Have you heard the hype surrounding benefits of rice water on social media? It’s being touted as a miraculous cure for hair growth – but does it really work?
This natural, gentle solution is made by boiling the water leftover after cooking rice. Additionally, it’s an excellent source of vitamins, lipids and starches.
1. It moisturizes
Rice water has been an integral part of Asian beauty and hair care practices for centuries, becoming increasingly popular after Kim Kardashian and Meghan Markle both fell in love with Tatcha’s rice water cleanser (which was even mentioned in the 2018 movie The Princess and the Pea).
Dr Mona Gohara, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, believes rice water to be an effective skincare ingredient that can reduce dryness and uneven skin tone while providing a smoothing effect to the complexion. Plus, it contains numerous antioxidants and amino acids which may make it especially beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin types.
Rice water not only moisturizes and softens skin, but it also helps restore natural moisture levels in skin. This is because it contains amino acids and proteins which attract water molecules, making the skin better able to retain moisture and reduce oil evaporation.
Thus, this product is also effective at delaying wrinkles and other signs of aging. This is because its antioxidants and nutrient-rich extracts help shield against free radical damage, as well as fight off hyperpigmentation.
Furthermore, the starch content of rice water helps shield your skin’s outer layer from drying out and becoming vulnerable to conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis. In fact, it may even increase its elasticity.
Rice water can moisturize the skin by providing essential nutrients and vitamins. Vitamins C and B, for instance, have been known to improve sun-damaged skin by increasing hydration levels within cells. Furthermore, rice water helps fight acne and other skin issues by decreasing oiliness on the surface.
It’s also an ideal addition to your regular skin-care regimen, as you can use it as a simple but effective toner that should be applied morning and night after cleansing your face. You have two options for applying it: spray it onto your face as a mist or apply with a cotton ball.
2. It tightens
Rice water is an effective skin tightening treatment, and it works even better when combined with other products. This is because the starch in rice water helps to provide a smooth surface for your skin to prevent wrinkles.
Additionally, it contains properties that will enhance your skin’s beauty and help it appear healthier and younger. For instance, vitamin E and ferulic acid work together to tighten skin tissue and fight wrinkles.
Making natural skincare products with rice water is simple. All you need is a bowl, cotton ball or two and some time. Apply the rice water directly onto your face and leave for around 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Researching natural products like this one from Japan, Korea and other Asian countries will reveal they’re quite popular there. You simply boil 5 spoonfuls of brown rice in water before straining it; you can make a large batch and store in your fridge for one week or freeze the water in an ice cube tray for longer storage.
Though not the most scientific of treatments, sage can be an excellent addition to your daily regimen if used correctly. Plus, it’s inexpensive and safe for use; the only drawback being that excessive usage may dry out your hair so be sure to use it sparingly.
3. It fights wrinkles
Rice water, the leftover liquid left behind after cooking rice, has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years as a hair treatment. Nowadays, however, it’s becoming more and more popular as an effective skin care ingredient with numerous advantages to reap from using this natural ingredient in your skincare regimen.
This water is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support skin elasticity, fight off free radicals, make it smoother, brighter, and younger-looking. Furthermore, it helps fade hyperpigmentation marks as well as repair damaged skin cells.
Rice water contains antioxidants which protect your skin against sun damage, one of the primary causes of wrinkles and premature aging. Furthermore, it moisturizes skin cells and minimizes fine lines’ appearance.
Furthermore, it can also be used as a skin toner to help balance pH levels. This makes it an ideal addition to anyone with dull, uneven, oily or dry skin types.
Additionally, vitamin A helps fight acne and enhances skin clarity by reducing redness. Furthermore, it may even aid in healing and soothing a sunburn.
Rice water not only offers these advantages, but it is also packed with anti-inflammatory components that promote healthier skin. Ferulic acid and phytic acid both play a role in maintaining skin health by shielding it from free radicals and other external aggressors.
Rice water can also be beneficial for skin health as studies have demonstrated that it slows down aging by stimulating collagen production and inhibiting elastase, an enzyme responsible for rapid skin sagging. As such, your complexion will appear plumped up and youthful due to the antioxidants in rice water.
This water is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C and E that help keep your skin looking vibrant. Furthermore, it contains antioxidants which may prevent cell damage and strengthen the immune system.
After washing your face, you can use this water to cleanse it; however, let it soak for at least 15 minutes prior to application. Alternatively, dip a cotton ball in the solution and gently rub it onto your face before rinsing away any remnants.
4. It brightens
Rice water can be an effective toner for brightening skin. Its nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation on skin surface levels while evening out its tone and improving texture.
It has also been known to moisturize skin and reduce redness and inflammation, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Rice water can be used on its own, or combined with other ingredients to form a facial mask. You should apply this treatment 1-2 times a week for maximum skin benefits.
Rice water for skin benefits should be applied directly onto a clean face and neck, left for around 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may also use it to gently exfoliate your skin by massaging with fingers or using a cotton ball.
Add a few drops of essential oils to the water for additional anti-inflammatory benefits and stimulation of hair growth. It can even be used as a deep conditioner by soaking clean hair for 20 minutes or more before rinsing with warm water.
Rice water also offers the benefit of lightening skin and eliminating brown marks on the face. This has been an ancient Asian practice, and many beauty brands now feature products with this ingredient.
Rice liquor, the liquid left behind after soaking or boiling rice, has long been used as an effective natural skin whitening agent. Dilute it and use it on dark marks on the face for an instant brightening effect.
Rice water may be beneficial for skin whitening, however it should never replace an effective skincare routine. Always patch test a product prior to applying it evenly across your entire face for best results.
Eczema and atopic dermatitis should not use this product due to their compromised ability to maintain a healthy moisture barrier on the skin. Furthermore, you should always consult your dermatologist before trying any new skincare item on yourself.
Recommended readings:
- Singaporean Rice
- Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin E Capsules For Skin
- Organic Traveller Skincare Pakistan
- Rose Water Benefits For Skin
