Step back in time to ancient Japan, where geishas had glass-like skin. Their secret, interestingly, was rice water. This simple, yet powerful potion was used to cleanse, hydrate and illuminate the skin. Fast forward to today, modern skincare enthusiasts are rediscovering and utilising the nutrient-rich elixir for vitamins like B complex, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and amino acids that are released when rice is soaked in water.
What are the benefits of rice water?
Rice water isn't just a humble byproduct—it’s a treasure trove of nutrients with many benefits for the skin.
- Brightening: Rice water contains vitamins and minerals like niacin and calcium that help improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
- Soothing: It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin, making it ideal for conditions like eczema, acne and sunburn.
- Hydrating: It acts as a natural moisturiser, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness.
- Cleansing: Rice water can also be used as a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, excess oil and makeup from the skin.
- Exfoliation: The natural enzymes in rice water can act as a mild exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal.
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How to use rice water in your skincare routine?
Wondering how to seamlessly integrate rice water into your existing skincare routine?
1. Cleanse
As a first step, use rice water as a cleanser. Soak a cotton pad in rice water and swipe it over your face to remove dirt and makeup.
2. Tone
After cleansing, apply rice water as toner. Use a spray bottle to mist your face or gently pat it in with your fingertips.
3. Mask
Create a DIY face mask by mixing rice water with honey or yoghurt. Apply the mask, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off for a luminous glow.
To further amplify the benefits of the ingredient, consider pairing rice water products with complementary ingredients like green tea to create an antioxidant-rich potion that soothes inflammation, hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and vitamin C to boost collagen production.
Tira recommends:
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil
Plum 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Hybrid Face Sunscreen with SPF 50
Plum 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water & Squalane
Skinfood Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Water
Mamaearth Rice Water Bamboo Sheet Mask With Rice Water & Coconut Milk For Deep Hydration
