Will Washing Your Face With Rice Water Make A Difference In Your Skin?
Every so often, new skincare trends that claim to have plenty of benefits for the skin arise. Many of these trends are simply iterations of existing trends that contain a twist. However, trends sometimes come from ancient traditions that are lost and later refound. One new skincare trend starting to rise in popularity once more is using rice water for skincare benefits. This rice water trend is nothing new to the beauty world, as it has been used for thousands of years. According to Ginger Chi, rice water is the leftover water that remains after washing or soaking rice. Rice water has had plenty of uses besides skin and has previously been used on the body.
While there's no doubt that rice contains plenty of nutrients and properties, it's essential to determine whether rice water is worth your time and effort. Since rice water has become more popular, there are plenty of options between homemade rice water and rice water products sold in stores. Before heading out to get your piece of this trend, it's essential to note that there's not much research on the effects of rice water. This lack of research means it's vital to research how rice water can help your skin and whether it makes sense to invest in this skincare trend.
Is rice water the newest solution for your skin?
For those looking to upgrade their skincare routine to get glowy and clear skin, rice water might be the ingredient you're missing. Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, the founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, tells Vogue India, "Rice water contains starch that is often added to bathwater to reduce inflammation in itchy skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. It is also used to soothe sunburn and reduce blemishes by some experts," before adding, "It is shown to have antioxidant activity by virtue of ferulic and phytic acid elements. Certain studies in 2018 also claim that it shows anti-aging potential by hydrating the skin and giving it a smooth, porcelain-like finish." Rice water has a long history in many cultures for its soothing properties as a powerful skincare ingredient.
Besides helping give your skin more moisture and protection, rice water is a flexible ingredient and can work with any skin type. Rice water can equally help moisturize the skin and remove excess oiliness on oil-prone skin. Rice water has also been used for treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation. While more research is needed to prove these claims, many have claimed to successfully use boiled skin water to lighten these parts of the skin.
How to use rice water on your skin
There's little difference between purchasing a rice water product from the store and making your own. Still, a skincare product like a rice water face wash would be ideal for your routine. As a face wash, rice water can help clear your skin from impurities while simultaneously helping to retain your skin's moisture. The vitamins and nutrients in rice water can help add vitality and rejuvenation to your skin, as well as help you reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
According to Be Bodywise, three versions of it can help your skin. Simple boiling rice water is made by covering the rice with excess water and setting it to boil. Once you take the rice water off the heat, you want to press a spoon on the rice to release even more nutrients into the water. Strain the rice, and you're left with your rice water. Soaking rice water is made the same way, except you do not set the rice and water to boil and leave it to soak for around thirty minutes. Fermented rice water involves the same steps as soaked rice water, except you will leave it out at room temperature for one to two days. Once it begins to smell, put it into the refrigerator and dilute it with water before using. Then, you're on the path to clear skin.