Rice water for self-care

Rice Water

Rice water has been used for skin for centuries and has been studied for skincare purposes. This study concludes, “Rice water should be thus considered as an anti-aging ingredient to be used in skincare products.” Rice water has many benefits including improving skin tone, brightening skin, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, exfoliation, and soothing inflammation. It also encourages hair growth.

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Ways to Use Rice in Your Skincare Routine

A Toner

You can use rice water alone as a toner or you can add green tea, glycerin, or essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or rosemary. Rice water is used to brighten and hydrate the skin as it contains many antioxidants.

Face Mask

Mix rice flour with water or yogurt until it is the consistency of a paste. Apply your mask to your face and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. Or try this recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons of rice flour and 2 tablespoons of rose powder. Mix in rose water until it forms a paste consistency. Leave the mask on for 15 to 30 minutes or until it feels dry. Rice flour is a good gentle exfoliator that can leave skin smooth and soft.

Body Scrub

You can create a scrub my mixing honey or olive oil with rice bran. Use a circular motion when you massage scrub onto your skin. Rice bran is great for brightening the skin and contains many nourishing vitamins and minerals.

Hair Rinse

Rice water can be used a hair rinse after you shampoo your hair. Its nutrients will strengthen and condition hair and leave it soft and shiny.

Oil Moisturizer

Rice bran oil is a lightweight oil that contains antioxidants and vitamins and is easily absorbed. You can use it by itself as a moisturizer or add it to your creations.

Bath Soak

You can make a relaxing bath soak that will feel lovely and leave your skin nourished. Mix 1 cup rice flour, 1/2 cup Epsom salts, 1/4 cup oatmeal powder, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup dried milk powder, and 1/2 cup dried flowers. Mix ingredients and store them in an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place.

Dark Circle Eye Compress

Saturate a washcloth (or cotton pads) in a cup of warm rice water and lay it over your eyes for 5 minutes.

Face Wash

Splash your face with rice water or use a cotton ball or pad. Rinse your face with water if you would like to.

Face Mist

I love to make face mists. They are fun, easy and there are so many choices of ingredients. You can just use rice water as it is great all by itself. Or you can add things like green tea, aloe, glycerin, essential oils, or your favorite oil.

Powdered Body Cleanser

You can make a powdered body cleanser with rice powder as the main ingredient. To use them you just add water to make a paste. The paste can be used in the shower or bath. Try this cleanser recipe: 1 cup rice flour, 1/2 cup oatmeal powder, 1/4 cup kaolin clay, 1/4 cup almond meal, 1 tablespoon finely ground dried rose petals. Mix ingredients and store them in an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place.

Ways to Make Rice Water

First Rice Water Method

Rinse a cup of rice and boil it for about 15 minutes. Use two times the amount of water that you would usually use to cook rice. Drain the water and cool it. Dilute the rice water until it is slightly cloudy.

Second Rice Water Method

If you enjoyed these recipes, you might enjoy my book Rose Infused Radiance