A protective shield for your skin

Rockrose is a valuable herb of Crete, which in recent years has become a hot trend in cosmetology, as thanks to its strong antioxidant action, it is used in the preparation of many cosmetics. It is a mighty protective shield for the skin, as it can neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging, while at the same time exhibiting tonic, antibacterial, soothing and healing properties.

Rockrose or Cistus grows mainly in Greece and the Mediterranean. It has been called the “wild rose” of the rocks, as it is an evergreen shrub with beautiful purple flowers that grows in rocky and dry places. Actually there are dozens of species of rockrose, but the most popular is Cistus creticus, which as its name reveals, grows in Crete and more specifically in the village of Sises in the prefecture of Rethymno.

The plant with the highest level of polyphenols

Rockrose’s antioxidant action is based on the high content of polyphenols. It has been found that plants growing in Mediterranean ecosystems are under intense stress due to climatic conditions, such as drought, intense sun exposure and high temperatures, resulting in high levels of protective polyphenols. Rockrose contains more polyphenols than any other plant in Europe and in 1999 it earned the distinction of being the European Plant of the Year!

The beneficial properties of rockrose are due to its resin, which is called labdanum. This substance is collected during the hot hours of the day of the summer months. Its collection has been traditionally carried out using the argastiri, a wooden tool with special plastic straps, which are used to strike the plant so that its black resin is transferred onto it, and once softened by exposure to the sun, it is collected with the so-called xystri (a type of scraper). No chemicals, pesticides or heavy metals are used in the process.

The healing properties of rockrose for the skin

• Tonic: It acts as a tonic for the skin and it stimulates the natural cycle of cell renewal, reducing the signs of aging and enhancing skin brightness and elasticity.
• Antioxidant: It fights harmful free radicals (oxidative stress) that are responsible for skin aging. It erases the dull, tired appearance and makes the skin shiny.
• Antibacterial: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, rockrose is valuable in protecting wounds from harmful germs, while it also prevents the contamination of wounds by other pathogens.
• Soothing, healing and antiseptic: It is used in dermatological products for the care of atopic skin.

Soon we will prepare a toner with olive oil distillate for shiny skin! Stay tuned on my GoodLife by Gina YouTube channel!

Some history...

Rockrose is a real powerhouse of nature, known for its beneficial properties from the very old times. It is said that according to mythology, it had come to be a cause of strife among the gods and goddesses of Olympus, as the former wanted it as a treatment of warriors who were wounded in battle, and the latter were impressed with the aroma of its wonderful purple flowers and its beauty-enhancing properties. Eventually, they agreed to use it for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes!

Historical references regarding the use of rockrose exist in ancient Egypt, where it was used for embalming the dead, but also in the Minoan Civilization. Particular reference to the properties of rockrose was made by Herodotus in his book “Histories”, as well as by Hippocrates. The Roman physician Celsus referred to labdanum (or ladanum) as used in a poultice for the treatment of malignant sarcoma, and Dioscorides included it in his encyclopedia of medicines. In the Middle Ages, rockrose was used to treat the plague, while in the Renaissance it was an important ingredient of perfumes. Today, in addition to its many healing properties, labdanum is one of the 57 ingredients used in the preparation of the Holy Myrrh.