A coworker of mine told me, "There's this amazing rose water!" The product I was recommended was a "liquid containing 100% extract worth the amount of 300 premium Damascus rose concentrated into a bottle." It is called the "Rose water of the Mediterranean Sea." I wasn't able to grasp its value just from the description. But when I heard the following, I though "That really is something!"

Among all products labeled as "rose water", unfortunately, there are barely any that are completely pure. I was told that most of them are just scented water with a few drops of natural extract. Because of that, pure rose water solutions without additives are extremely rare and valuable. That's not all! This is not just a 100% pure solution. The only ingredients used are pesticide-free roses grown in Ispalta, Turkey which is famous for its rose production. During the gathering season around May and June, the petals of these roses are handpicked one by one from early in the morning. The petals are immediately taken to the distillation facility and placed into a steamer. The drops of steam from the roses are collected and become a 100% rose water solution. More to this is that only the first-squeeze extract is used. While the petals normally go under steaming and squeezing process repeatedly until the last drop, the "Mediterranean Sea rose water" comes from the first round of processing. It's like a repetition of eating the best and sweetest part of a fruit and giving away the rest to someone else… how luxurious!!

The most stunning thing is its effects. Believe it or not, roses have an all mighty potential that attracts much attention even in the modern medical sciences.

• Moisturizing – Support the production of collagen which closes the pores. This prevents moisture from escaping the skin. Apply it and the firm, glowing skin is all yours!
• Whitening – Removal of reactive oxygen species, prevention of scars from blemishes, control of melanin pigment, etc. Contains 1.2 times the amount of vitamin C in one lemon.
• Brightening – Vitamin A found in roses quickens the regeneration of the skin. Solves and lightens freckles and dullness of the skin.
• Hormone stabilization – The scent of roses have a possible effect of stabilizing the estrogen balance. It is believed to help resolve irregular menstrual cycles as well as menstrual pain.
• Deodorization and anti-bacteria – Eliminates bacteria and germs which cause body odor. Help maintain sanitary skin which supports the prevention of bad odor; a must have during the summer season.
• Relaxation – Soft, mellow scent of Damascus rose permeates when applied onto skin and eases the nerves, bringing a relaxing effect.

What more can a woman ask for! It is also said that it eliminated 6 different kinds of bacteria including one of the causes for acne in less than a day. There have also been reports of its effectiveness on skin diseases such as athlete’s foot and rash. By the way, because the “Mediterranean rose water” is completely pure, you can even drink it! It is also useful during the winter to kill off germs in your throat.

When I actually tried out the product, I was first struck by the scent. With just one push of the spray type bottle, it fills the air with a dreamy scent. Just one sniff can make you feel graceful and maybe even a little more attractive. I immediately fell in love. Even better, my skin which used to be falling apart with blemishes and dryness is noticeable becoming soft and smooth. What a surprise! My skin seems to have increased its clarity as well. In addition, it also showed effect on, Shimayan, a band member of mine who suffers from a skin disease called atopic dermatitis. According to him, when he began using it, the itching on his back, legs and arms got unbelievably lighter. The red bumps that he used to have even disappeared! The only thing is that for a person like him with such weak skin, the 100% solution is a just a bit too strong.

For side information, the package of the product also comes in a very fancy packaging of vivid navy and white labeling. The illustration of flourishing pink roses can brighten you up just by having it around in your room. If you are interested in this fabulous rose water, they can be found in Tokyu Hands and other major stores in the country.