According to scientific studies, fermented rice water has a substance called “inositol,” a kind of sugar molecule with anti-free radical properties that may help prevent hair breakage and damage.
Rice water for the skin
It has long been believed that rice water, or the water left over after cooking rice, will encourage stronger, more beautiful hair. Its usage dates back more than a millennium to Japan.
Dr. Sudha Krishna, a certified dermatologist speaking of the benefits of the rice water craze on skin, shares, “As a skin treatment, rice water is becoming more and more popular nowadays. It’s supposed to even improve various skin issues by toning and soothing your skin. What’s even more alluring is that making rice water at home is simple and affordable.”
Rice water has ingredients that are proven to aid in skin restoration and protection. There are numerous benefits associated with it, some of which science hasn’t fully substantiated.
Ways to apply rice water
Rice water can be made in a variety of ways. Before using any of these, the rice must be thoroughly rinsed. Most people claim that it doesn’t matter what kind of rice you use.
Boiled rice water
After giving the rice a good rinse, drain. Four times as much water should be used as rice. After mixing the rice and water, bring them to a boil. Take it off the hob. Press the rice with a spoon to release the beneficial compounds, then filter the rice using a sieve and store the water in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. Before use, dilute with ordinary water.
Soaked rice water
Soaking rice in water yields rice water as well. Proceed as directed above, but instead of boiling the rice and water, let it soak for a minimum of half an hour. Then, press the rice and drain it using a sieve. Lastly, chill the rice water.
Fermented rice water
Use the same method for soaking the rice to make fermented rice water. After pressing and filtering the rice, put the water in a jar at room temperature for one or two days rather than chilling it. Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as it begins to smell sour. Before use, dilute with ordinary water.
Benefits of rice water for skin
Rice water contains anti-ageing properties.
Rice water contains amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that may decrease or slow skin ageing. It may also reduce the activity of elastase, an enzyme responsible for skin ageing. As a result, rice water may assist in retaining skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of ageing indications on the skin.
It has the ability to
lighten your skin
One of the primary objectives of rice water is to brighten the skin and provide an even tone. It keeps your skin healthy, radiant, and clear.
Improve the health of the skin’s barrier
The outermost layer of skin is known as a skin barrier, which keeps your skin from drying up and making you susceptible to disorders such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. However, using rice water on the face allows the starch component to naturally preserve the skin barrier.
It alleviates sunburn and inflammation
Sunburn, irritation, redness, and itching can all be reduced by using starchy rice water. The cooling action soothes burned skin and reduces tanning.
Rice water can help reduce oiliness
Those with oily skin can rinse with rice water because it has astringent properties that assist in reducing oiliness and protect the skin from pimples and acne.
Rice water for hair
As rice water becomes more popular for hair care, anecdotal evidence of its advantages grows. Rice water may benefit all hair types and promote the growth of silky, floor-length hair. It may improve elasticity, add volume, control frizz, protect hair from damage, and treat dandruff.
According to Dr. Sumana Rao, MD, a certified skin expert and trichologist, it is critical to weigh the risks and benefits before implementing any treatment approach. “Countless products make claims about their effectiveness without any clinical research or evidence to back them up. While there are few risks associated with utilising rice water for hair, there is also little chance of major benefits.”
Although rice water is considered a natural home cure, people with specific skin disorders should exercise caution.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a disorder in which the skin is unable to maintain an appropriate moisture barrier, resulting in irritation and itching. This does not guarantee that a person with this condition will react to rice water, but it should be approached more strategically, such as by testing a small part of the scalp for a reaction before lathering the entire scalp.
Any hair loss or alopecia: If you are considering rice water as the first treatment for hair loss (alopecia), proceed with care. There are various types of hair loss, and some have FDA-approved treatments. Dr. Stephany recommends that anyone having substantial hair loss consult with a health care practitioner.
It is,, however vital to note that rice water alone may not result in significant benefits for hair and skin. Experts further highlight that there is no proper evidence for all the benefits depending on your skin type, and your regime should also include a nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and adequate hydration. Furthermore, it is always advisable to perform a patch test before using any new product or component to ensure that you do not have an allergic response or sensitivity.
