Rice water soaked overnight can become a natural, gentle toner that requires no time or effort to prepare. Efficiently harnessing rice water for beauty without waste.
Rice is a common ingredient in daily life and has been a beauty secret favored by East Asian women for ages. Japanese women during the Heian period (794 to 1185) started bathing with rice water to achieve smooth, fair skin. Below are some beauty suggestions for skin and hair using rice water.
Hair conditioner
After shampooing, pour rice water from the roots to the tips of your hair and massage to allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair. Rinse with clean water after 2 to 5 minutes. In addition to vitamins B and E and minerals that strengthen the hair follicles, rice contains inositol, a compound known to rejuvenate hair. Today, rice water is still used regularly by Yao women in Huangluo (Guangxi, China) to nurture their hair.
Moreover, overnight rice water has the added benefit of stimulating hair growth and is often used as a pre-shampoo treatment. You can apply this method twice a week.
Facial Cleanser
Rice bran possesses antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, prevents skin aging, reduces UV damage, promotes skin brightening, and aids in reducing brown spots. The proteins in brown rice are also used as natural exfoliants. During processing, this bran layer is often removed, but the residual bran on the rice grains can still be utilized as rice water.
Washing the face with rice water is a traditional method favored by many generations of Vietnamese women. The procedure is simple: pour rice water (strained to remove impurities) into a cool container and let it settle in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Filter out the cloudy white water at the bottom and dilute it with clean water for daily facial cleansing.
Toner
Fermented rice water or boiled rice water can become a natural, gentle toner, which can be preserved in the refrigerator for a week. In addition to applying it directly to the skin and allowing it to air dry, you can also gently massage it to allow deeper nutrient penetration and stimulate blood circulation.
Rice toner provides para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA or vitamin B10), which stimulates cell growth and promotes skin regeneration. Additionally, you can add green tea leaves for fragrance and additional antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Face mask
When combined with other natural ingredients, rice becomes a nutrient-rich mask for the skin. The rice mask formula includes rice flour or rice bran, milk, olive oil, and rosehip oil. After mixing thoroughly, apply this mixture to the face and rinse off after 10-15 minutes. The components in rice and rosehip oil help in restoration and rejuvenation, combined with the moisturizing properties of milk and olive oil.
Rice is a gentle, natural beauty ingredient suitable for various skin types. However, if you experience any allergic reactions such as itching or redness, discontinue use. Also, ensure the freshness of the product, preferably using organic rice to minimize exposure to chemicals.