by C Sawyer
Recently we introduced a brand new product to Belvedere Lavender customers – Hydrosol. But what is this product, how can you use it around your home and most importantly, why should you?
Let’s dive in!
What’s Hydrosol?
When we extract essential oil from lavender, the process creates the essential lavender oil – which we bottle and sell, and the hydrosol. This hydrosol is the floral water, containing essence of lavender and water. Hydrosols are a gentle scent and less concentrated while essential oils are a heavier smell, and more concentrated.
Hydrosol has so many uses and purposes! While new in popularity, you’ll find a rich history of using floral water in various forms. These include: Perfumes, Skin toners, Aromatherapy, Makeup products, Skin care products, and Natural Health Products.
We’ll focus our attention on lavender. When we make essential lavender oil, using our copper still, we end up with 2 different products – the essential oil and the hydrosol. After these mixtures are separated and cooled, they’re bottled separately and dated. At each step we control the manufacturing process to ensure quality. Using both liquids from this manufacturing process is a smart, environmental move. We hate waste!
What do you use hydrosol for?
Now that we know what hydrosol is, what is its purpose? What can the floral water be used for, during or with? This is an excellent question. As we use all natural, organic products in our work and home lives, using hydrosol in our homes is the perfect addition to going green and using sustainable products.
Room deodorizer
You can use hydrosol for many purposes, including in place of room deodorizers. Looking to add a light, gentle scent to your room? Give hydrosol a try. You can add this light scent, without using products full of chemicals.
Ironing
Looking to iron a shirt or pair of pants, or whatever you iron? Use hydrosol in place of regular water. Be careful when ironing – cotton, linen clothing work well with hydrosol. But stay clear of using hydrosol on all silk items.
Cleaning Products
If you’re looking to kick your cleaning products to the curb because they’re made with too many chemicals for your liking, try making your own. We suggest a mixture of distilled water, white vinegar and lavender hydrosol. This cleaning mixture can also be used on windows and glass. If you’re cleaning greasy items, add a little dish soap into the mixture.
Rinsing Clothing
Adding lavender hydrosol to the final rinse of your washing machine is a great way to add softness and a light lavender scent to clothing. Consider swapping out fabric softener.
Makeup Remover
So many makeup removers are full of chemicals and dry out your skin. Instead of using these products, switch to a lavender hydrosol. You can add a little hydrosol to a cotton makeup pad and remove your makeup. The addition of lavender hydrosol adds moisture back to your skin and helps condition and tone it.
These 5 uses for hydrosol begin to demonstrate how useful and how versatile this product is. As we and many others continue to incorporate using all natural ingredients and products in our homes, we’ve begun to use our Lavender Hydrosol in place of many household products. We don’t miss the chemicals, but love the all natural scents.
You can find our all-natural, organic, Hydrosol on our shop, along with our luxurious hand processed organic skin care products.
by Erik Wesseling
We are at Masonville Farmers Market. Beautiful outdoor market. Drop in, say hi, browse our organic, all natural products.
www.belvederelavender.ca
by C Sawyer
In the world of skin care, where trends come and go, certain ingredients stand the test of time for their remarkable benefits. Among these, lavender, often associated with its soothing aroma, has quietly emerged as a potent weapon in the fight against aging skin. Lavender skin care products are not only indulgent treats for the senses but also powerful allies in maintaining youthful and radiant skin. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the science behind the anti-aging properties of lavender and explore how it can transform your skin care routine.
The Science Behind the Anti-Aging Properties of Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a versatile herb known for its soothing and aromatic properties. However, its benefits extend beyond aromatherapy. Lavender contains an array of active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, that contribute to its impressive anti-aging capabilities. Lavender’s anti-aging properties include:
Antioxidant Rich
Lavender is packed with antioxidants that combat the harmful effects of free radicals, which are a primary cause of premature aging. These antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution, UV radiation, and toxins.
Collagen Boosting
Collagen is the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Lavender has been shown to stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain skin’s suppleness and youthful appearance.
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is a key contributor to skin aging. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate conditions like acne and rosacea. By creating a more balanced complexion, lavender supports an overall youthful glow.
Cell Regenerating
Lavender contains compounds that promote cell regeneration. This means that when incorporated into skin care products, it can aid in the healing of scars, sun damage, and other imperfections, leading to smoother and more even-toned skin.
How to incorporate lavender into your anti-aging routine
Cleansers
Start your anti-aging journey with a lavender-infused cleanser. This will help remove impurities while benefiting from the calming and collagen-boosting properties of lavender.
Toners
Lavender-infused toners like Belvedere Lavender’s Skin Fresh Facial Mist can balance the skin’s pH levels, minimize pores, and prepare your skin to absorb the subsequent products in your routine.
Serums
Lavender serums like Belvedere Lavender’s Anti-Aging Serum deliver concentrated doses of antioxidants and collagen-boosting agents, helping to combat fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturizers
A lavender-infused moisturizer like Belvedere Lavender’s Face and Eye Cream (and our Hand & Body Lotion for the body) not only hydrates the skin but also helps lock in moisture, promote cell regeneration, and keep the skin plump and youthful.
Masks and Treatments
Treat yourself to a lavender face mask or treatment once or twice a week to provide your skin with an extra boost of nutrients and rejuvenation.
The power of lavender in anti-aging skin care products is a beautiful blend of science and nature. From its antioxidant-rich nature to collagen-boosting properties, lavender offers a holistic approach to maintaining youthful skin. As with any skin care ingredient, consistency is key. Incorporate lavender-based products into your daily routine and watch as your skin transforms over time. Embrace the timeless elegance of lavender and give your skin the gift of rejuvenation that stands the test of time.
