A Sophisticated Contribution to Your Self-Care: Rose Oil

Did you know that around 100 roses are used to extract just one drop of rose oil? And these roses can only be harvested by hand in an extremely short period of the year and during early hours in the morning. That’s how arduous and precious rose oil is. And that’s why rose oil is referred to as the ‘liquid gold’ in the spa world

Did you know that around 100 roses are used to extract just one drop of rose oil? And these roses can only be harvested by hand in an extremely short period of the year and during early hours in the morning. That’s how arduous and precious rose oil is. And that’s why rose oil is referred to as the ‘liquid gold’ in the spa world.

Rose oil holds a deep history, dating back to the early 17th century. The essential oil, means and areas of use of which have gradually increased with the advancing technology, today takes up a wide range in our self-care. Turkey takes the second lead in the world in the industry of rose oil, derived from the Rosa Damascena flowers. And its harvest term has just ended by the beginning of July. Next up is the production of the most fragrant, the freshest rose oils!

In this article, let’s discover how rose oil, this precious aromatic gem, can contribute to our self-care and then briefly glance at how it’s used in Spas with some examples. At the end of the article, we’re also sharing some suggestions on how rose oil may be availed in the comfort of our homes. 

1. Potential Benefits of Rose Oil  

Rose oil is truly like a gift from the heart of nature...

Face and Body Care 

When we say rose oil, most of us may initially think of its moisturizing properties. But the benefits of rose oil for the skin go far beyond... 

There are dozens of compounds in rose oil that are good for the skin like linalool, citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, nerol and nonadecane. In terms of such compounds, one of the most valuable benefits of the rose is  that it’s potently antibacterial. Thanks to its moisturizing, astringent, soothing and pH balancing contents, it can be used for different skin problems such as skin irritations and damages, acne and rosacea. That’s why it is highly praised for its suitability for all skin types, even the sensitive skins. 

Other pleasant characteristics, including quick and easy penetration without causing a greasy feeling; ability to work in combination with other products, including actives like vitamin C without causing any irritations and even aiding in their better absorption; and its efficiency, longer than other essential oils, in strengthening the skin’s cell barriers, given its contents like fatty acids and vitamin E, makes rose oil a precious element that contributes to our self-care. 

Another commendable feature of rose oil is, thanks to its skillful natural contents, is its ability to combat the visible signs of aging. These ingredients assist in gently balancing hormone generation by reducing the negative effects of free radicals on the skin and cellular corrosion; support rebalancing the blood circulation and blood pressure and help increase collagen production and skin elasticity. In short, rose oil brings truly praiseworthy contributions to provide our face and body with a younger glow.

In fact, rose oil is deemed powerful enough by the medical world that it is utilized in treating scars and other skin defects.

And based on the related scientific research, rose oil has no harmful side effects. Not to mention its soothing aroma breezing towards our senses...

Hair and Nail Care

Rose oil is also a valuable support in our hair care with its moisturizing, antibacterial and antifungal qualities. In addition to aiding our hair in regaining its softness and natural shine, it can also contribute to strengthening our hair follicles and to a healthier hair growth, without clogging the pores of our scalp. We might say that, especially during these days, it’ll be a good option for our hair care, which probably has already been feeling heavier and drier for the heat of summer.

Likewise, the components of rose oil including vitamin E, fatty acids and methyl eugenol allow us to take care of and strengthening our nails without damaging the cuticles.

Soothing and Healing 

Attributing to its antiseptic and soothing properties, along with its relaxing aromatic scent, rose oil may further be used in remedying physical aches and pain relief. Due to the cooling, soothing and astringent effects of rose oil, it is stated that rose oil can be applied to ease pains like headaches, migraines and muscle aches. Furthermore, scientists emphasize that rose oil is powerful and beneficial enough to be used to relieve post-operative pains.

On the other hand, a study on women reveals that rose oil, especially when used in conjunction with an aromatherapy massage, may have essential effects in reducing menstrual pain and cramps by lowering testosterone levels and balancing the blood pressure. This must be one of the reasons why rose oil is called the “feminine oil”...

A Tranquil Mind

We don’t think there are many people who wouldn’t find the scent of rose oil comforting. However, there are various scientific studies showing that rose oil, particularly when used in massage oil, significantly relieves stress and anxiety symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and breathing, increased cortisol levels, in addition to giving us the sense of calmness with is enchanting aroma.

A Heartfelt Compassion

The aphrodisiac nature of roses may be recalled from stories like how Cleopatra used them in seducing Caesar. In reality, rose oil is as effective as rose when it comes to arousing feelings of love and romance, if not better. And we're not just talking about its effects on libido and physical desires here - which has actually been proven by scientific studies. But rose oil is more than just that, with its qualities that lower blood pressure, encourage calm and deep breathing, and stimulate endorphin hormones; it is also a ‘spiritual’ oil that brings us a more stable serenity, inspires our positive feelings and awakens feelings of love, compassion and happiness in our hearts.

A Healing to Our Heart Chakra

Located in the center of our bodies, the heart chakra governs our overall sense of giving and receiving love. When our heart chakra is unbalanced, we can experience negative and depressive feelings including loneliness and sorrow. Rose oil may play a grand role in harmoniously rebalancing our heart chakra.

To be clear, our body's natural energy frequency is 66 MHz. And the energy frequency of rose oil is 320 MHz, which is in fact the highest among all essential oils. Therefore, rose oil may help us to restore our energy harmony and regain our holistic balance by removing the blockages in our aura and increasing the frequency of our chakras, especially the heart (Anahata) chakra. This is why we can actually use rose oil in our meditative actions such as meditation and yoga, during our emotional and special spa treatments.

2. Uses of Rose Oil in Spas

Rose oil and rose products in general have a wide assortment of uses in Spas. Among them, aromatherapy takes the first place, which is the most essential treatment based on numerous scientific research in terms of the benefits of rose oil. In addition, there are different application fields including facial treatments, hammam and bath rituals, body care and massages.

The “Moisturizing Rose Care” offered at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is a velvety and alluring spa experience that combines various rose and rose oil products. In this care, the therapy starts with a peeling application to soften and awaken the skin, followed by a a body wrap with body creams containing Isparta rose oil, Damascus rose, Roman daisy and orange flower, and completed with a relaxing scalp massage.

Within Six Senses Kaplankaya’s “Kaplankaya Signature Hammam” ritual, offering a soothing and purifying spa journey, following the traditional hammam techniques, an anti-aging green clay body mask with essential rose oil, and then a refreshing hair wash and moisturizing scalp care with foam massage is offered.

In Richmond Nua Spa & Wellness’ “Cleopatra Bath” therapy, which promises a bathing experience fit for queens, essential rose oil-included healing aromatic oils, as well as precious rose petals, are used to give the skin a silky feeling and appearance.

In the “La Rose en Vie” therapy offered at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa in Colorado State, along with rose and rose oil products, Rose Quartz was also involved. In addition to lavender and rose body care, rose oil facial is applied in company with Rose Quartz to make the care more healing and rejuvenating.

As Deepak Chopra wrote, “…your skin look smoother and softer - just like the beautiful rose petals themselves.”

3. Suggestions on Rose Oil Uses at Home

If you wish to bring your spa experience to your home, even a little, taking the benefits of rose oil for your self-care, you may also consider our following suggestions.

Rose Oil Bath

To experience the relaxing pleasure of a rose bath at home; add around 8-10 drops of rose oil to a carrier oil such as argan, almond oil or jojoba and slowly pour the mixture into your warm bath. You can turn your experience into something more sensual by decorating your bathtub with fresh rose petals, if available, and using rose/rose oil-based products in your incense or censer.

Foot Soak

Add 4-5 drops of diluted rose oil to warm water and rest your feet by immersing them in it.

A Quick Relief For Anti-stress

In order to ease your negative feelings such as stress and anxiety, you can breathe rose oil with the help of a diffuser or combine it with carrier oils and dab it to your chest, neck and wrists with light touches.

One more thing: The benefits of rose oil are very connected with the degree of purity. That’s why it’s really important to use reliable, 100% pure rose essential oil in your self-care. Thus, we recommend you obtain your rose oil from local and valuable Turkish brands such as Gulsha, Polente Natural and Akita.

May you add the beautiful energies of the rose frequency into your life in the way you prefer...