3 Ways Rice Water Can Nurture Your Hair And Skin

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For centuries, various cultures have relied on Mother Nature for their beauty rituals. From the golden elixir of turmeric used by the women of India to produce vibrant and healthy skin to the moisturizing properties of mongongo oil originating from sub-Saharan Africa, the natural world offers numerous products to achieve healthy hair and skin.

Whether it’s reducing dark circles or soothing burnt skin, hydrating your hair, or reducing tension bumps on the scalp, there is a natural way to remedy your problem. One of the most readily available ingredients you can start using today to enhance your beauty regimen can easily be found in your pantry or on your nearest supermarket shelf. As well as being a healthy and nutritional source of food for much of the world’s population, the humble rice grain also offers some impressive benefits regarding beauty. The starchy liquid produced by rice water has been used for centuries by the women of China and Japan to nourish their skin and hair and is also touted as a beauty secret amongst Korean women to help them achieve glowing skin.

In this article, we’ll look more closely into some of the great benefits of rice water in your hair and skincare.

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Benefits of rice water for hair

The origins of using rice water sprang from the Guangxi region of China, where the women of the Huangluo village first used it for their hair. The treatment has been so effective that the village is known as the ‘Land of Rapunzels‘ because of the long and luscious locks of the women of the Red Yao tribe there. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that nourish the scalp and hair, including B vitamins, amino acids, and zinc, rice water can improve hair’s strength, shine, and elasticity and prevent it from falling out.

One of the reasons why rice water is so effective in improving the condition of the hair is thanks to the presence of an antioxidant called inositol. Also known as vitamin B8, this ingredient gives rice water the power to protect and repair the hair due to its ability to penetrate the hair strand.

Regular use of rice water can support your hair and protect it from future damage. Additional benefits of using rice water as part of your hair care regimen include:

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• Promotes hair growth
• Strengthens the hair
• Makes hair sleeker and smoother
• Increases shine
• Benefits of Rice Water for Skin

With an abundance of serums, creams, and lotions all making claims to transform your skin it can be easy to become bewildered with your options. No matter your skin type, rice water can act as a mild and nutrient-packed treatment that can enliven and enhance your skin. Below are some of the many benefits it offers regarding skincare.

1. Anti-aging benefits

Rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals, rice water has powerful anti-aging properties thanks to its ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called elastase. Elastase is known to degrade the skin’s elastin fibers, which give it its elasticity, thereby causing wrinkling and sagging. Regular use of rice water can slow this process down, helping you achieve a firm and youthful appearance for longer.

2. Protection from sun damage

It offers a cooling effect to relieve the skin from the discomfort of sunburn, redness, and itching. Rice water also acts as a natural sunscreen protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Studies have also found that rice wine, or fermented rice water, contains natural sunscreen protection and can soothe the skin from sun damage due to its ability to increase collagen in the skin. This is also beneficial for keeping the skin looking supple and youthful and free from wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Skin barrier health

The skin barrier is your skin’s form of defense and prevents pollutants, allergens, and toxins from entering the skin. It also plays a vital role in balancing the skin’s water content, helping it to remain hydrated and moisturized, and preventing skin problems such as dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema.

Thanks to its high starch levels, rice water can help to improve and repair this natural barrier, helping to keep the skin healthy and looked after.

Rice water offers many benefits for your hair and skincare. It can also be easily and inexpensively made in the comfort of your own home so the next time you’re serving rice for dinner, don’t forget to save the water.

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