New skin-care ingredients are named every day, but the rose is nothing new in beauty care. Since ancient times queens' companions soaked rose petals in milk for their baths, and rose water has long played its part in skin care. But have you heard of rose oil? It too has long been used in the skin care of kings and queens. Britain's Princess Diana is said to have used rose oil and an avocado mask on her skin. Diana's beauty is known to all, and you too can use her tip in your own skin care.

Beauty experts say rose oil helps reduce acne and keeps signs of ageing at bay. Its antibacterial components enter the fibres of the skin cells and tighten the skin, leaving it much brighter.

Boil a little water in a saucepan and take it off the heat. Put good-quality olive oil in a glass jar and soak crushed rose petals in it. Cover the jar and stand it in the pan of hot water. Keep the jar in warm water for 24 hours, changing the water again and again if needed. After 24 hours strain the oil through a sieve and pour it into a dark-coloured bottle. Do not keep it in the sun or in a warm place.

Before going to bed, take a few drops in your hand and gently massage your face. Or mix it with honey or aloe vera gel and apply it to the face, leave for about 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Always do a patch test on your hand before use, and apply rose oil to your face only if there is no discomfort.

Source: Online Desk. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.