A new study finds that babies who received regular massages from their parents tended to sleep better, cried less, and diminished their levels of [tag-tec]stress[/tag-tec] hormones.

This study reviewed previously published research involving more than 600 infants, ranging in age from 0-6 months of age.

Parents in this study had been trained in the correct techniques for baby massage. One of the referenced studies found that regular massage impacted the release of the hormone melatonin, which is known to help sleep patterns.

Another study offered that women with postnatal depression may bond more fully to their infants by the act of [tag-tec]infant massage[/tag-tec].

Aside from the internal benefits, massage can also help keep baby skin well hydrated and protected from environmental toxins.

You can find great tools for baby skin care in The Skin Care Smarts Store

Hydosols, the scientific name for flower waters, are produced by steam distilling an entire flower to release its skin helping benefits. Every flower has individual properties and different benefits.

The process of steam distillation maintains the beneficial ingredients of flower essences more effectively than the process of creating essential oils.

Hydrosol sprays tend to smell more like the flower they came from, and are best used as a refreshing, rejuvenating skin splash.

[tag-tec]Flower waters[/tag-tec] are better than essential oils because flower waters are lighter, don’t clog pores, tend to cost less than essential oils, and are more easily portable.

You can fill your favorite mini spritzer or atomizer to carry flower water with you- something you probably wouldn’t try with essential oils.

For dry skin, there are several beneficial flower waters to try. Here are just a few to consider:

• Rose water: this is usually used as a toner, and is gentle and refreshing. It is great for soothing skin which has been irritated by waxing, threading, or epilation.
• Rose geranium: this works well for all skin types, and balances the skin. For [tag-tec]dry skin[/tag-tec], it adds moisture. For oily skin, it can slow down the rate of sebum production.
• Orange blossom: hydrates dry skin and cools burned skin
• Lemon balm: soothes dry skin and eczema. Can also soothe and calm your nerves.
• Lavender: soothes itchiness, calming and healing

As with any skincare product, be sure to read the label.

If you decide to use flower waters in your skin care routine, make sure you’re using true flower water essences, not ones which have been manufactured in the lab and added to alcohol.

Synthetic flower waters can irritate already dry skin.