Rose lotion is any kind of moisturizing lotion containing rose water or rose oil. Because rose oil has vitamin A, it can be used to improve a number of skin conditions. Like all lotions, it also helps moisturize the skin. Rose oil and rose water have traditionally been considered luxuries because of the difficulty of extracting them from the rose flower.
Rose lotions can contain either rose oil or rose water. Rose oil, or attar of roses, is made by steaming rose petals, and rose water is a byproduct of this process. Thousands of rose petals need to be streamed, since it takes several pounds of petals to extract a single gram of rose oil. Rose oil is also derived from rose hip seeds, the fruit of the rose plant, and has a grayish or golden color. All three essences can be blended with lotions and other oils to create a variety of scented cosmetics.
Though many kinds of lotion are advertised as having the ability to cure dozens of skin conditions, rose oil in particular can be useful because it contains vitamin A, vitamin C, omega-3 and omega-6. All of these nutrients can encourage elasticity and smoothness when applied to the skin. Due to these benefits, rose lotion has often been used in anti-aging skin regimens.
Rose lotion may also have healing properties. It can be used to lessen scarring from stretch marks, wounds, and acne. It can also be used to heal minor burns, such as those gotten accidentally or from overexposure to the sun. Some users have even reported success treating eczema and psoriasis with this type of lotion.
Rose lotion can also be made at home. Though there are many possible recipes, many of them require only hot water, oil, and emulsifying wax for a base. The rose essence can be added as desired or mixed with other scents for a rich, flowery aroma. Since it is made without preservatives, most rose lotions will need to be kept in the refrigerator between uses.
Roses have long been associated with love and beauty. They've been portrayed alongside the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and are given to loved ones on the Christian holiday of Valentine's Day. Originally, rose lotion was only used by the very wealthy, and the difficult process of making rose oil still keeps its price high today. Rose still remains one of the most common scents for all lotions and cosmetics.