The Amazing Beauty Benefits of Rice
In addition to being a healthy and delicious food source for over half the world’s population, rice also has some impressive qualities when it comes to your beauty regimen.
Rice water, the starchy liquid produced after rice is left to soak, has been used in Japan for centuries to wash and nourish hair and has also been used in Korea as a beauty secret for glowing skin for generations.
If that’s not exciting enough, this D.I.Y. elixir can easily and inexpensively be made at home while feeding you at the same time. The great thing about rice water is that you can use any rice you have lying in your pantry. You might be asking yourself is risotto rice appropriate, and the answer is yes.
Below, we will look at some of the benefits rice water offers in supporting your skin and hair care.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water is rich in nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, fiber and amino acids. However, it is the presence of a B vitamin known as inositol which gives rice water its power. Also known as vitamin B8, inositol has antioxidant properties and can penetrate damaged hair strands, repairing and protecting them against future damage.
Rice water can also improve hair strength, shine and elasticity as well as prevent hair loss and enhance hair growth.
Benefits of Rice Water for Skin
With a range of skincare products on the market to nourish and hydrate your skin ranging from retinol to hyaluronic acid, it can be confusing as well as expensive knowing where to begin. Rice water is a mild and vitamin-rich product that you can make quickly and easily at home to enhance your skin.
Anti-aging Benefits
Rich in amino acids, minerals and antioxidants, its ability to reduce the activity of the enzyme, elastase gives rice water its anti-aging properties. Elastase plays an important role when it comes to skin aging as it contributes to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. It also causes the degradation of elastin in the skin which is essential for skin elasticity and a plump and youthful appearance.
Sun Damage Protection
Rice water can be used to relieve sun damage such as redness, itching and sunburn. In addition to its cooling effects on the skin, rice water has natural sun protection properties that can protect your skin from the damaging UV effects of the sun.
Studies also show that fermented rice water, or rice wine, can be effective in soothing your skin from sun damage. Its ability to increase collagen in the skin can keep it supple and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
Skin Barrier Health
The skin barrier acts as a form of defense preventing pollution and other toxins and allergens from entering the skin. It also protects the skin’s water balance helping it to stay hydrated and moisturized and reducing skin issues such as eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. Due to its high starch content, applying rice water to your skin can help to maintain and protect the skin barrier.
With all of these amazing benefits for your hair and skin, try adding rice water to your beauty care regimen.