The beauty benefits of rice, An integral part of Indian cuisine, and course in your pantry, rice is a dietary staple that one just cannot do without. With several savory dishes such as idlis, dosas, and biryanis to its credit, this versatile grain scores high in nutritional value. But did you know it could be as good for your skin and hair?
Transcending the boundaries of food, rice offers a plethora of benefits for your skin and hair, a rather surprising beauty staple that’s been used across the world. So what are you waiting for? Experiment with this multipurpose grain, and discover multiple ways to reap the benefits of this powerful beauty ingredient.
Historically speaking
The use of rice in various beauty rituals over the years has bestowed Asian women with long, lustrous hair, and flawless skin that is undoubtedly admired worldwide. In 800 AD Japan, noble ladies of the Japanese Imperial Court, known for their long, jet-black hair, used rice water to rinse it for adding luster and length. Similarly, the Red Yao tribe of Hunglao village in China has been acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘world’s longest hair village. The secret? The age-old tradition is followed by people using rice water to wash and nourish their hair. Its uses are not limited to hair, rice has been used as a cosmetic for years. In Japan, rice powder was used by both men and women to paint their faces, necks, throats, and chests. Japanese women would also polish their skin with little bags containing rice bran for attractive skin.
Game on
Rice can be used as an exfoliator, cleanser, and sun-protecting agent. It also has anti-aging properties and works well to fight acne and other skin inflammations. Being an efficacious element in skincare, rice can also be used in haircare for growth, slowing the process of greying, treating dandruff, and getting rid of frizz.
Face powder
Essential for oily skin during the summer, a face powder provides relief from the greasiness. Make one with rice powder as an option for when you run out of your regular talc.
To use: Mix two tablespoons of rice flour with one tablespoon of cornstarch to create a natural face powder that could be an easy alternative to any store-bought product. This mixture will easily blend with the layers of your skin and cover pores that secrete oil. It also doubles as a makeup setting powder.
Skin exfoliator
A buildup of dead skin cells can make your face look dull and tired. Dead skin cells will also lead to clogged pores and other skin problems. To thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate your skin without irritating it, a natural scrub with rice is a good bet. A natural rice flour scrub can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, treat uneven skin tone and blemishes, control excess oil secretion and help brighten your skin.
To use: Combine half a cup of coarse rice flour with a quarter cup of gram flour, and half a teaspoon of turmeric. This mixture can be stored for a month in an air-tight jar. Take a tablespoon of the scrub and add a tablespoon of water or rose water to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your face and gently scrub. Wash away with cool water to reveal baby-soft skin.
Facial toner
It is essential to tone your skin after cleansing to tighten your pores and maintain a healthy barrier against environmental aggressors. But most toners available on the market can dry out your skin and disturb the balance required for proper skin health. Natural toners do the job without drying out the skin or causing irritation.
To use: Create your rice water by soaking a cup of rinsed rice in water for 15 to 20 minutes, gently swirling and kneading it time and again to ensure the vitamins and minerals are mixed with the water. Strain it after 20 minutes and use the water as a toner. This natural toner will tighten your pores, promote cell regeneration, and keep your skin smooth and bright. The beauty benefits of rice.
Anti-acne face pack
Acne-prone skin is highly sensitive and only certain products in the market truly target and treat this problem. But finding the right product means putting your skin through a trial and error process which is bad news. Skipping this troublesome process by opting for a natural solution to treat that acne could work well. There are so many beautiful benefits of rice.
To use: Mix two tablespoons of rice flour with a pinch of turmeric and four tablespoons of tomato juice to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas of your skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. This pack will treat acne, reduce further outbreaks and soothe redness. The enzymes present in tomato juice will also lighten any dark spots on your skin.
Anti-dandruff mask
Dandruff is your worst nemesis. Not only does it make your scalp itchy, but it also causes acne if particles fall on your face. Other than acne, dandruff is another embarrassing phenomenon that needs to be nipped in the bud. While there are in-salon treatments available to treat dandruff, it is equally important to practice home care. Rice flour effectively cleanses the scalp; the amino acids and minerals keep the scalp nourished. Fenugreek seeds also help in stimulating blood circulation and moisturize your scalp, relieving it from itchiness and dandruff.
To use: Soak three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and then grind them to a paste. Mix four tablespoons of rice flour with the fenugreek paste and add some water to make a smooth paste. Use this paste on the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes followed by a rinse with water. You could repeat the application twice a week to get rid of dandruff quickly.
Smoothening hair rinse
A shiny mane will never let you down. Every woman dreams of long luscious locks, free of dandruff and split ends. Rice water can be the magic ingredient that will help you achieve that dream. Rice water is rich in amino and fatty acids which cure split ends, reduce frizz, smoothen the hair, and promote hair growth.
To use: Create your rice water and pour some into a bowl. You could also add some green tea to the bowl to avoid the buildup of rice water in your hair; it will impart an additional shine. To use, simply pour this mixture onto your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for ten minutes and rinse with regular water for softer, smoother locks.
The beauty benefits of rice
DID YOU KNOW?
1. Rice is the oldest known food that is still consumed worldwide. Archaeologists have dated its consumption back to 5000 BC.
2. Asia is the highest producer of rice in the world and the continent also consumes about 90 percent of the world’s rice.
3. There are over 40,000 varieties of rice available. The three most favored varieties are Basmati, Thai Jasmine, and Italian Arborio.
4. September is celebrated as National Rice Month in the United States.
5. Rice is used to make alcoholic beverages such as rice wine, rice beer, sake, and grappa.
Source – Femina India
