Rice Water For Face: What Are The Benefits and Considerations?

It is quite interesting to know that some skincare products are going all-natural and organic. From aloe vera for skin, coconut for hair, and now rice water for face, what are the benefits and considerations you need to know about the use of rice water? Find out here. 

Rice is a staple food in every Filipino household. Many know the process of cooking and usually discard the rice water after the first wash. But there are those who claim the benefits of rice water for face and recommend incorporating it as part of their skincare regimen. How does it work? 

What Is Rice Water?

Rice water refers to the starchy liquid that remains after cooking or soaking rice. The rice starch accounts for 75% – 80% of grain weights. Rice grain comprises the following. 

• 12% water
• 7% protein 
• 3% fat
• 3% fibers 
• Vitamins (vitamins B, C, E) 
• Minerals

Most of which are also present in the water residue from rice. The vitamins and minerals then cater to the promotion of the growth of skin cells and blood flow stimulation. Aside from all these nutrients it brings, some people also consider the use of rice water for many different reasons as they can benefit from such pharmacological properties:

• Antioxidant 
• Anti-colitis 
• Anticancer
• Antitumor
• Anti-mutagenic
• Antidiabetic
• Anti-aging
• Anti-inflammatory

What Are the Benefits of Rice Water for Face?

Many people don’t like wasting products and resources. This is why some people make use of rice water to strengthen their hair while others also tried rice water incorporating it into their skincare. Here are some benefits of using rice water for face. 

1. It Contains Antioxidants

As mentioned before, rice, as well as rice water itself, has antioxidant properties, which are helpful in protecting skin from damage. Inositol is one antioxidant present in rice. 

Researchers conducted a study of 12 participants in 2018 to evaluate the biological properties of a formulated rice water gel. In a little less than a month (28 days), researchers found out that rice holds similar antioxidant activity as vitamin C.

Many of the skincare manufacturers and chemists alike add antioxidants as part of the products to provide these skin benefits. 

2. It Has Anti-Aging Properties

Something that goes hand in hand with antioxidants is its anti-aging properties. Using rice water for face may help you with reversing or slowing down signs of aging. 

For one, the same study mentioned the capability of rice water in reducing elastase activity, an enzyme involved in skin-aging. Hence, rice water can reduce lines and wrinkles on the face. Moreover, another study in 2001 tested the antioxidant inositol as a moisturizer to improve skin elasticity. Results then showed that it can help smoothen out existing wrinkles by up to 12.4% and improved skin elasticity by 17%. 

Furthermore, some also use natural rice water for face as a toner and it showed good results in the keeping the skin smooth and healthy and reducing the pore size.

3. It Helps Soothe Skin Irritation and Inflammation

Aside from the antioxidant and anti-aging properties alike, rice water is also beneficial to soothe skin inflammations and irritations. 

A 2002 research revealed that it has the capacity to heal the skin by up to 20%. This is in particular for those who are sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Additionally, it also improved the skin barrier in people with atopic eczema. 

How To Use Rice Water for Face

There are different ways on how you make and use rice water for face. Some of which you can do at home. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Soaking rice in the water for a good 30 minutes or so
• Boiling rice water 
• Fermenting rice water and leaving it at room temperature for 1-2 days before refrigerating

You may use it in any of the following forms:

• Wash-off water before and after cleansing
• Toner
• Mist
• Body scrub mixed with other ingredients

Are There Any Considerations for Using Rice Water for Face?

While there are no claims that indicate any harmful effect of rice water on the skin, it is best to run it over first through a patch test. This would ensure that you are not allergic to it or you would not have adverse reactions towards applying it on your face. 

Another consideration would be the shelflife of the rice water. You should discard any rice water that extends beyond a week. 

Also, consider consulting your dermatologist first prior to using it as a treatment for any of your skin conditions.

Learn more about Skin Care and Cleansing here.