Rice water for hair and skin: benefits of use

Rice water is an age-old beauty remedy well-known in Asia, which is now gaining popularity worldwide. Women use it for skincare and haircare as it helps address various skin concerns and improves the health of both skin and hair. At Joy-pup, we explore the benefits of rice water, how to prepare it, and ways to use it.

What is Rice Water?

Rice water is the liquid left over after cooking or soaking rice. It contains essential minerals and vitamins that support skin and hair health, tone, and brighten the skin. Additionally, rice water helps combat signs of aging. Beyond external benefits, it also aids digestion. During the summer, rice water serves as a natural electrolyte, which can be added to beverages for an energy boost.

Benefits of Rice Water

Rice water is rich in ingredients that promote skin and hair health. It consists of approximately 16% proteins, which are essential for cellular health.

• Antioxidant properties. Rice water protects the skin from oxidative stress due to antioxidants like γ-oryzanol and tocopherols.
• Enhances skin tone. It brightens the complexion and helps improve skin conditions such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
• Anti-aging effect. Rice water stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Moisturizes the skin. With regular use, rice water hydrates and refreshes the skin.
• Promotes hair growth. Research shows that rice water helps accelerate hair growth and prevents hair loss.
• Supports gut health. Rice water aids in normalizing digestive functions, positively affecting skin and hair health.

How to Prepare Rice Water

There are several ways to prepare rice water:

• Boiling: Cook rice and use the leftover water.
• Soaking: The simplest method—soak rice in water and let it sit for a few hours.
• Fermentation: A process that extracts more nutrients from the rice.

How to Use Rice Water in Your Beauty Routine

Rice water is an effective remedy for cleansing, toning, and brightening the skin, as well as for treating hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and age spots. It also helps in acne treatment by reducing inflammation and redness, while the starch in rice water has a soothing effect on eczema. Rice contains natural antioxidants such as vitamins C and A, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that help minimize free radical damage.

For facial care, rice water can be used as a toner by applying it with a cotton pad or spraying it with a mist bottle. This not only improves skin tone but also helps manage acne and inflammation.

Moreover, rice water supports hair health by strengthening hair follicles, stimulating growth, and enhancing shine. It also helps prevent hair loss due to the amino acids and vitamins it contains. To care for your hair, use rice water as a rinse after washing.

Read also: Thermal water for the face—how to use it and why.