Peppermint Hydrosol For Skin: Benefits, Uses And Where To Find It

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Who doesn’t love hot summer days? The sun, the sand, the water? And yes – it’s hot out there. However, heat can be very tough on your skin. So what can peppermint hydrosol do for you?

A gentle, cooling and refreshing peppermint hydrosol is a must-have in the summer heat. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial and cooling effect, it will keep the skin hydrated and soothe irritation and inflammation related to excess sun exposure.

Eager to learn more? Let’s continue to explore what is peppermint hydrosol, its benefits, how to use it and where you can find it.

What is Peppermint Hydrosol?

Peppermint hydrosol, also known as peppermint hydrolat, is refreshing floral water obtained through the steam distillation of fresh peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita). As a co-product of the essential oil extraction process, peppermint hydrosol holds a tiny amount of essential oils, thus sharing some peppermint essential oil therapeutic effects.

How does it work? Peppermint hydrosol contains several organic compounds, such as menthol, a naturally occurring terpenoid responsible for peppermint’s cooling effect and fresh scent. In addition, according to research (1), it can also help reduce pain when applied to the skin. It also includes d-carvone, another terpenoid present in peppermint hydrosol and responsible for its refreshing aroma (2, 3) and eriocitrin, a potent antioxidant (4).

Peppermint Hydrosol Skin Benefits

Peppermint hydrosol offers numerous benefits when applied directly to the skin.

1. Helps replenish moisture in the skin

Long hours in the sun can drain moisture from the skin, leaving it dry, irritated and flaky. A regular application of peppermint hydrosol throughout the day will keep the skin hydrated and bring relief to dry skin.

2. Cools the skin

Apart from keeping your skin hydrated, a cold mist of peppermint hydrosol also provides a cooling sensation on the skin, which is especially helpful on a hot summer day.

3. Calm irritation and reduce inflammation

The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint hydrosol will help to soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin. In addition, peppermint hydrosol can soothe minor skin burns and scrapes.

4. Reduce pain

Minor burns, cuts, and insect bites can be uncomfortable. Mentha acts as an analgesic, reducing pain and improving blood flow to the affected area (6).

5. Prevents nipple cracks

If you have ever breastfed, you know how hard it is to manage cracked nipples. According to the research, applying peppermint hydrosol directly to the skin can help relieve pain and prevent nipple cracks (5).

6. May fight bacterial infections

Our skin is home to a diverse world of microorganisms, most of which are harmless. However, in some instances, their uncontrolled growth may cause infections. While I haven’t found any studies on the bacterial effect of peppermint hydrosol, menthol has shown antibacterial activities (7).

7. Acts as a penetration enhancer

Menthol is an effective penetration enhancer that can help boost the performance of active ingredients by enabling them to reach deeper layers of the skin (7).

8. Keeps insects away

Peppermint hydrosol is rich in terpenes, which have insect-repelling properties. So whether you are in the garden or heading for a walk applying peppermint hydrosol will keep you cool and pests away.

Peppermint Hydrosol Uses

A refreshing scent, cooling effect, and numerous health benefits make peppermint hydrosol a must-have for the summer season.

Use it as a cooling mist. Keep the skin hydrated and soothe inflammation by spraying peppermint hydrosol on your face and body. You can combine it with aloe vera juice for instant relief to the inflamed skin and prevent it from peeling.
Use it as a gentle cleanser. Peppermint hydrosol is an excellent addition to any skin toner. If your skin is oily or prone to acne, try mixing peppermint hydrosol with rosemary and tea tree hydrosol and use it to cleanse your skin. For normal and ageing skin, combine peppermint with lavender or rose hydrosol.
Add it to your morning shower gels. You can use peppermint hydrosol in place of peppermint essential oil. It is much milder and works beautifully in combination with citrus scents. Blend it with lemon hydrosol to boost your mood and get you moving.
Use it in your oil-free lotions. If your skin is oily, you can incorporate peppermint hydrosol into your DIY oil-free moisturiser. It will help to hydrate the skin and improve overall skin appearance.
Add it to your scrubs. Mix it with pumice and use it as an exfoliating scrub on your feet. Pumice is an excellent ingredient for removing dead skin and keeping the feet smooth and exfoliated.
Add it to your foot spray. Spray your feet with peppermint hydrosol to eliminate the unpleasant odour and keep your feet smelling fresh.
Add it to your foot lotion. Mint-infused foot lotions are a natural fit for your feet. You can apply it as a soothing treatment before bed or use it as a cooling treatment during the day.

Who Should Use It

Peppermint hydrosol is gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Regular application will help you to soothe and refresh the skin and restore radiance to your complexion. It is also very cost-effective, making it a ‘must have’ in your beauty cabinet!

Side Effects

Peppermint hydrosol is much milder than peppermint essential oil and is less likely to irritate the skin. However, as with all ingredients, some people may react to hydrosol. Before you use peppermint hydrosol, carry out a patch test on a clear spot of skin. Somewhere you can leave it alone for up to 24 hours. If your skin turns red, itchy, or you experience a burning sensation, contact your physician or find an allergy specialist. It may be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Where to Find Peppermint Hydrosol

Peppermint hydrosol is widely available on the internet, and it is relatively inexpensive. When deciding on hydrosol, look for 100% pure and natural hydrosols. Although some suppliers label their hydrosols 100% natural, the reality is that it’s difficult to be sure. Some hydrosols include preservatives, solubilisers, or additives, which affect their therapeutic value. The best approach is to research the company and make sure they are using only premium ingredients. Check out NaturallyThinking floral waters. Their products are 100% natural.

How to Store Peppermint Hydrosol

It is best to store hydrosol in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place. A fridge is a perfect place for peppermint hydrosol. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of direct sunlight exposure. Correctly stored peppermint hydrosol can last up to 2 years.

Peppermint Hydrosol vs Peppermint Water: What’s the difference?

Even though both peppermint hydrosol and peppermint water share some similarities, they are not the same.

Peppermint water is made by steeping peppermint in the water for a prolonged interval or infusing water with a few drops of essential oil and then adding an emulsifier.

Peppermint hydrosol, on the other hand, is the co-product of steam distillation. It contains small amounts of essential oils and numerous water-soluble compounds absent in peppermint essential oil.

Conclusion

Incorporating hydrosol into your skincare routine is a great way to reap the numerous benefits of peppermint. With its cooling and refreshing properties, peppermint hydrosol will soothe the skin and reduce irritation. It is also an effective hydrating agent that will keep the skin moist and radiant.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint hydrosol as a toner?

You can use peppermint hydrosol as a toner as well as a facial cleanser. Naturally cooling and refreshing, peppermint hydrosol will revitalise your skin gently without stripping it of moisture, irritating or causing excessive dryness.

How do you use peppermint hydrosol on your face?

You can apply peppermint hydrosol daily after the cleansing phase and before using serum or moisturiser. Pour or spray hydrosol onto a cotton pad and gently sweep across the face, neck and chest to remove any excess sebum or residues from the skin.