While the whole world is gushing over creams and lotions, Asia’s popular but well-kept secret is all you need, to have glowing skin and beautiful hair.
(Dramatic Drum Rolling)
This big secret is nothing but the water used to soak or boil rice, contains benefits galore and adds to the personal care, enhancing your skin in a natural and healthy way.
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The water should be stored in a jar, vessel or bottle at room temperature in a dry place. It can be consumed immediately or within four to five days maximum. The older the solution, the more concentrated, so you need to dilute it with water each passing day.
It would be better to use organic rice, clean filtered water, and rinse the rice thoroughly to get rid of any pollutants and pesticides. White rice is preferred over brown or red rice, since the water from the former has more extensive benefits.
HAIR BENEFITS
1. Say goodbye to frizzy hair
According to a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, rice water is the best solution for hair treatment with only benefits like improved elasticity, texture, lesser friction and frizz, which is due to the presence of inositol, a carbohydrate.
2. Chemical-free hair cleanser
Works well as a shampoo without chemicals and preservatives, plus as a conditioner too!
3. Perfect balance for scalp’s pH levels
Not only keeps your hair’s natural oils intact but also your pH levels. For more benefits, a few drops of your preferred essential oils can be added to rice water and this mix can replace one’s regular shampoo.
SKIN BENEFITS?
1. Gives a soothing feel for sensitive skin
People suffering from acne, pimples and rashes benefit from taking a bath using rice water, twice a day. The most natural way with high starch content, so rejoice guys!
2. Saves from Skin Cancer and Sun
Rice water is a natural sunscreen, giving protection against UV rays. Apply it on your skin and it will recover from sunburns. The presence of antioxidants keeps various skin cancers at bay. It also acts as an anti-ageing agent, rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, all of which are necessary for skin function.
3. Improves complexion
If you dip a cotton ball in rice water and massage it on your face, your skin tone will become brighter.
OTHER USES?
1. Perfect remedy for stomach related ailments
Drinking up rice water is a cure to stomach infections, gastric problems and nausea along with eczema, fever and other bacterial infections. It improves gut health drastically, which in turn reflects on the outside, giving you smooth and radiant skin. It is full of energy, with low-calorie but high-carb, to provide your body with the boost it needs to get through the day effectively.
2. Good for babies
It is used extensively across Asian cultures for babies who are weaning off nursing, to settle their stomachs.
3. Part of a traditional diet
In South India, Kanji, a fermented gruel made from rice water is part of the daily staple diet, especially among farmers and agriculturists. In the hot tropical summers, it prevents dehydration, replenishing lost nutrients and reduces chances of ailments.
CELEBS SPEAK
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the celebs who swears by rice water. Whenever her skin needs a little pick-me-up, she opts for a rice water facial, massaging concentrated amounts into her skin and letting it sit for a while. She also takes it one step further, mixing it up with rice flour for a scrub. This is her secret to youthful and radiant skin.
Internationally, London-based facialist Su-Man Hsu boasts about clients who include Juliette Binoche, Anne Hathaway and Freida Pinto who uses her skincare products. She makes these products by herself, using beauty recipes her mother and grandmother taught her. A key ingredient in this Taiwanese’s anti-ageing kit is rice water.
And on using rice water your body will thank you for these wonders, so will your skin!
