6 Miraculous Goodness Of Rice Water For Skin

Rice Water For Skin

Being the staple food of Asian countries, rice is no stranger to Korea. Naturally, rice water has become another organic ingredient that has been around for ages, now also used in Korean skin care. One of the reasons Korean skincare is so hyped about is that products contain natural ingredients in their formulation to help the skin achieve that glowy, glass skin effect. Rice water is one of those natural ingredients.

In today’s quest for perfection of beauty, this traditionally used rice water is enhanced and has become part of the ingredients found in Korean beauty products. Asian women have been using rice water long before modernization. They would incorporate rice water into their skincare and hair routines.

One proven example is the Yao women of China. They are notably known for having long straight hair for centuries. A secret to their long and shiny hair is that they have been using rice water for their haircare. When they wash their hair, they would use rice water and rinse it with spring water. They add other natural and organic ingredients to the rice water to give added benefits to their hair.

Another use of rice water is for watering plants. Gardeners often pour water on certain plants to help them grow. Unlike ordinary water, plants can benefit more from the nutrients that rice water contains.

Knowing that rice water is very beneficial for hair and plants, undeniably, it would also give benefits for your skin. Now, you may be wondering what type or kind of rice should you use. There are different types of rice, white rice, brown rice, red rice, black rice, jasmine rice, sticky rice, etc. Actually, there are no scientific studies yet about this, but we can take into account what rice to use based on the minerals and nutrients it contains.

For example, brown rice is more abundant in protein than white rice. It is said that protein is good for your skin since it promotes the production of new cells. If you have mature skin, you might want to go for this. But actually, it all depends on you. Just don’t use instant rice and polished rice, they are less in nutrients. Some would advise you to use sticky rice since they contain more vitamins and minerals.

This water is thought to contain minerals and vitamins such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamin E, Vitamin B, phenolic, and flavonoids compounds. It also contains allantoin and ferulic acids, which are required for healthy skin. To give you a better grasp of what it can do, let’s take a look at some of the minerals rice water contains:

• Vitamin B, in general, helps in preventing infections and will help in promoting cell growth.
• Vitamin E helps repair damaged skin and improve skin elasticity.
• Vitamin A allows cell renewal, getting rid of dead skin to have a new surface of renewed skin cells.
• Vitamins C is a skin brightening, and it also helps in eliminating free radicals from sun damage. Also, preventing your skin from acne by controlling the oil production on your skin.
• Vitamin K reduces the swelling and bruising on your skin. It can also repair discolorations on your skin and improve blood circulation.
• Phenolic and Flavanoid protect your skin from sun damage and UV rays.
• Starch, Choline, and Anthocyanins help relieve skin from discoloration and promote the production of collagen.
• Allantoin is a moisturizing compound that will keep skin hydrated.

Rice Water? The Residual Water from Rinsing Rice Before Cooking?

The rice water everyone is referring to is the clean rice water. The water you get when washing a cup of rice for the first time is not what you will use. That water is dirty, and you would see that some dried granules are floating in the water. Throw it away or, better yet, pour it into your plant. You will need to rinse the rice at least two times and wash it thoroughly.

Rice water refers to the starchy water, which is left after the rice is soaked or cooked. Rice is usually soaked in a reasonable amount of water and is left for about one hour. You can also put rice in a cooking pot, add water, and boil for about 10 minutes. The residual milky water which you will strain out is what is called rice water. I would suggest going to this proportion, 1 cup of rice = 4 cups of water, and this should be enough as your rice water.

 How To Make Rice Water?

Rinse the rice thoroughly at least two times. Wash rice with your hands, you will see that white residue will come out from the rice. Leave it soaked and sieve the rice after. You can add other ingredients such as essential oils or lemon peel unto the water. Dilute the water if boiled and fermented

Springwater would be great, but an alternative will be distilled or filtered water. Much better rather than using tap water.

• Soaked – You will soak rice and water, leaving it there for at least 30 mins. Sieve out the rice and store rice water into the refrigerator.
• Boiled –You will boil the water and rice together. Once boiled, press the rice and sieve it, leaving the water into a jar. Store it in the fridge afterwards.
• Fermented – You will need to soak rice and water, it can be boiled or if you prefer not to. Once you sieve out the rice, leave it sealed for 24-48 hours. But in ancient times they leave it longer at least for a week, it totally depends on your preference. Just remember to store it in the fridge once it starts to have a sour smell.

Which Is Better? Fermented Rice Water Or Unfermented Rice Water?

Fermented rice water is more packed with all of the good stuff. It has a low ph level that would help in balancing out your skin’s ph level. But I would say that you still experiment with what’s more suitable for you.

What Can Rice Water Do For The Skin?

• Anti-aging properties

Rice water contains Vitamin B and Vitamin E, which are potent antioxidants promoting the growth of cells. Fermented rice water has rich antioxidants which are produced in the process of fermentation. Through this process, ordinary rice water can be turned into a powerful anti-aging element which can be used in healing scars, smooth out fine lines, reducing wrinkles, and reducing skin inflammation. It also assists in cell renewal and regeneration, giving you that firm younger-looking skin.

• Effective facial cleanser and toner

You can use this ingredient in cleansing your face so that you will get a more radiant and softer looking skin. All you have to do is pour some water into a cotton pad, massage your face for a few minutes and then allow it to dry. If you can use it daily, you will be able to notice the difference. Your skin will feel softer and smoother since your skin can absorb more nutrients from the rice water. Its toning capabilities smoothens the skin’s texture, reduces the sizes of pores, and tightens the skin.

• Acne treatment

It has a soothing effect that makes it the best remedy for acne on the skin. It’s able to minimize the redness and also acts as an astringent. Also, any future breakouts of acne will be prevented. The high starch content is the one that makes it the best for people who may be suffering from pimples and acne. It will also help fade your acne scars since it contains regenerative properties. It also has hydrating properties that will moisturize and at the same time, keep oil production in check.

• Protect the skin from sunburns

It contains phenolic acid and Flavanoid that mainly helps you in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. If you have been affected by sunburns, then you can use rice water in treating them. All you need to do is to apply a small amount of rice water on the affected area. Within a few days, your skin will start to recover.

• Treats discoloration and hyperpigmentation

It minimizes free radical damage and gets rid of dark spots caused by environmental issues such as aging and sun rays. It addresses hyperpigmentation and leaves a soft finish on the surface of your face. It reduces the redness on your skin, giving you that brightening effect. It contains vitamins C and K, which are nutrients known to heal skin discolorations.

• Treats skin conditions or irritations

If you have Eczema, put rice water into cotton pad and pat on that area. You will notice that it will get better. This also applies to Atopic dermatitis, allergies, and rashes. Rice water contains anti-histamine properties and anti-inflammatory properties such as starch, choline, and anthocyanins. Red and black rice are more abundant in anthocyanins, and they are effective in reducing and preventing skin inflammation.

Is Rice Water Suitable For Specific Skin Types?

All skin types can benefit from the rich water. It has a lot of skin benefits, and it is a natural ingredient, so you know you’ll be safe. At least try it out for a week or two to see if it’s good for your skin.

How Do You Use It?

There’s a variety of ways on how to use it, but you can choose either of these:

1. Pour it on a cotton pad and apply it.
2. Pour it on a face towel and leave it on your face for about 10 mins or more.
3. Get a compressed face mask and soak it unto the rice water, then leave it on until it’s dry.
4. Pour rice water into ice try, leave it in the freezer. Take one iced cube and massage it on your face.

Now there are a variety of Korean products that uses this ingredient in their skin care formula. From toner to emulsion to cleansing water and cream, rice water is now easily found in various Korean skin care lines.

You can have healthy and beautiful skin by using the above Korean products or making your own rice water. However, in case you decide to use homemade rice water, you can change your water after a few days. On the other hand, if you go for Korean products, you must choose one which suits your skin.

Korean Products With Rice Water:

Formulated with 72% of rice bran extract, the 9wishes Rice White Lucent Serum works in brightening, hydrates, and restores skin radiance.

With naturally fermented black rice and bamboo shoot extracts, the HaruHaru Rice Hyaluronic Toner has the ability to boost antioxidant-rich nourishment for the skin.

Formulated with 45% Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Enature Iroul E Rice Essential Tone-Starter is fermented rice water that helps you to obtain clear, moisturized, and radiant complexion.