In our last post we mentioned how rice is so much more than “just” food. Now we are going to explore all the ways how you can experience the beauty benefits of rice water. Let us begin with skin care.
1. Cleanser
If you are wearing makeup, first remove your makeup with an oil based makeup cleanser as described in the 5 Beauty Secrets I Learned From My Mum. Simply pour some rice water onto a cotton pad, cotton ball or washcloth and massage and then gently massage it for several minutes onto your face. Don’t rinse it off. Allow your face to air dry, so that it absorbs all of those nutrients. After regular use, your skin will feel softer and look brighter. You can either follow up with your regular toner or skip this step.
2. Toner
Incorporate rice water as your toner after your usual cleansing. Pour a bit onto a cotton pad and wipe your clean skin. It protects the skin barrier, helps tighten skin and minimize pores leaving a soft, porcelain-like finish behind. Rice water can also be a good base for makeup, as its mattifying effect allows makeup products (foundations, concealers, etc) to go on evenly without any grease.
3. Soothe Irritated Skin
Rice water can be used to naturally soothe skin inflammation, rashes, itchiness and all sorts of skin issues of all kinds. It helps to heal acne as well as calm the redness of an outbreak. It acts as an astringent on the skin, tightening the pores, which will help prevent future breakouts. It also eases the discomfort that comes along with eczema. To use rice water to help heal your skin issues, pour some onto a cotton pad and tap it over the affected area. Continue to do this for several minutes and then allow your skin to air dry.
You can also enjoy the beneficial effects of rice water all over your body. Try a rice-water bath the next time you have itchy or irritated skin. Simply add 1-2 cups of rice water to your bath, then take a nice long soak.
4. Sunburn Treatment
Rice water can help mitigate the redness and inflammation of sunburn. To make it extra soothing, take your rice water out of the refrigerator and apply it sunburned areas immediately using a cotton pad. It is not only helpful with the immediate sunburn effects, it can also help diminish those dark age spots as well as mitigate free-radical damage from the sun, environment, and aging, thanks to its high level of antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, flavonoid and phenolic compounds.
5. Hair Rinse
Rice water also works it magic for your hair. It reduces dandruff, increases hair elasticity and bounce, promotes and stimulates hair growth, strengthens and thickens the hair and makes it look pretty. The amino acids in rice water strengthen and revitalizes the hair roots, while adding volume and shine to your hair. Just shampoo and condition as you usually would, but instead of rinsing with tap water, rinse your hair with a generous amount of rice water – be sure that it’s cooled first. Use it as a finishing rinse once or twice weekly for optimal results.
6. Hair Conditioner
Rice water can also be used as a hair conditioner. After shampooing, apply rice water to your hair along with a few drops of lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil. Let the rice water sit in your hair for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
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