Natural Beauty: HydroSouls with evanhealy

I was introduced to evanhealy, an all natural plant-based skincare line, by my good friend Jessica – she swore by the Rose Petal Facial Tonic HydroSoul for use as a moisturizer etc., and now I do the same. The gentle, handcrafted remedies have become an integral part of my skincare regime (the Lavender HydroSoul is also a favorite) and have no doubt contributed to the overall health and appearance of my skin.

Evan was kind enough to share a bit about her hydrosols, how they are crafted, their many benefits, and how to use best use. Be sure to stay tuned tomorrow as she welcomes us in for a behind the scenes look at her full range of naturally beautiful skincare products. XXJKE

R+T: Can you share a bit about what makes your Hydrosols so special? How are they distilled and from where do you source their ingredients?

We refer to each hydrosol as a HydroSoul because they are Subtle. Energetic. Authentic. Hand crafted. Our Oregon Tilth certified organic Facial Tonic HydroSouls are sourced from a few small, family farms. Our HydroSouls are completely handcrafted: from working in the field harvesting plants to placing fresh plant material into the still to lighting the fires; from capturing the hydrosol’s first aromatic dribble (enchantingly referred to as ‘angel mist’) to filling, labeling and packaging each bottle. Every aspect of this process is done by hand. For me the word ‘artisan’ is not a marketing term, but rather an authentic description of the love and care that goes into making our products.

Our hydrosols are distilled in copper alembic stills at low temperatures over a period of four hours. This ancient method of transforming plant material into subtle, vibrational essence has not changed in over two thousand years. Throughout the year we receive literally thousands of gallons of freshly distilled hydrosol. Each batch is like a fingerprint; there’s only one in the world and no two hydrosols, or batches, are alike. This rich complexity of biodiversity makes a significant contribution to the health of the skin.

We choose to distill for the hydrosol alone, and not the essential oil. This is a clear departure from most hydrosols available today. Conventional distillation relies on high temperature, and the process lasts for typically thirty to forty-five minutes. The resulting yield often contains what is referred to as the “still note” and can take six months to become palatable and fragrant. By contrast, our copper alembic distilled hydrosols are ready for use immediately while still fresh. It is this ‘slow-food’ approach to distillation that allows a more extensive range of healing plant molecules to find their way into our therapeutic waters.

Read your product label: A true Hydrosol is NOT an essential oil added to water or other fluid.

R+T: What are some of the benefits of using a pure plant hydrosol (for both the appearance and health of the skin)?

Pure plant hydrosols are some of nature’s best antioxidants. When distilled for the hydrosol alone, using our artisan method, they are rich in the vibrational, water soluble, hydrophilic elements of the plant. These aromatic elements, sometimes referred to as ‘weak acids’, are present only in the hydrosol, not in the essential oil. It is the ‘acid-nature’ of pure plant hydrosols that communicate healing and restoration of a dynamic ‘spirit’ to the skin, conferring significant hydrating, skin softening, and skin toning benefits. They play an important role in protecting the skin from free radicals and pollution. Saturating the skin daily with these precious waters restores pH balance; refreshes and tones skin tissue, maintaining soft and smooth skin while significantly increasing vitality and hydration to all skin conditions.

R+T: How do you recommend using your Hydrosols? And are there specific ones that you might recommend for different types of skin/conditions?

Hydrosols are gentle botanical remedies. Their extraordinary aromatic vitality acts to subtly awaken a quiet connection to nature. Hydrosol therapy is the easiest, safest way to utilize aromatherapy. Here’s how:

For maximum hydration saturate skin with a Facial Tonic HydroSoul (5 to 7 full sprays). With clean hands, press completely into skin. To help restore the protective hydro-lipid balance of the skin, follow Facial Tonic HydroSoul with two pumps of one of our silky oil Serums: Rosehip Treatment, Pomegranate Repair, Argan or Neem Immortelle. For added protection, add a finger-full of one of our Day Moisturizers or Whipped Shea Butters over our oil Serum. Facial Tonic Hydrosols can be used liberally all day long to tone, hydrate, and refresh.

Here’s a tip for blemished skin:

A daily saturation of our Facial Tonic HydroSoul will help to restore the skin’s slightly acidic pH, called the acid mantle, an integral part of the body’s defense mechanism.

R+T: Do you have a favorite Hydrosol?

OH! That’s like asking a mother which child she loves best, I love them all! Once you smell a true, artisan-distilled hydrosol, you (and your skin) are changed forever.

I reach for Lavender HydroSoul in the evening or during the day when I am stressed and in need of reestablishing peace and calm. I always keep a bottle close at hand when I am in a meeting or on the phone. Rose Geranium (also called Attar of Rose) is ideal for skin that has both oily and dry areas, and Lemon Thyme is a plant ally and my favorite for banishing the occasional blemish, or acne. Tulsi and Sandalwood are favorites in the mornings, and better than a cup of coffee! I love spraying them on my skin in alternating blasts while standing in the garden. And I never travel without a bottle of Rose Petal HydroSoul! It is a must if you spend any time in the air. Hydrosols energize, purify, and humidify dry the air in an airplane cabin…. Inhale. Exhale.