This starchy water is an integral part of Korean and Japanese skin care treatments. It can be prepared at home easily. You can include it in your skin care routine and reap the benefits in the long run. It also is inexpensive. Continue reading to understand more about rice water, its benefits, and its preparation and ways of use.
Rice Water: Is It Good For Your Skin?
Yes, it is! Rice is not just a food staple in Asian cuisine, it is also an integral part of Asian beauty and skin care practices. Japanese and Korean women have been using rice water as a skin care and hair care product for centuries. In fact, if you take some time to go through the ingredients list of any K-beauty product, you will almost certainly find rice water in it. Many brands have also come up with entire ranges of rice water skin care products. Not many studies have been conducted on the benefits of rice water for skin. Most of the benefits are based on anecdotal evidence that has not been verified by scientists. Regardless, let’s explore what rice water can do for your skin.
1. Anti-Aging Benefits
A study evaluated the effects of a gel formulation containing rice water on human skin. The study involved 12 volunteers who used the formulation for 28 days. It was found that rice water was loaded with antioxidants that could inhibit the activity of elastase (an enzyme that damages elastin). Thus, it could help maintain the elasticity of the skin and slow down the signs of aging (1).
2. Skin Brightening Effect
This benefit of rice water has not been scientifically proven. However, people in Korea and Japan use rice water to minimize blemishes and brighten their skin. It is assumed that rice water may contain some enzymes that have a skin brightening effect. This is why it is used as an active ingredient in soaps and creams.
3. Protects The Skin Barrier
When the natural barrier of your skin is compromised, it becomes dry and vulnerable to skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. A study found that rice starch could help improve and repair the natural barrier of the skin. This is especially beneficial for people who have atopic dermatitis (2). This function of rice water may also be beneficial for managing eczema, rashes, and inflammation.
4. Soothes Sunburn
Rice water feels soothing on sunburned skin. Many people find it extremely beneficial for treating mild symptoms of sunburn, such as redness, inflammation, and itching. When applied on the skin, starchy rice water also has a tightening and toning effect. This could be especially beneficial for people with oily skin. There is limited evidence supporting the effect of rice water on the skin. However, since it is devoid of chemicals and suitable for all skin types, there is no harm in giving it a try. If you want to try it out, check out how to prepare rice water at home in the next section.
How To Prepare Rice Water At Home: A Detailed Guide
There are several ways to prepare rice water. You can soak and cook the rice before extracting the water, or you can use the fermenting process. Choose the one that is easier for you.
1. The Soaking Method (The Quickest Way To Prepare Rice Water)
You can store rice water in the refrigerator for a week. After this period, you will have to prepare another batch. You can use this rice water on your skin and hair. You can use it as a toner or add it to a DIY face pack.
2. Fermented Rice Water
Fermented rice water (or rice wine) is extremely good for the skin. A study found that topical application of rice wine prevented UV damage and protected the natural barrier of the skin. It has significant anti-aging benefits as it promotes pro-collagen synthesis. Thus, it prevents wrinkles and transepidermal water loss and promotes epidermal thickening (3). In Japan, rice wine is known as sake. Here’s what you need to do to make fermented rice: This is the easiest way to prepare fermented rice water at home. However, the process of preparing sake is a bit more tedious as it needs to be fermented longer and with Koji (Aspergillus oryzae), a fungus that is used to ferment rice. You may try this process to prepare sake at home: You may use this rice wine on your skin and hair, for cooking, or just drink it. Store it in the refrigerator. After a few days, you may notice some sediment at the bottom of the container. You may transfer the clear liquid in another glass bottle for a clearer liquid if you want.
3. The Boiling Method
Now that you know how to prepare rice water and rice wine at home, let’s talk about how you can use it on your skin.
How To Use Rice Water On Your Face
Using rice water is pretty easy. If you are using soaked rice water: If you are using fermented rice water or rice wine (sake): You can also use rice water as a hair rinse to promote hair growth and shine or as a body scrub to soften your skin. Have more questions about the benefits of rice water for skin? Leave them in the comments section below, and we will get back to you! You can experience these benefits by adding rice water to your skin care routine in many ways. You can make a spray and store it in your refrigerator. Or prepare it as ice cubes to cool the skin down. You could also make face packs or masks with rice water and other skin-benefiting ingredients. To learn all the ways you can use rice for water for your skin, check out the infographic below. How long can I store rice water? Soaked or boiled rice water keeps for a week. Can I use rice water on my face overnight? Yes, you can leave rice water on your face overnight and wash it off the next morning. Does fermented rice water spoil? If stored in a hygienic way, fermented rice water keeps for several years. Can you use rice water on your skin that is two weeks old? No. Rice water can be stored only for up to 24 hours at room temperature, and for a week in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the batch will eventually ferment. Can rice water remove pimples? Some believe that rice water helps remove acne and pimple scars, fade blemishes, and prevent the appearance of spots on the face. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
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