Using rice water in your skincare routine might just be the most effective and inexpensive way to achieve a beautifully hydrated and clear complexion.
Rice water has been used as a skincare treatment for over 1000 years, with traditional women from Japan and China bathing in the water they had used to cook and wash rice.
Rice is packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit the skin in a multitude of ways when applied topically.
Rice water has benefits for almost every skin condition, from large pores to acne, eczema, ageing, dull skin, and sun damaged skin.
Rice water is undeniably a holy grail of skincare, especially considering that it is a cheap, easy and 100% natural skincare remedy.
Fermenting rice water is said to be the most effective way of maximizing rice’s rejuvenating properties for use on the skin.
The Japanese History Linking Natural, Fermented Ingredients to Flawless Skin:
Japanese beauty brand SK-II is one of the largest proponents of using nature’s ingredient for skin and beauty.
The ability for natural properties to keep skin soft, clear and youthful was discovered when scientists came across workers in a sake brewery.
They noticed the stark difference between their harshly wrinkled faces and their soft and smooth hands that had been subjected to the healing powers of the sake ingredients during the fermentation process.
From this, SK-II’s scientists discovered the secret ingredient of Pitera, which is a naturally occurring fermented liquid containing high levels of skin-rejuvenating vitamins, amino acids and minerals.
Pitera is said to replicate the skin’s natural moisturizing properties to promote a youthful, hydrated and glowing complexion.
Fermented rice water is said to contain very similar properties to Pitera, which is the secret ingredient behind the success of SK-II’s product range.
The Benefits of Rice Water for Hair and Skin:
- Rice water to treat acne and eczema
Rice contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidizing properties that help to reduce and heal pimples and abrasions on the skin.
Allantoin is one property of rice known for its ability to assist in calming irritated skin and healing wounds. It is often found in skincare products designed for sensitive skin.
- Rice water for anti-ageing
Rice is said to have properties that are able to protect and reverse processes of ageing in the skin.
This study showed that the topical application of rice products can stimulate collagen production, assist the skin in retaining water and reduce skin wrinkling.
- Rice water to prevent and reduce UV damage:
Rice water has been proven to be a powerful natural aid in reducing and minimising the effects of sun damage on the skin.
Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is found naturally in the cell walls of rice and other plants. It is used in skincare products for its powerful protective properties.
According to dermatologists in Women’s Health Magazine, ferulic acid applied topically will make sunscreen 8 times more effective in protecting skin from sun damage.
- Rice water for smaller pores and a brighter complexion:
Rice contains vitamins B1, C and E which have tightening and brightening effects on the skin.
An effective way to use rice water to treat dull skin or enlarged pores is by putting it in a spray bottle and misting the face with it after showering.
- Rice water for the hair
Rice water can also be applied topically to the hair and scalp as a hydrating and protective treatment.
Inositol, a compound found in rice, has been proven to be beneficial in strengthening and hydrating hair, preventing breakage and even preventing hair loss. Inositol has been proven in its ability to penetrate deep into the hair follicle, nourishing the hair from the inside out and creating a protective barrier on each hair strand.
After shampooing and conditioning the hair, pour rice water through the hair from scalp to tip and massage through. Let the rice water sit on the hair for 2-5 minutes, then rinse out.
How to Make and Use Rice Water on the Skin:
The best part about rice water is how cheap and easy it is to make and use. All you need is roughly half a cup of rice, and one cup of boiling water. It doesn’t matter what variety of rice you use.
- Rinse the rice you are using thoroughly with cold water.
- Combine the rice with the boiling water, and leave to soak for a 30 minutes or overnight.
- Stir, pour the rice through a strainer, catching all of the liquid in a container. This liquid is the rice water. Press the rice with a spoon to squeeze out maximum nutrients.
- To ferment this rice water (which is the best way to boost the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in the water), leave the container at room temperature and covered loosely with glad wrap for 1-2 days. The liquid will start to smell slightly sour.
- The rice water should be kept in the fridge, and will last 1 week.
- Apply the fermented rice water to the face with a cotton ball, leave to dry, then rinse. Rice water can be used daily for most skin types, however, if you suffer from dry skin, only use 2-3 times per week.
