![Rice water is one of those star ingredients that can be easily turned into a DIY. [Image credit: Takeaway | Commons Wikimedia]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/12/18/660x290/b_502x220x82/rice-water-is-one-of-those-star-ingredients-that-can-be-easily-turned-into-a-diy-image-credit-commons-wikimedia_1739039.jpg "Rice water is one of those star ingredients that can be easily turned into a DIY. [Image credit: Takeaway | Commons Wikimedia]")
Rice is a staple food for almost half of the world’s population, supplying as much as half of the daily calories. But, it is also an important beautifying ingredient. For centuries, Asian women have used rice water to beautify their face, body, and hair. Traditionally, female rice farmers in China, Japan, and other southeast Asian countries used to bathe and wash in the water used for cleaning rice. So, the next time you make rice, don’t throw away the water! It turns out it’s one of the cheapest ways to pamper your skin and hair!
Natural and simple
This DIY “beauty product” is so simple because some rice and water is literally all you need. Rice water is basically the water that is left after washing off rice in preparation for eating. It can be concentrated, diluted, and fermented. It is chock-full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are essential for beautiful hair and skin. How to prepare it?
Method 1: No-boil method
In order to avoid the hassle of diluting and storing, use this quick method. Simply take two cups of water and put a half cup of rice into it for 15 minutes. Strain the rice from the water and use this water to wash your face or hair.
Method 2: Boiling
When rice gets cooked, it releases many of its nutrients into the water and that is the reason why that water should not be thrown away after the cooking process is over.
The leftover water will be a vivid white color and will contain a high concentration of nutrients.
Method 3: Fermented rice water
Fermentation helps lower the pH levels of rice water making it similar to our hair’s pH level. Fermented rice water also has enhanced vitamins and nutrients compared to the plain version. To make it, use the no-boil method.
Then, keep the water at room temperature for one or two days. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice water smells slightly sour. Keep the solution in the fridge and use it for skin toning or as a hair rinse. It is very potent, so you may need to dilute it with a cup or two of warm water before use.
How to use it?
Once your water is ready, you can use it in your daily skin and hair care routine.
After shampooing your hair, pour rice water diluted with plain water on your hair. Using your fingertips, gently massage your scalp for a few minutes. You can rinse your hair thoroughly after that, but you can also use rice water as your final rinse. Follow this hair treatment 2 or 3 times a week for shiny and healthy hair.
As for using it for your face, you can use this liquid as a facial cleanser or toner. Damp the cotton in it and apply on your face. Let it air dry. With regular use, you will notice your skin feeling soft, tight, and radiant. It is said to minimize the appearance of pores and tighten skin. It can also help treat acne, eczema, and sunburns.
You can also make ice cubes and use them every morning and evening for a facial massage. Make sure you make quick moves and don't leave the ice cube in one spot for a long time. Do not apply excess pressure as it can be harsh on the skin.
