Called the rose of youth, this plant is a true gift. Rich in vitamin A and C, which have been shown to help with the production of collagen, Damascus brightens and tones the skin. As antioxidants, vitamins A and C help eliminate free radicals. Oxidative stress wreaks havoc on the skin, which leads to signs of aging, making this ingredient an anti-aging warrior.

Studies have also found that Damascus rose has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory effects help reduce edema in the skin, which helps diminish puffiness and the aging effects of inflammation.

Like oxidative stress, inflammation is the cause of many issues related to disease and skin aging. With its extensive list of beneficial compounds, Damascus rose helps calm inflammation and is soothing for the skin.

My connection to this special rose is quite personal and full of warm memories. My grandmother used to extract rose water out of dried roses. We would then use the rose water as a daily toner to restore and refresh our skin.

Besides feeling amazing on the skin, rose water has many benefits. It can help soothe redness and skin irritation, assist in wound healing, be a daily toner, and it is a natural mood lifter, making its application a perfect way to start and end the day. In Morocco, it is also common to use rose water in apricot jam and desserts.

The Festival of Roses

Morocco’s Festival of Roses is a celebration of the rose harvest. The festival takes place in early May at the El kelaa M’Gouna and is a perfect example of how important the rose is in Moroccan culture. The festival lasts through the weekend, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday,

The beauty of this festival is something to behold, as the breathtakingly soft pink hue of rose petals compliments the brightly colored garments worn by the patrons. Roses line the streets, creating a blush-colored ocean of flowers.

Music fills the air, along with the mesmerizing scent of fresh roses, as festival-goers sing, dance, and share stories. Women dress in vibrant garments and adorn themselves with roses, and visitors peruse the lively market full of vendors selling their finest, hand-crafted products. The festival is an explosion of color and joy.

The harvested roses are used for many things, from cooking to extracting the oils, rosewater for perfumes and skincare. If you are lucky enough to visit the festival, you can even learn the art of making rosewater.