With roses on many peoples' minds this week, we thought we would delve into the beautiful bloom…

There are generally two species of roses used in skincare: rosa damascena and rosa centifola. Rosa damascena has a deep, potent scent; rosa centifola has a lighter, clean and sweet scent. Both are valued for their pure essential oils, derived from the rose flowers. Tens of thousands of rose blossoms need to be picked as they are unfolding in the early hours of dawn, in order to yield just one ounce of rose essential oil. This is one of the reasons for which makes rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils. However, the potency is so concentrated that only a few drops are necessary to reap the benefits of such a beautiful bloom. 

Containing a complex mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rosa damascena essential oil, which Alexandra uses in a number of products and bespoke blends, has excellent emollient properties for moisturising dry skin and boasts aromatherapy properties that calm and soothe, even helping with anxiety and depression. 

Both rose flower water and rose essential oil reduce inflammation and calm broken capillaries or thread veins. Both help dry, mature skin and wrinkles and are wonderful for eczema prone skin. On top of that, there are antiviral, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and depurative benefits as well. 

Rich in antibacterial properties, the hydrosols in rose flower water make it a perfect ingredient for a balancing face mist like Floral Rain. Ideal to prepare the skin for face oil and moisturiser, Floral Rain is lovely as a hydrating mist over make-up, or simply to revive and quench naked skin throughout the day. 

Rose oil is a key player in the synergetic blend of active essential oils that make our Forever Young face oil so powerful. A cocktail of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and natural vitamins fights free radicals to give a healthy glow, stimulating the detoxification and regeneration of the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is particularly beneficial for tired, unbalanced skin, or skin battling toxic environments. 

For those seeking the therapeutic scent of the rose, our 'Flowers of Iberia' candle is perfect for those on the move looking for a rooting moment of calm. Using nothing but organic ingredients, this candle blends the soothingly seductive scents of wild roses, rose geranium and jasmine, with a heady top note from the wax of wild violets on a base of 100% natural soy wax. 

“Lying in a field of dry grasses scattered with wild fragrant flowers is where I was at my happiest as a child.  I could feel the warmth of the earth beneath me and breathe in that heat mixed with the dryness of the grasses.” Alexandra

Now for the mythical part…

Many romantic legends exist about the rose. It is generally agreed that Valentine’s Day flowers date back to the reign of King Charles II of Sweden in the 17^th Century, when the king was taught the language of flowers during a trip to Persia. The idea of being able to communicate using flowers without uttering any words at all gained intrigue across Europe, with lists of flowers and their meanings widely distributed.

In Greek and Roman mythology, the creation of the rose is affiliated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love but it is attributed to Flora, the goddess of spring and flowers (also known as Chloris in Greek mythology, FYI). The story goes that when one of Flora’s nymphs died, Flora called upon the gods to change her into a beautiful flower. Apollo gave her life; Bacchus gave her nectar; Vertumnus, a beautiful perfume; Pomona, a fruit; and Flora, a crown"of petals. To this, Aphrodite added beauty and Dionysus a nectar of intoxicating aroma. The three Graces further bestowed upon the blossom the gifts of charm, joy, and splendour. All agreed it was the most spectacular of flowers and subsequently referred to it as “The Queen of Flowers.” Aphrodite named the flower Rose, dedicating it to her son, Eros, the god of love. 

Other-worldly beauty, naturally.

Shop the blog:

lowers of Iberia’organic candle - Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil

Floral Rain face mist – Rosa damascena (rose) flower water

Forever Young face oil - Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil

This year we welcome a new member to the Soveral family, Nita Ladwa, who brings with a new level of holistic wellbeing to the brand; the Ashram Massage, a body treatment that truly treats the whole; body, mind, and soul. 

In an age in which we feel disconnected with our inner selves and separate from each other, giving ourselves the space and opportunity for self-healing and reconnection is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

“It’s a combination of deep tissue, shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, lymphatic drainage and ‘No Hands’ technique that I have developed over 30 years of practicing holistic massage.” Says Nita. “I love this massage. It’s physical, emotional, energising, mental and spiritual.” 

This massage is so powerful that you feel the benefits long after the treatment is finished.

A few tips from Nita:

     • Before an Ashram Massage, be honest about how you feel before and how you want to feel afterwards.

     • After an Ashram Massage, rest and drink plenty of water in order to feel the benefits over the next few days.

The Ashram Massage is available exclusively at the Soveral clinic, so book now for a treatment like you’ve never before experienced.

‘Tis the season to be jolly…

And worn out, and full of cold, and surrounded by loved ones for slightly too long…

Stress, alcohol, diet, partying, sleep disruptions and travel are just a few of the factors that can wreak havoc on your skin and senses over the festive season, so we wanted to give a little helping hand with a few tips to help keep you glowing, inside out.

You are what you eat – and drink

It’s so true – no wonder our complexions flare up when the boxes of foil wrapped sweets, decadently rich foods and around-the-clock cocktails are in abundance.

Our approach? Dilute. Make sure you have plenty of water and breathers from the feasts to avoid feeling too full and lethargic. Break down the big meals with herbs, leaves and spices that do wonders for soothing the stomach. Keep those Christmas colds in the room at bay with a few immune boosters; turmeric, garlic and chilli are all brilliant aids for this.

Here’s a festive recipe from Alexandra:

A cup of your favourite nut or coconut milk
½ tsp of cinnamon
1 Star anise
A pinch of Black Pepper
A pinch of Turmeric
Date syrup to taste (optional)

Pop everything in the milk and very slowly warm it up. 

Strip

Let your skin be naked - Keep skin bare & breathing as much as you can.

If your skin is prone to flare ups and takes on a life of its own, don’t fight it, let it calm down of its own accord. Make sure you care for the skin flare ups as you would your mood – our Sensitive Skin range is wonderful for this, but try to avoid anything new – play it safe, less is more.

If you are making the most of the great outdoors, your skin may be feeling the winter chill and in need of a little more moisture, so have a think about a moisturiser with added vitamins that can boost that natural nourishment.

For those looking for a clean glowing complexion from the comfort of your home, take a look at our previous blog talking about Honey extraction – your pores will thank you and you will smell heavenly too.

Travelling? Pack carefully

Going near and often far over the winter break sees many of us on planes, trains, and a host of car journeys… Pack sensibly and look for products that serve more than one purpose. Angel Balm is an award-winning multi-purpose balm that can be used as a cleanser, a mask, a lip balm, a dry skin saviour. Suitable for all skin types, you will be covered for all sorts.

Last but by no means least, take the time to rest. Slow down, listen to your body and enjoy the stories being told around the room. How often do you get to reflect like this? Enjoy it, it is precious and entirely deserved!

In this blog:

Multi-purpose – Angel Balm
Sensitive Skin – Awaken cleanser
Ultra-nourishing Moisturiser – Formula 1