Rice Water for Skin Benefits

Rice water for skin has become a viral beauty trend that is supposed to help you achieve glass skin naturally. Glass skin refers to a dewy complexion with a smooth, clear, and luminous sheen that literally resembles glass. This starchy water is not only known for enhancing skin health; it has also been used to promote stronger, shinier, healthier hair.

Just as rice feeds your belly, social networks claim rice water is incredibly beneficial for nourishing the face and hair. As someone with rice as a staple in our home, I definitely had to try this inexpensive beauty trick, also known as the rice water challenge, in my skincare routine!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Rice Water?
Benefits of Rice Water for Skin
How To Make Fermented Rice Water?
Conclusion of the Rice Water Challenge

What is Rice Water?

Rice water is a starchy liquid left over from soaking uncooked rice. It contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, which help to nourish for glowing skin. According to the NIH, rice components like rice bran and fermented rice bran extract include phenolic compounds, betaine, squalene, and tricin.

Fermented Rice Water Skin Benefits

• Anti-Aging Properties - Rice water contains Amino acids that help regenerate and repair skin while strengthening its barrier and improving elasticity. Its antioxidant properties protect skin against free radicals, slowing down skin aging. Pitera, natural ferments from rice water, enhances cell renewal to enhance skin radiance and skin texture.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties - Magnesium in rice water supports skin repair and soothes inflamed skin while vitamin E promotes skin healing. It also calms irritated skin.
• Skin Lightening Properties - The antioxidants from ferulic acid, vitamin C & B in fermented rice water help to lighten dark spots reduce hyperpigmentation. Selium also protects against UV sun damage and promotes even skin tone.
• Moisturizing Properties - The vitamins B & E in rice water help to boost hydration and provide deep moisturization.

How To Make Fermented Rice Water For Skin?

Preparing rice water is a fairly simple process. There are two different methods that are similar for making homemade rice water. The key to both these methods is the fermentation process. That is what makes the magic work!

Soaking Method

1. Take ½ cup of uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice works).
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
3. Add water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
4. Stir, then strain the rice water into a clean container or spray bottle.
5. Leave the starchy water out for two days to ferment.
6. Store in the fridge up to a week.

Soaking and then Blending Method

1. Take ½ cup of uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice works).
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
3. Add water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
4. Blend the rice and water together.
5. Stir, then strain the rice water into a clean container or spray bottle.
6. Leave the starchy water out for two days to ferment.
7. Store in the fridge up to a week.

Conclusion of the Rice Water Challenge

Many who have done this rice water challenge have claimed it improved skin texture, soothed skin irritation, tightened pores, and made their skin supple.

My first opinion of applying rice water to my skin with a cotton pad was that this is definitely a nighttime routine. Because rice is starchy, it left a slight white powdery film. After it dried, it made my skin feel smooth and soft to the touch. I don't have sensitive skin but I can see how this can soothe irritation. Although I would need to incorporate rice water into my skin care routine for a longer period of time to see if there are significant results, I would still recommend it just because how simple it is to add to my regimen and how my skin felt afterwards.

If you've tried the rice water toner and loved it, check out other products that incorporate rice into their ingredients, such as I'm From Rice Mask or Privai Rice Flower Polish.

I've never made rice water for hair yet, but I have tried Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Rich Rice Shampoo and Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein & Moisture Strengthening Treatment, which has made my hair feel healthier and hydrated.