An ounce of shea butter
The required amount of the hydrosol
Cedarwood (hair growth)
Lavender (shine and dandruff control)
Sandalwood (repair and fragrance)
Warm the shea butter until it is soft and smooth. Add the hydrosol in use and whisk it to obtain the conditioner for your hair.
Body oil – to relive and nourish
They can be used both to take care of the skin as well as relieve pains and aches. Body oils also help in body massages. The ingredients for body oils and pain relievers are:
A cup of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of hydrosol
Arnica oil
Drops of lavender essential oil
Peppermint essential oil (as per availability)
The above-mentioned ingredients are added to a bowl and whisked or stirred together. More hydrosol can be added to make it thinner. Apply before sleeping or after shower for a glowing, nourishing shine on the body.
Cleanser – for a clear and fresh face
A cleanser serves greatly to cleanse the facial skin. The chief technique in this is to replace the water base with hydrosols. Here is what you’ll need:
In the cream or lotion, the water is partially or completely replaced
Hydrosols are used instead
Aloe vera, lavender or rose hydrosols can be used
The cleansers can then be applied to the skin for relief and nourishment. Make it as per the preferred fragrance. Use it for daily cleansing before sleeping.
Facial toner – to care for your skin
Along with the other DIY hydrosol recipes, toners are very beneficial. They require ingredients such as:
Herbal teas
Vinegar
Hydrosol
The above-mentioned ingredients need to be blended to make the perfect toner for your facial skin. Choose the preferred flavor or aroma of herbal tea and add vinegar and hydrosol for a smooth and light facial toner.
Hand sanitizers – for your protection
Sanitizers have become an inevitable part of life. While getting them for the market can be tiring and expensive, making them at home has a great advantage. The recipe requires the following ingredients:
Aloe vera
Neem
Rose or other hydrosols
Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol
Glycerine
The hydrosol base makes it lighter and safer. They provide the best protection from nearly 100% germs. Mix the above ingredients together and add them into a bottle to use regularly.
Foaming soap – for your beautiful body
The soaps usually include hydrosols for dilution. Hydrosols can be applied externally due to its less concentrated form as against essential oils. The key components are:
Liquid soap
Hydrosol
These are foamed in a dispenser for better dilution and results. The foaming soap made with DIY hydrosol recipe can cleanse the skin pores, prevent wrinkles, moisturize and soften the skin.
Body Spray – for a natural aroma
Body sprays are mainly used for appealing aroma and refreshment of the body. The ingredients are simple and just involve using a hydrosol base.
Body spray
Hydrosol
Soap
Essential oils
The above-mentioned ingredients are blended with a hydrosol base for dilution aroma and other healing properties. Dilute the ingredients together and put the mixture in a spray bottle for the ravishing glow.
Baby oil – for sensitive skin of your little one
Hydrosols can be used in baby oils due to their light properties as against essential oils. The ingredients required are:
Soap
Hydrosols
Essential oils
The ingredients are mixed with water as the base. Once mixed, use to massage your baby. The oil is most suitable for the growth and nutrition of the baby’s skin.
Now, the real challenge is to get the best eco-friendly ingredients for all types of skin. In most cases, natural products come with some kind of artificial mixing. But worry not, India’s first and the most authentic DIY beauty brand is here to help you! We at Nature’s Tattva provide natural products that come with a shelf life of around 14 months. With organic, green and long-lasting products we assure you lasting and effecting results!
Looking for the essential ingredients to complete your skincare recipe?