What do you know about hydrolats?
Hydro…what?
Although the name itself sounds more like a term for a mysterious botanical substance to people who are hearing it for the first time, hydrolats have been known in skincare for quite some time and in their fame they are catching up with tonics, which until now have held a strong position in their category.
So what is a hydrolate?
Well, it is this botanical substance. Let's define the term itself. Hydrolate is a product obtained as a result of steam distillation of whole plants or their parts. Distillation, on the other hand, is the process of separating a liquid multicomponent mixture by evaporating and then condensing its components. It is used to isolate or purify one or more constituent compounds. This type of distillation yields essential oil and distillation water. In the distillation process, steam entrains water-insoluble particles of essential oil, which is separated from it after cooling. The remaining water into which the soluble plant particles and small amounts of essential oil have penetrated is our hydrolate.
Why do hydrolats smell? Are there fragrances in them?
Hydrolats are also referred to as floral waters or plant waters. Hydrolats, just like essential oils, are pure plant essences but in a milder, diluted form. This gives them their natural and unique scent, which is completely natural. Thanks to this, they can be applied directly to the skin in the form of a tonic or a refreshing scent mist. Hydrolats are furthermore part of aromatherapy, which uses essential oils to benefit our mood and well-being, and even our emotions.
Why should I use a hydrolate instead of a toner when both products tone my skin?
We can use floral water as a toner because hydrolate, which has a pH of about 4-6, tones the skin and restores its pH level. The difference is that plant water, compared to tonic, is a completely natural product, containing no additional substances to strengthen its composition. This makes it a nourishing, healthy essence for our skin. It does not contain any additional aromas. The scent of the hydrolate corresponds to the scent of the plant (or its part), from which it was distilled. It will certainly be chosen by people who appreciate minimalism and simplicity in their skin care.
Who can use hydrolats?
Hydrolats are suitable for practically everyone. The key to perfect skin care is defining problems of your own complexion. Then you can easily choose a suitable product to meet your skin's needs. The most universal ones are plum hydrolate and elderberry hydrolate because they are perfect for every skin type. We already know that hydrolate should be used after every contact of our skin with cleansers in order to restore its natural pH. Therefore, any floral water properly chosen and used during your daily routine will make your skin soft and perfectly moisturized. Hydrolate from purple or witch hazel has cleansing and regulating properties. Rose hydrolate, on the other hand, will be a perfect soothing for sensitive and vascular skin. Sandal is famous for its soothing properties and slightly sweet, exceptionally appetizing scent which envelops and soothes. It will be loved by mature complexions. On the other hand, jasmine hydrolate is a great companion for dry skin. It is also worth mentioning tea tree hydrolate, which is helpful for people fighting with excessive sebum production, dealing with imperfections, whose complexion is capricious and problematic. It refreshes perfectly, works antibacterially and regulates.
How exactly should we use it and what is worth remembering?
Hydrolate should be used daily during your skin care routine. Preferably in the morning and in the evening. Apply it to a still damp face, then gently pat in your favorite skin care cream. This order enhances the product's natural moisturizing properties. Hydrolate can also be a base for hair oiling, thanks to which the oil is easier to spread and better absorbed.
Myths and facts about hydrolats
After all, hydrolats break down quickly!
When reading reviews of hydrolats, it is not uncommon to come across opinions that once opened, we have little time to use it. In a way, it is true, but this applies not only to hydrolats but to all natural products! However, storing a hydrolate in a warm, sunny place, at a temperature of over 20 degrees, can actually make it unusable too quickly.Standard room temperature will not affect it badly. We do, however, recommend storing it in the refrigerator. Why? Because besides extending its shelf life, chilled hydrolate is a relief for our faces. Be sure to try this refreshing
and stimulation in the morning!
Hydrolats don't tone the skin as great as a regular toner!
Hydrolats have wonderful nourishing properties and restore the skin's natural pH. Unlike a tonic, they have no additional, enriching skin care substances. They are natural, in the purest form!
Hydrolats smell unpleasant
There are certain types of hydrolats which have a "specific" smell. These include chaste, whose scent may not be so appealing to some. But in fact, its smell is resinous and results from the completely natural properties of the plant from which it was created. In no way does this affect the usability of the product. On the contrary, it proves its good quality, not enriched with aromas and other artificial fragrances.
What application do hydrolats have?
The fantastic thing about plant water is that it is universal. Thanks to its beneficial ingredients, most hydrolats can be used on the whole body, including hair. In fact, chasteberry hydrolate is perfect for all hair types. It cleanses and tones up the scalp and improves its microcirculation, which is why it perfectly strengthens hair roots and stimulates hair growth. It is suitable for "hair of any age", strengthens elasticity and restores vitality to hair lacking energy. Not everyone knows that hydrolats can have a significant impact on our mood thanks to their aromatic, often energizing fragrance. Pour a few drops into a tub of warm water, spray it on your bed linens, spritz it on your hair, or add it to a scented fireplace and enjoy the fragrance that fills the room. Wild plum hydrolate, elderberry hydrolate, and sandalwood hydrolate are perfect for this purpose. The scent of each is unique.What else is worth knowing about? Hydrolats work wonderfully as a base for clay masks. The recipe for a valuable mask is very simple. Mix hydrolate with clay to the desired consistency and apply to cleansed skin. Rinse off after 10-15 minutes. Do not leave such a mask to dry.
