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![Neroli Hydrolat]() | Neroli Hydrolat | Named after the Italian Princess Nerola, the water is used for many beauty preparations, particularly as a skin tonic and cleanser.
Neroli is evergreen tree up to 10 metres high with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant with flowers from which the essential oil of neroli is distilled. The by-product of distillation is the sweet, flowery water that has been popular for centuries. It was particularly popular in the 18th century when Napoleon insisted on being rubbed down with eau de cologne each day. Neroli water is one of the main ingredients.
Neroli is particularly good for the skin, both dry and mature. The water has long been used in facial cleansers, moisturisers and tonics and the large, steroid-like molecules suspended in the hydrolat are healing, anti-aging and repairing. Neroli hydrolat is also astringent and can be used as an astringent toner for cases of acne as well as being gentle enough for sensitive and delicate skin. The water is also reputed to be anti-depressive and to calm hysterics, being an emotional support in abstention.
The hydrolat is very versatile and can also be drunk as a tonic for the liver and pancreas.
Dry skin cleansing cream
Buy a good, unperfumed base cream for your type of skin (usually available from your aromatherapy supplier). To 80mls of base cream add 10mls of jojoba oil and 10mls of neroli hydrolat. Mix carefully and add essential oils if required (up to 5 drops). Apply to damp skin and massage into the face and neck for up to one minute using small circular movements with the fingers in an upward direction. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
Dry skin toning lotion
Use the neroli water on a damp cotton pad and apply to the neck and facial areas. Alternatively, spray the hydrolat onto the relevant areas and leave to dry.
Dry skin moisture cream
Using a moisturising base for your own skin type, make an individual moisturiser with the following recipe: To 80mls base cream use 10mls evening primrose oil and 10mls neroli hydrolat. Mix carefully and add up to 5 drops of neroli essential oil if required. Apply to the whole face and neck area using light fingertip movements. | | |
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