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Often the simplest things or ingredients work wonders. For example- rice water. A humble by-product of rice, made through rinsing or fermenting rice is nowhere a kitchen waste but a powerhouse ingredient that can gradually transform your skin and hair.
Thanks to its multiple benefits, rice water has been included in beauty routines globally.
It’s time you have it in your routines as well.
In this blog, let’s learn how rice water is made, the benefits of rice water, how it can be used for your beauty routines and other details.
What is rice water?
Rice water is the starchy liquid left behind when you soak, boil, or ferment rice. Irrespective of the type of rice you use, it’s a nutrient-rich solution brimming with health and beauty-enhancing properties.
Historical significance
The usage of rice water as a beauty staple in East Asian cultures dates back centuries. Many Japanese, Chinese, and Korean women used rice water for their long, lustrous hair and skincare rituals for its brightening and anti-aging properties.
What does rice water contain?
Rice water contains many nutrient-rich ingredients like:
- Amino Acids: They repair and strengthen skin and hair.
- Vitamin E: it is known for its antioxidant properties that protect against damage.
- Vitamin B Complex: It enhances skin elasticity and hair texture.
- Minerals like zinc and magnesium: It aids in calming irritated skin and strengthening hair.
- Ferulic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and fights free radicals.
The benefits of rice water for the face
What makes rice water so crucial for your beauty routines? Let’s look at the rice water benefits.
1. Hydration and nourishment
The presence of vitamin E and amino acids in rice water makes it a gentle hydrator, ideal for replenishing moisture in dry or sensitive skin. It deeply nourishes your skin and hydrates it from within.
2. Brightening effect
Rich in enzymes and vitamins, rice water helps reduce blemishes, dark spots, pigmentation, and acne marks, leaving the skin with an even tone.
3. Anti-ging benefits
Rice in antioxidants, rice water helps in free radical damage, helping prevent premature aging.
4. Calming irritated skin
Rice water’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe redness and irritation, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.
5. Eczema relief
Its soothing properties can calm inflamed or irritated skin.
6. Pore tightening
Rice water used as a toner helps minimize and tighten the appearance of pores.
7. Skin Barrier Repair
The nutrients in rice water prevent moisture loss and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
How to include rice water in your skincare routine.
You can rice water for your face through multiple ways:
- As a toner: Apply rice water with a cotton pad on your skin after cleansing. It will help tighten pores. You can also mix rice water in your face pack for a brightening face mask.
- As a face mask: Mix rice water with flour to create a paste for a DIY brightening mask.
- As a mist: Store rice water in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist throughout the day. You can also look for rice water-infused toners like 3% Niacinamide face toner with rice water.
Additionally, you can get the maximum results of rice water by using rice water-infused products in your skincare routine.
You can explore the Plum niacinamide range infused with niacinamide and rice water that fades blemishes, brightens your skin, and makes it smooth and soft.
The benefits of rice water for hair
Rice water also has many benefits for hair, which made South Asian women swear by it for their long, silky, and lustrous hair. Here are some benefits of rice water for hair:
1. Strengthens Hair
Rich in amino acids, rice water fortifies hair strands, reducing breakage and split ends, leaving them strong and healthy.
2. Improves Shine
Its natural starch lightly coats the hair, without making it heavy, leaving it visibly smoother and shinier.
3. Promotes Growth
Fermented rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that helps improve hair elasticity and accelerate growth.
4. Reduces Dandruff
Rice water's antifungal properties help combat dandruff and soothe the scalp.
Tips to use rice water in your hair care routine:
- Rinse: After shampooing, pour rice water over your hair and leave it for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
- Leave-in Treatment: Apply diluted rice water as a leave-in conditioner for added hydration and shine.
Rice water is a timeless solution backed by science and tradition. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, strengthen your hair, or simply enhance your overall beauty routine, rice water has to be in your beauty arsenal. So shop for your rice water-infused beauty products and give this natural elixir a try.
FAQs
Q1. Is rice water good for the skin?
Yes! Rice water hydrates brightens, and soothes the skin while improving elasticity and reducing signs of aging.
Q2. What does rice water do to hair?
Rice water strengthens hair strands, reduces breakage, adds shine, and smoothens the hair.
Q3. Is rice water good for the face?
Yes, rice water helps soothe, and brighten your skin along with helping tighten pores and improve skin elasticity.
Q4. Can I leave rice water on my face every day?
Yes, you can apply and leave rice water on your face daily. However, it's best to start with a patch test to ensure suitability for your skin type.
Q5. How to use rice water for your face?
You can use rice water for your face as a toner, mist, or in a DIY mask for hydration and radiance.
Q6. How to use rice water for hair?
Rinse your hair with rice water post-shampoo or use it as a leave-in conditioner for stronger, shinier strands.
Q7. How to apply rice water on your face?
Use a cotton pad to gently dab rice water onto your face or spritz it directly as a refreshing mist.