How your skin benefits from rice water

Who knew that the secret to glowing skin might be hiding in your kitchen? Rice water—the milky liquid left behind after soaking or boiling rice—has been a beauty staple for centuries, especially in Asian skincare traditions.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy creams to reap the benefits. With just a handful of rice and some water, you’ve got yourself a natural skincare elixir that your skin will absolutely love.

According to the Amala Earth publication, rice water is a natural remedy for various skin conditions, containing essential nutrients like amino acids, vitamins B and E, antioxidants, folic acid, and inositol. These nutrients are said to nourish, hydrate, and repair the skin, promoting overall skin health.

The above source continues to mention that rice water brightens and evens skin tone, soothes irritated skin and tightens pores. Its vitamins and minerals are claimed to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema and acne-prone skin.

Rice water has been found to reduce skin ageing, reduce wrinkles and lines, and smooth existing wrinkles, claims Medical News Today. “In 2002, researchers tested the effects of bathing in water that contains rice starch on two groups: people with atopic eczema and people whose skin had become irritated by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).”

HealthShots takes us through the method of preparing rice water for your skin, it states that you boil rice with cooking water, strain the water out, and then store it in the fridge. It is then stated that you use rice water as a face toner by cleaning your face first, spraying it with the rice water and keeping it on your face for 20-30 minutes, then rinse it off with clean water.

Also see: Give your skin a boost with coffee, here’s how