A fairly old trick: using rice water to care for your skin can offer numerous benefits. Find out what they are!
If you’re one of those people who loves seeing new beauty treatments on TikTok, you’ve probably come across videos that talk about the potential of rice water for the skin.
Although it may seem strange especially to younger people, the truth is that this liquid has been a popular facial care ingredient for hundreds of years, especially in Asian cultures. For this reason, there is a lot of evidence to support its benefits and whether they align with the rave reviews circulating on social media.
With that in mind, we’ve put together some studies and research that can help you learn everything you need to know about rice water for your skin, from its benefits to how to use it.
What is rice water?
Rice water is exactly what the name says: the liquid that comes out when you add water to rice and then filter it to separate the enriched water. In skin care, it generally works as a toner or helps soothe the skin.
Due to the high starch content, its benefits also include the presence of vitamins and antioxidants that help heal the dermis, brightening or lightening dark spots and uneven skin tone, toning and firming, and calming inflammation and rashes.
Benefits of rice water for skin
Protection against free radicals
Rice water is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. In one study it was even shown to be able to block the formation of free radicals due to exposure to UV rays, also proving effective in helping to prevent photoaging. Another study found that, when combined with other plant extracts, rice water works as a sunscreen. However, it is not recommended to use it this way. Always use sunscreen to fully protect your skin.
Anti-aging properties
Research has also shown that rice water blocks the activity of elastase, one of the enzymes that destroy elastic fibers and cause wrinkles and sagging as we age. However, further studies are needed to better understand its potential anti-aging benefits.
Hydration
Rice water has hydrating properties and can help smooth the skin’s surface and improve its texture.
Soothes irritation
Rich in starch and vitamins, rice water can help soothe irritated skin. Studies are limited, but some suggest that rice water may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help with conditions like dry skin and eczema. While there are no conclusive studies demonstrating these benefits, it makes sense that a nutrient-rich solution containing hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients could help these conditions.
Hyperpigmentation may disappear
More research is needed here too, but it’s possible that rice water has skin lightening effects, which could potentially be helpful in fading hyperpigmentation. This is due to inositol, a sugar found in this liquid that has been shown in studies to have potential skin lightening or brightening effects. Therefore, it is believed that the use of rice water can bring these benefits even to people with hyperpigmentation.
It is possible to have side effects
Unless you are allergic to rice, professionals involved in the studies and research say that there are not many side effects you need to worry about when using rice water.
If you have very dry or dehydrated skin, liquid may not be the best choice because it can have drying effects. For some people, rice water can leave a sticky feeling on the skin, which can be uncomfortable. If you want to avoid this, we recommend using water in moderation and drying completely before applying other products.
How to use rice water
Rice water is suitable for use once or twice a day after cleansing. To reverse any drying effects and keep your skin hydrated, it’s a good idea to apply a moisturizer afterwards.
It’s worth mentioning that, as with any other skin product, we recommend starting with a patch test on a small area of ​​skin to see how it reacts.
To make rice water, soak half a cup of rice in two cups of water and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. After filtering it, the rice water is ready to be used on your face.
It is also important to know that you need to prepare the liquid regularly so that it does not spoil, since, if not used, it can become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause skin infections.
If you prefer, you can also purchase products that contain rice water or rice extract in their composition as, for many, this is an easier and low-maintenance way to incorporate this option into your daily skincare routine.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
