Face Mist as a Key To Everyday Beauty And Wellness Routine

“Cleanse, tone, moisturise” is the basic skincare mantra anyone with even a cursory glance of a publication’s beauty section would know. While few would question the need for step one and our skin is typically begging to have its thirst quenched by step three, much is unclear about the need for step two. Why wipe your skin with a face mist, when all of the nourishment, support and rejuvenation is already taken care of by serums, oils and creams?

The existence of a vast range of products which all fall under the category of toners does not help. As a result, this includes everything from simple floral waters and multi-tasking essences to alluring mists. Then come the various elixirs and nectars which bear a certain air of mystique. Is all this really necessary for a complete skincare routine? 

“Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle.”
— Erno Laszlo

Face mists: key skin benefits

Stripping products of their labels, be it floral nectar or bio-fermented essence, there are three simple functions of a face mist: to balance the skin’s pH, to increase the level of hydration in between product applications and to deliver precious plant nutrients.

1/ Balance the skin’s pH

The skin’s natural pH is typically within the range of 4 to 6.5, depending on skin type. Regular use of alkaline products and even tap water (pH 6,5 to 8,5) inevitably has its say. This leads to a reduced activity of enzyme systems and a disruption in the protective functioning of the epidermis. Skin becomes drier and more sensitive, sometimes feeling taut and prone to inflammation. 

Damaged skin keeps craving more and more moisturising and calming products but to no avail. This is where a hydrolat comes in, balancing out the pH and supporting the skin’s healthy microbiome and ability to protect itself. A compelling reason to have floral water as your beauty staple, even if you prefer your routine to be as minimal as it gets.  

2/ Increase hydration

The second vital function of a toner is to set the foundations for anything that goes on afterwards. Even the most expensive creams and serums which boast a stellar line-up of ingredients will not be able to give their all, if applied to dry skin. A good face mist will increase hydration helping any further products absorb faster and its ingredients to bring their maximum benefits. Another reason to be smart and consistent when it comes to a beauty routine.

3/ Provide phytonutrients

Face mists using pure water and essential oils are able to deliver on all of the above functions. Even better if it is a floral water (also referred to as hydrosols and hydrolats) produced using steam distillation – a prime example of versatility, showcasing multiple benefits that remain surprisingly overlooked nowadays.

Hydrosols are a by-product of obtaining essential oils by steam distillation of aromatic plants. Through that process, they are less concentrated than essential oils yet still retain a significant amount of their bioactive compounds. Due to their higher dilution, they are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

Floral waters are packed with nutrients, delivering various botanical benefits. They often contain plant extracts rich in antioxidants, botanical hyaluronic acid, polyphenols, and water soluble vitamins. Depending on the specific plant used, these products can offer anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and rebalancing properties without disrupting it and supporting its natural acid mantle.

Face mist — a highly adaptable beauty product

Here are some of our favourite ways to use floral waters:

• A beauty routine upgrader: Non-comedogenic and water-based, hydrosols can be easily incorporated into any beauty routine. Instead of using plain water, mixing flower water with dry powder face masks is a simple, yet effective way to add botanical actives. Hydrosols also serve various purposes: as a light makeup setting spray, a gentle primer before makeup application, a balancing toner after cleansing, and an aid for better moisturiser absorption. Additionally, they can be used as a soothing agent after aesthetic treatments and waxing.
  
• Daily face and body spray: A mist is a convenient way to hydrate the skin while adding a light, subtle fragrance. It helps to replenish lost moisture, keeping your skin feeling balanced and refreshed.
• Post-sun exposure soothing spray: Cools and calms the skin after sun exposure, reducing redness and sunburn. It helps decrease oil production, quenches the skin, and combats the effects of heat and humidity.
  
• Workout recovery: Refreshes and replenishes the skin, while acting as a mild antibacterial support to reduce breakouts and ward off body odour after exercise.
  
• Bedtime ritual: Spray on your body or pulse points to wind down, or use it on pillows and bedsheets to freshen up the fabrics.
  
• Bathtime ritual: Enhance your therapeutic soak by adding herbal and floral waters to your bath. It also applies to facial steam treatments.
  
• Hair care: Mix it with your shampoo for added botanical actives, or use it as a final rinse for shine, moisture, and a light hair fragrance. 
  
• Midday refresh: It's the perfect product to cool off and rehydrate during hot or stressful days. Keep a bottle in your bag, car, or at your work desk to soothe eye strain from intense screen work.
  
• Family care: This product is suitable for everyone. Men can use it as an aftershave treatment to soothe razor burn, or on their head to freshen up a haircut. For the whole family, floral water can be mixed with compresses to alleviate fevers and headaches.
  
• Energetic cleanse: Serves as an aura spray to clear negative energy, enhances meditation and yoga practices for a deeper grounding effect.
  
• Home aromatherapy and air freshener: As a fragrant spray, mist it on your curtains, clothing rack, or in your bathroom to freshen up the space. Use it in your car as a natural air freshener alternative for a pleasant scent boost.

Inspired by classic floral mists, our Reviving Face & Body Mist is the embodiment of SCENTIANA's philosophy: a fusion of bio-active ingredients, traditional beauty rituals and aromatherapeutic benefits to nourish skin and mind.