June is the month when we roll up our sleeves, spend our weekends outdoors, and let our skin soak up the sun again after several months of winter. It’s also the month when our skin is still delicate, not yet accustomed to being exposed to the sun.
The first signs of redness, tightness at the end of the day, skin that feels tight after an hour on the patio: these aren’t uncommon reactions. They’re signs that your skin isn’t quite ready yet.
Organic fine lavender hydrosol is one of the simplest skincare products to incorporate into this transition. Spray it on before sun exposure to hydrate and soothe the skin, then again afterward to calm redness: two steps, one bottle—which we’ve been distilling in Valensole for four generations.
➡ Discover our organic fine lavender hydrosol.
What is a hydrosol, and how is it different from scented water?
Hydrosol is the water obtained during the steam distillation of a plant. When we distill fine lavender, the steam passes through the flowers, absorbs their aromatic compounds, and then condenses. The essential oil rises to the surface. The water that remains below is the hydrosol.
It contains a fraction of the plant’s compounds in a low concentration and can be applied directly to the skin without dilution. It is neither a scented water nor an infusion: it is a product derived from distillation, with genuine active properties, suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Important note: Only hydrosols produced through true steam distillation have these properties. The reconstituted fragrance waters or floral waters sold in supermarkets are different.
To find out more about the properties of lavender: The benefits of lavender.
Why use true lavender rather than lavandin for sun-exposed skin?
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is known for its soothing properties. Its hydrosol is gentle, non-irritating, and suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. It is the variety recommended for all aspects of facial care and for delicate areas.
Lavandin hydrosol, on the other hand, is more invigorating and has a slight camphor scent. It is best suited for combination to oily skin and for purifying treatments. For skin that has just been exposed to the sun, fine lavender is the better choice.
Before sun exposure: prepare your skin
Well-hydrated skin reacts better to the sun. Fine lavender hydrosol can be used as a mist on the face and décolletage before going outside to hydrate and soothe the skin before it is exposed to the heat.
The gesture
- Spray the hydrosol 20–30 cm away from your face, with your eyes closed.
- Let it dry naturally, without rubbing.
- Then apply your usual sunscreen on top.
Warning: Fine lavender hydrosol is not a sunscreen. It is not a substitute for your SPF. It prepares and soothes the skin; it does not protect it from UV rays.
After sun exposure: soothe redness and moisturize
This is often when hydrosol is most useful. After a day outdoors, the skin has been exposed to heat, sunlight, and sometimes wind. It feels tight, it turns red, and it craves moisture.
In the Immediate Mist
As soon as you return indoors, spray the floral water on your face and any exposed areas. The cool sensation of the floral water soothes the feeling of heat. Let it sit for two minutes before applying your usual skincare products.
Apply as a compress to sensitive areas
For localized redness on the nose, cheekbones, or décolleté: soak a cotton pad with hydrosol and place it on the affected area. Leave it on for five to ten minutes. This is the same method used for eyes that are puffy from pollen in the spring.
Foggy during the day
The bottle fits easily into a bag. If you experience a sensation of heat or tightness while wearing makeup, spray directly onto your face from a distance. No rinsing required; leaves no residue on light makeup. The coolness enhances the soothing effect: keep the bottle in a cool place if possible.
➡ Check out our organic fine lavender hydrosol, preservative-free and distilled in Valensole.
⚠️ Fine lavender hydrosol is a skincare product designed for comfort. It is not intended for medical use and is not a substitute for the advice of a dermatologist or healthcare professional. If you experience a persistent skin reaction, severe sunburn, or a known allergy, consult a doctor.
How should you store and use your hydrosol in the summer?
- Store the bottle in the refrigerator after opening. The cold extends the product’s shelf life and enhances its decongestant effect when applied.
- Use within 6 to 12 months after opening.
- Check the bottle for cloudiness or abnormal odours before use.
- Use a clean cotton swab for each application to prevent contamination of the bottle.
A product distilled in Valensole, without any intermediaries
Our fine lavender hydrosol comes from the same distillation process as our essential oil. When we distill, we collect both: the essential oil that rises to the top and the hydrosol that remains below. Nothing is added: no preservatives, no additives, and no artificial fragrances.
The fine lavender we grow thrives at altitudes between 600 and 1,500 meters on the Valensole Plateau. We distill it using a traditional method passed down through four generations, and we have been farming organically since 2002.
➡ Discover our history: Who we are.
Summer has begun. So has taking care of your skin.
Summer days in the sun are the toughest on your skin. Keep a bottle of fine lavender hydrosol in your bag—use it before and after sun exposure.
Order our organic fine lavender hydrosol and discover our full selection of floral waters in our online store.
