The light and refreshing cosmetic waters provide the skin with some of the substances it needs to stay vital in a respectful, natural and pleasant way.
The water is a vital element for the skin. It is present in 70-80%, and it comes from inside the body, from what we drink and eat. A good hydration of the skin guarantees its elasticity, luminosity and good appearance, but supplying water from the outside is almost impossible, since the skin is 90% waterproof.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED
How then can you stay hydrated? And what do cosmetic waters contribute? Since water can hardly be supplied from the outside, special care must be taken to include foods that contain it, such as fruits, vegetables or herbal teas, in the diet.
Dehydration can also be avoided by protecting yourself with moisturizing face creams. The main function of cosmetic waters is not to hydrate but to provide nutrients dissolved in the water, or to clean the skin without drying it out. There are different types of waters, each with its own properties.
1. FLORAL WATERS
They are also known as hydrolates or distillation waters, since they are obtained by distilling essential oils. After distillation, the active principles of the plant are dissolved in the aqueous part that has dragged the essential oil away, giving them their beneficial properties for the skin.
Depending on the distilled plant, they have some properties or others: lavender water is relaxing and disinfectant, ideal for combination skin, witch hazel, astringent, relieves circulatory problems; that of roses, slightly astringent, is recommended for oily skin; and chamomile calms sensitive skin.
These waters are often used as facial tonics, as they refresh, are well tolerated and correct small imperfections. They are ideal for sensitive skin. As they have a very pleasant smell and are suitable for pregnant women and babies, they are also used as refreshing waters or instead of cologne with alcohol and synthetic perfumes.
2. MISCELLARS
These waters, very fashionable, are aqueous solutions with micelles or microspheres in suspension. They are used to cleanse the skin: when you apply the water on the face, the micelles break down and release detergent substances that carry away the remains of sweat, sebum or makeup.
Added to the freshness they provide; they form a soft foam and do not have to be rinsed off. They are easy to apply and deep clean without drying out. If you choose one without parabens, synthetic perfumes or irritating surfactants, they are a good option for daily cleaning.
3. THERMAL
They come from hot springs, which makes them rich in minerals, for example calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium. Due to its content in these minerals, they soften and refresh the skin.
They are indicated, above all, for sensitive skin: they calm after waxing, protect against premature aging, decongest the face and reduce redness and irritation. There are many brands on the market and they are usually in the form of a spray.
It is convenient to check on the label that they do not contain any more ingredients. They can be used to set makeup, tone skin after daily cleansing, or soothe irritated skin.
FACIAL TONIC
Rice water is a rejuvenator that calms, cleanses, eliminates shine and whitening. 100 g of brown rice are soaked in 300 ml of mineral water for 12 hours; the grains are squeezed out with a cloth in the water and strained.
