Advantages of Utilizing Rice Water for Beauty

Rice water is the leftover liquid that remains after boiling or soaking rice. For centuries, individuals in China and Japan have harnessed rice water for promoting hair growth and conditioning the ends of their hair.

In contemporary times, rice water is also gaining recognition for its skin benefits. Not only does rice water tone and brighten your complexion, but it also serves as an effective remedy for anti-aging. Surprisingly, it is quite simple and cost-effective to prepare at home.

Advantages of Rice Water for Your Skin

Rich in Antioxidants

Studies indicate that rice water is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins, γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phenolic acids, carotenoids, polysaccharides, phytosterols, essential amino acids, and micronutrients, which enhance cellular immunity and shield our skin from oxidative stress.

Enhances Skin Tone

Rice water is renowned for its ability to diminish dark spots on your face and enhance your skin tone. It is increasingly popular for its effectiveness in lightening tans and improving the look of hyperpigmentation. Research suggests that rice water can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase in skin cells, which is responsible for discoloration, thus helping to balance melanin production in the skin.

Slows Down Aging

Rice water is a powerful natural anti-aging agent as it promotes collagen production and minimizes trans-epidermal water loss, wrinkles, and skin thinning. It contains phytic acid, which protects your skin from free radical damage, and ferulic acid, which helps to slow the aging process.

A study involving 12 participants who applied rice water gel to their skin for 28 days found that it performed similarly to ascorbic acid or Vitamin C on aging skin.

Moisturizes Dry Skin

The same study also revealed a 10% increase in cellular hydration levels among all participants by the 28th day. Another study found that moisturizers with rice extract are effective in enhancing hydration by preventing moisture loss from skin cells.

Mitigates Sun Damage

According to a study, both oral intake and topical application of rice extract can reduce the damage inflicted by ultraviolet radiation on our epidermal barrier.

Strengthens Barrier Function

Rice water possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate rashes, redness, and skin irritation. It aids in wound healing and reduces itchiness. Research indicates that bathing with rice water twice daily can restore impaired barrier function, decrease trans-epidermal water loss in skin cells, and enhance the healing capacity of damaged skin by 20% in individuals with atopic dermatitis.

How to Prepare Rice Water for Skin Care?

There are three methods to create rice water. Any type of rice can be utilized for this process. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the rice to eliminate any impurities. Then, follow one of these methods:

Cooked Rice Water

To prepare your rice, add double the usual amount of water. Once the rice is cooked, strain it and collect the excess water in a bowl (similar to draining pasta). Allow the water to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dilute it with plain water before applying it to your face.

Soaked Rice Water

Before cooking the rice, soak it in water for 30 minutes. Strain the rice using a sieve, and refrigerate the rice water. Use it as needed.

Fermented Rice Water

To create fermented rice water, soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, just like in the second method. However, instead of refrigerating the rice water, leave it in a glass container at room temperature for a day. Once the rice water begins to ferment, store it in the refrigerator. Dilute the fermented rice water with plain water before applying it to your skin.

How to Use Rice Water for Facial Care?

As a Skin Toner

Soak a cotton pad in a mixture of organic rose water and homemade rice water. Squeeze out any excess liquid and use the cotton pad to tone your skin. Juicy Chemistry’s Bulgarian Rose Water is clinically proven to lighten dark spots and enhance skin tone.

As a Face Mask

Rice water can replace plain water to activate any face mask. Take some Kakadu Plum, Matcha and Blood Orange Face Mask in a bowl. Add enough rice water to achieve a paste-like consistency. Apply a thin layer to your face and neck in an upward motion. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. Use this remedy once or twice a week to brighten your skin.

Juicy Chemistry Lime, Ginger, and Rice Soap

Our Lime, Ginger, and Rice Soap is specially crafted to promote evenly toned and healthier skin. It cleanses gently while nourishing your skin. Steam-distilled lemon hydrosol offers anti-aging benefits and repairs sun damage, while rice water protects the skin from free radical damage, slows the aging process, and enhances your skin's texture.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Which skin types can benefit from rice water?

Rice water is suitable for all types of skin. Nevertheless, we advise performing a patch test prior to its application.

How frequently should handmade soap be used?

While infrequent cleansing can lead to clogged pores, over-cleansing may result in dryness. Therefore, we suggest washing your face twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening.

What is the timeframe for rice water to produce visible results?

Our skin endures months of damage before it begins to exhibit signs of issues. Consequently, the duration required for any natural treatment to yield noticeable results varies based on multiple factors. When utilizing natural solutions for skincare, maintaining consistency and exercising patience are essential.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5727428/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3569896/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12316

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21449379/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12353708/

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/26/htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6963690/