Have you ever been into K-beauty products lately? If you have, take a careful look at their beauty products and you will notice a star ingredient. RICE WATER!! Be it a face mask or hair serum, you will find it everywhere. If you are a naturalist you would make your own rice water without the harmful chemicals. 

    In today's blog, let's discuss its unbelievable benefits on hair and skin. Does it help oily skin? Or act as a natural hair straightener? We will be discussing all about that and more.

Skin Benefits of Rice Water

We will begin with the benefits of rice water with the skin. Let's dive more into its benefits.

1) Brightens your skin

Blemishes and dark spots can make your skin look dull. If you are looking for something to even your skin tone then rice water can come in handy. Of course, there is makeup to cover those dark spots but that's a temporary fix. 

How to make Rice Water?

To make this magic portion, all you need is Jasmine/Basmati rice. Give it a good rinse under running water two to three times while pressing gently with your fingers. For best results, opt for organic varieties with minimum pesticides. 

After getting rid of external impurities, it's time to soak the rice in clean water at room temperature. Add a little extra water and store it overnight or for 5-6 hours in an airtight container. Now strain the water and your nutrient-dense rice water is ready to use. You can also set aside the rice water for 24 hours to activate the natural fermentation process and get fermented rice water. 

After your concoction is ready, store it in a spray bottle. You can use it as a mist for your face, keep it on your skin for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. 

It can help to reduce skin pigmentation, dark spots, or sunspots. Your skin can often have uneven skin tone. Rice water can help you get rid of your dark elbows, underarms, and knees. 

2) Anti-aging Benefits

Rice plays a vital role in getting rid of premature aging. It is rich in antioxidants that can restore your skin's bouncy and elastic texture. It has been studied to inhibit elastase, a compound that causes premature aging. 

Rice water can also be made straining the excess water while you cook rice or rice noodles. Of course, that would be super concentrated and a bit more cloudy. That is why it is necessary to dilute it a little before use. Boiling a handful of rice in 2 cups of water will have 16% of protein, 10% of triglycerides and lipids, and 9% of starch in your concoction. 

This enriched water will also contain carbs, phytic acid, inositol, and inorganic substances. Try putting this water over your regular sheet. You can also add aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, or honey as a base along with your face pack. 

3) Reduces Skin Sensitivity 

Dry skin can sometimes get itchy. A lot of scratching on your skin may result to an inflammation which gives you a bad rash. Also, conditions like dermatitis can be alleviated by rice water. Use chilled rice water to pour over the affected area to get instant relief. It is also effective against insect bites and eczema. 

    A study found that taking a bath twice a day in rice water improved skin conditions in patients. The skin healing capacity improved by 20%. People who suffer irritation from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS ( A natural ingredient in your soaps or shampoos that strip your skin and hair of natural oils). If you have been suffering from frequent breakouts or dry skin, then this is your go-to remedy. Rice water is also considered a skin balance-restoring agent. 

4) Tightens your Pores

Rice water acts as a natural toner. It contains Vitamins like A, C, E, and flavonoids. It also contains ferulic acid and a few phenolic compounds that build a stronger foundation for healthy skin. 

    Open pores release a lot of sebum and cause your face to be sticky and greasy. If you want to naturally matt your face then you can dab a cotton ball or cotton pad in rice water and pat it on your skin. Too much oil can cause acne and breakouts. Rice water is like an astringent to get rid of those pimples. You can also pat it on your skin after you have washed off your makeup before sleeping. It will help with the larger pores and stop the formation of black or white heads. 

5) Acts as a Natural Sunscreen

You must have seen many bottled sunscreens containing rice bran extracts. You can directly use rice water when you are stepping out to protect yourself from sun rays. It offers protection from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. Rice water also works best for sunburn. Just leave it on the damaged skin and you will see a speedy recovery. 

Many oil-based sunscreens can cause breakouts and acne as they penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. Rice water is obviously water-based and will not add any oil on your skin. You can re-apply as many times as you want to freshen up your skin. It is non-irritant and tolerated by sensitive skin. 

Hair Benefits of Rice Water

Not only does the rice water do wonders for your skin, but it also has tons of benefits for your hair. Some of them are mentioned below:



1) Makes your Hair Long & Strong

Rice has always been a culinary star of Asian. One Chinese village holds the record for the longest hair in the world. Most of the women there have hair roughly about 6 feet long that almost touches the floor. Their secret is a simple hair wash with rice water. 

If your hair is taking forever to grow then you can wash your hair with this liquid and see how it does miracles for them. Rice Water is safe for all types of hair.

2) Helps to get Frizzy Hair Under-Control

If you think that your unmanageable hair can just be tamed by bottle products and hair treatments, think again! There is a better and more affordable option. Rice Water can be used as a conditioner to get shiny and manageable hair. 


How to make?

Just grind the soaked rice, add a few drops of water, and a moisturizing agent like Argan Oil to make a DIY hair mask. Leave it on for one hour and wash it off without applying any harsh shampoos. 

The natural ingredients will be gentle to your scalp. Studies have shown that rice improves elasticity, and texture and gives freedom from frizz. It also helps to give your hair a sleeker appearance. 

3) Doubles as a Chemical-Free Shampoo

You can have a great hair day daily with rice water. Grocery stores will be flooded with different shampoos having exotic aromas but a minimum of natural ingredients. Switch to this chemical-free hair cleanser that does the work much more efficiently when compared to your regular shampoo. Your head definitely doesn't need all the chemicals and nasty formulas. The nature-derived and multi-beneficial rice water maintains the natural pH of your scalp without robbing the natural oils.

While many people have experienced positive effects of using rice water, individual results may vary. It is essential to do a patch test before so you don't get any adverse reactions. And in case of any serious concerns, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional.Â