How to use Hydrosols

I first learned about hydrosols for skincare about 10 years ago. I had never heard of hydrosols before, but I was curious so I ordered one and started to use it daily.  It felt nice, more like a unique little treat as part of my daily care. Then a herbalist gave me 2 gallons of Rabbitbrush Hydrosol, it was a co-product of the essential oils he was distilling. It took me about 4 years through that supply, and when I ran out, I felt a subtle shift in my skin. I thought maybe I was seeing things, but did my face look more irritated? I seem to remember my skin looking calmer when using the rabbibrush. Then I borrowed a friend’s copper alembic still and distilled a bunch of different plants on our property. Creosote, juniper, sage and sweetbrush. It took me about 4 years to get through that batch. I left creosote unused until the end. Creosote felt intimidating to me. I knew Creosote was powerful, and I just wasn’t sure if it would be too strong on my face. Finally, I just started using it - spraying my face daily. Wow - I loved it. It was just so deserty. It did not irritate my skin, if anything, it made my skin feel calm and balanced.

So by now, I have been using hydrosols for about a decade, and they are a must have in my skincare routine.  I have never been make-up user, or heavily into products - I have always been super low maintenance in terms of grooming and care.  But hydrosols make a difference in my skin appearance and function. It is subtle, but I feel it. So let’s dive into how to use hydrosols in your skincare routine.

Hydrosols hydrate, period. Oils do not hydrate. Tallow does not hydrate. I repeat - Oils do not hydrate. Water hydrates, oil does not contain water, therefore it cannot hydrate. Oils lock in hydration, if applied to damp skin. You can apply oil to freshly washed, still-damp skin, or you can use a hydrosol to dampen your face while adding gentle aromatic and therapeutic plant powers to the skin. 

How to use a hydrosol:

1. Wash face and pat dry.
2. Spritz face with hydrosol
3. Apply facial oil to lock in hydration

If you use a hyaluronic acid, other serum, or cream moisturizer - apply those after hydrosol and then lock hydration with facial oil.  Use in the morning and at night. Also, use during the day for a refreshing spritz. Keep it in the fridge during the summer for a cool mid-day facial mist.

We distill desert plants to make our hydrosols. The ingredients are just steam distilled aromatic plant waters.  Hydrosols are not essential oils in water. Most hydrosols offer calming effects to the skin. Anti-inflammatory, balancing and hydrating are some of the qualities that we love about hydrosols. Our Creosote Hydrosol has been used by people with challenging skin conditions, like breakouts and yeast overgrowth. Juniper is refreshing and bright. Rabbitbrush is still my personal favorite and gives a soft skin feel.