Helichrysum hydrosol is a special kind of water made when Helichrysum flowers or other parts of the plant are distilled. It’s been known for ages for its ability to help heal skin, even before its essential oil became popular. This hydrosol can reduce UVB damage on sunburned skin and might help prevent sunburn if you apply it before going out in the sun. It contains tiny particles of essential oil and beneficial water-soluble compounds not found in essential oil.
Helichrysum hydrosol is great for skin care, known for rejuvenating and restoring the skin. It can help reduce blemishes and wrinkles, soothe the skin, and give it a healthy, glowing appearance. There are many natural ways to achieve clear, youthful skin without expensive treatments, from certain yoga poses to skin-nourishing butters. Also called the Immortal or Everlasting Flower, Helichrysum hydrosol is often used in anti-aging products to target age spots and support healthy skin cell regeneration for a radiant complexion.
In Mediterranean cultures, the flowers and leaves of this plant have been used in traditional medicine for ages to treat allergies, wounds, coughs, skin inflammation, and digestive issues, even improving hearing. Its essential oil has protective and healing properties and is used in places like Italy, Spain, and Turkey.
Helichrysum hydrosol is essentially the water left after the essential oil is extracted through water or steam distillation. As the distillation process wraps up, the vapor turns into water and essential oil in a condenser. The water, or hydrosol, contains small amounts of the essential oil along with more active plant components than the oil alone. Because it’s already diluted, it’s safe to spray directly on your skin even during pregnancy.
Helichrysum hydrosol helps wounds and cuts heal faster and reduces scars, effectively clearing spots left on your skin by conditions like pox or boils. Some herbalists consider it an essential part of a holistic first aid kit. It fights free radicals and speeds up healing for various skin conditions, thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory qualities that soothe irritated and inflamed skin. It’s great for treating eczema, psoriasis, and rashes due to its ability to ease topical pain and sensitivity and reduce itchiness.
Dead skin is a major culprit in making skin look dull. Helichrysum hydrosol promotes cell health, encourages the recycling of dead cells, and stimulates the growth of new ones, preventing dry patches and clogged pores. It is particularly useful when you’ve been in the sun too long as it contains compounds that can reduce age spots, sun damage, and skin discolorations, making it a handy remedy in sunny climates.
Clinically, Helichrysum hydrosol is known to reduce age spots, scars, and wrinkles due to its rich antioxidants like alpha-pinene and linalool, which combat oxidative stress and promote skin health. It’s famous for healing and soothing acne without drying the skin out and is sometimes used to treat acne scars, which often affect beauty and appearance. While some acne scars fade with time, others may need additional care.
Skin infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Helichrysum hydrosol has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause infections. It’s also moisturizing, mildly antiseptic, and adds a lovely fragrance to skincare, making it a versatile treatment option when essential oils might be too harsh. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, children, the elderly, those chronically ill, and people with allergies to enjoy aromatherapy benefits.