Rice Water Benefits for Skin, Uses and How to Prepare for Skin Whitening

Rice water has been hailed as a natural skin care ingredient since the old days. But little do we know about this magical remedy that can take your skin’s look and health a step forward. Rice water, the liquid obtained after soaking, boiling or fermenting the rice, is a nutritional powerhouse abundant with vitamins and minerals.

From providing a skin-brightening effect to protecting your skin from sun damage, the benefits of rice water for skin are innumerable. Scroll down as the article lists the amazing rice water benefits for skin and the DIY recipes that use rice water for skin care.

Rice Water Benefits for Skin

Heals Sunburned Skin

Rice water is an excellent natural remedy to cure sunburns. This is because rice water possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe the affected areas. Even though rice water cannot replace your sunscreen, it might provide extra protection from sun damage. It may work as a natural sunscreen when combined with some plant extracts.

Skin Brightening

This rice water benefit for skin is not scientifically proven but continues to be a major ingredient of cosmetic products in countries like Korea and Japan. It is believed that the enzymes contained in rice water impart skin-whitening properties and help even out the skin tone.

The Kojic acid present in the rice water may provide a skin-brightening effect. So bid farewell to dark spots and hyperpigmentation and achieve a healthy glowing complexion using rice water for skin care.

Anti-Ageing

Rice water is widely celebrated for its elastase inhibitory effect. Elastase is an enzyme responsible for skin aging, and rice water, which prominently exhibits elastase inhibition, makes rice water an excellent natural anti-aging ingredient.

The presence of antioxidants like ferulic acid in rice water can prevent the damage caused by free radicals. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and your skin will look younger and refreshed.

Minimises Pores

Enlarged pores are the primary cause of many skin issues like acne breakouts and oily skin, with increased germs deposition in them. The astringent properties and the skin toning effect together enable rice water to tighten the pores. So, rice water controls excess oil, leaving a matte look on your skin.

Soothe Irritated Skin

Rice water efficiently calms irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. It helps reduce irritation and relieves other discomfort like redness and itching.

Improves Skin Barrier

The nutrients in rice water can boost the skin’s natural barrier function. The skin barrier prevents the inner layers of your skin from getting damaged due to environmental pollution, harmful sun rays and more. As per the article published by the National Library of Medicine regarding rice starch, it was mentioned that rice starch improved the skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Hydrates the Skin

Another significant rice water benefit for skin is that it moisturises and provides hydration to the skin. Rice water is an effective and natural humectant, which makes rice water highly beneficial for people with dry skin.

How To Prepare Rice Water for Skin Whitening?

There are three different ways you can prepare rice water to experience its benefits for obtaining healthy, radiant skin.

Soaking Method:

• Initially, clean the rice with water to get rid of the impurities.
• After washing the rice properly, soak the washed rice in a bowl and fill it with water to cover the rice.
• Soak the rice for about 30 minutes while stirring the rice in between.
• Using a strainer, separate the water from the soaked rice.
• Now the strained water can be used in many skincare remedies.

Fermenting Method:

• Follow the steps mentioned in the soaking method of preparing the rice water.
• Allow the strained rice water to be at room temperature for about 48 hours.
• During this period, the rice water gets fermented, which can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Boiling Method:

• As the first step, take half a cup of rice and wash it thoroughly to remove the impurities.
• To a pot, add the washed rice and 2 cups of water.
• Let the water boil, and allow the rice to be cooked until it becomes soft and mushy in texture.
• When the rice gets cooked, strain it to separate the cooked rice from the water.
• Once the water has cooled down, the rice water can be applied to the skin.
• You might also dilute this rice water with some plain water, as the rice water prepared using the boiling method may be highly concentrated.

How to Use Rice Water for Skin

Given below are some of the different ways rice water can be used to cure many skin problems:

Rice Water Toner

The rice water toner can balance the skin’s pH and helps tighten the pores. You can also spray the rice water at frequent intervals to feel refreshed.

Directions

• The prepared rice water may be transferred to a sprayer bottle for convenience.
• To a clean face, spray the rice water.
• With the help of a cotton pad or using your fingertips, pat the rice water on your face gently.

Rice Water Ice Cubes

Rice water ice cubes effectively soothe irritated skin and help reduce the redness or inflammation on the face.

Directions

• Fill the ice cube tray with prepared rice water and keep it in the freezer so that the rice water becomes completely solidified.
• The rice water ice cubes can be wrapped in a cloth for easy application on the face.
• Massage the face gently with the rice water cubes in a circular motion.

Rice Water Face Packs

Here are some of the rice water packs that can be used to address various skin issues:

Rice Water Face Pack for Sun Tan

Ingredients

• Rice Water- 2 tablespoons
• Gram flour – 1 tablespoon
• Honey – 1 teaspoon

Directions

• Mix these ingredients to prepare the pack and apply it over the face and neck.
• After 20 minutes, wash the pack with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Rice Water Face Pack for Anti-ageing

Ingredients

• Rice Water- 2 teaspoons
• Curd – ½ cup

Directions

• Mix these ingredients, allowing it to rest for 10 minutes.
• Now apply this pack covering the face and neck.
• After 10 minutes, wipe the pack with a wet cloth and pat dry.

Rice Water Face Pack for Dull Skin

Ingredients

• Rice Water- ½ cup + 1 teaspoon
• Banana
• Castor oil

Directions

• To a blender, add half a cup of rice water and half a banana mashed to prepare the paste.
• To the paste, add a few drops of castor oil and apply over the face.
• Soak the cotton pad in a teaspoon of rice water and clean the pack with this cotton pad.
• After the pack has been removed, wash the face with water and pat dry.

Side Effects of Rice Water on Skin

Rice water is generally considered safe for application on the skin. But here are some side effects associated with it to be taken care of:

• Skin irritation: There is a minor chance of experiencing skin irritations like redness or itchiness while using rice water. So, a patch test is recommended before use, and upon experiencing any discomfort, seek expert advice.

• Allergic reactions: People allergic to rice water should refrain from using it, and it is better to consult a doctor before using it on the face to rule out any allergic responses.

• Frequency of use: Skin dryness is another side effect that may occur if the rice water is concentrated or the frequency of application is increased. This can be resolved by diluting the rice water before use and reducing the frequency of use.

• Sun Sensitivity: There is also a chance that your skin’s sun sensitivity may increase by using rice water, which can do more harm than good. So take necessary precautions like sunscreen application before stepping out in the sun after using rice water.

• Storage: The rice water may get contaminated if not prepared or stored well. So, proper care must be taken while preparing the rice water. It must be stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Rice water should not be kept for too long, and the water should be discarded if it smells bad.

Takeaway

Recently, actress Kusha Kapila shared in her Instagram post the role of rice water in her skincare routine. She emphasised the benefits of rice water for achieving healthy skin. Popular Korean beauty influencer Ava also shared using rice water to achieve glass-like skin. So, what is stopping you from achieving this glass-like radiant skin? Head to your pantry, grab the rice packet and unlock the benefits of rice water for healthy, glowy skin.

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