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Rose water is as simple as it sounds - scented water made by steeping rose petals in water. The concept and use in cosmetics originated in Iran, but is now produced worldwide. It may be a byproduct of rose oil, which is used in perfumes. It is mostly used as a mild perfume, but it also has uses in skincare and cooking, as well as some medicinal uses.
Rose water contains powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from damage. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used to soothe irritated skin, or to soothe the symptoms of conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Rose water can also be used to reduce skin redness, and to lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Rose water is very gentle, and can be used by almost everyone. However, a small percentage of the population is allergic to it. Always apply a small quantity of the ingredient to your skin first, and if you experience burning, stinging, redness, or irritation within 24 hours of application, avoid using it. Another possible drawback is that rose water may be a little too gentle, and you may need to apply it for a significant amount of time before you start to see results. Find out if rose water is an effective ingredient for your skin concerns by taking the Skin Quiz.
Melasma is a specific example of hyperpigmentation. Melasma looks like whole patches of brown or darker skin across the parts of the face and neck. Melasma is common among women who are pregnant - it’s even referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” But melasma can occur in both men and women who are not pregnant, too. Melasma can be caused by UV damage, but there are also genetic, hormonal, and medication-induced causes for melasma, too.
There are a variety of topical ingredients that can be used to lighten the skin from melasma or reduce its appearance. Each ingredient works in different ways, and each has their own benefits and drawbacks. hydroquinone, arbutin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, etc) are some of the most commonly used ingredients for melasma treatment.
Hydroquinone is a skin lightening cream that works by suppressing the production of melanin. There are drawbacks to using hydroquinone, however, including cancer risks demonstrated by recent scientific studies, as well as hydroquinone-induced ochronosis.
Arbutin is a synthesized derivative of hydroquinone. It acts as a powerful skin lightening ointment that works a bit differently than hydroquinone. It blocks the production of melanin instead of “bleaching” the skin.
Vitamin C can be used as a brightening agent to lighten the hyperpigmentation of your sunspots or melasma. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, preventing the formation of melatonin.
Ascorbic Acid is actually the formal scientific name for one form of Vitamin C. It can refer to either a naturally occurring Vitamin C found in foods such as citrus, or a synthetic form of ascorbic acid created to be more shelf-stable for skincare products like discoloration repair lotions and creams.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is another form of Vitamin C. By synthesizing this compound from Vitamin C, dermatologists are able to give us all the benefits of Vitamin C in a more shelf-stable form that can also be soluble in oil to make more effective, deeper penetrating skin products. (Herndon 2016)
Ingredients in the vitamin A family (ie. Retinol, tretinoin, etc) and acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid) help damaged pigmented skin cells shred faster, so they also help with melasma.
Rose water may be effective for melasma, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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