As a staple in almost every Asian household, rice is a commodity most of us enjoy every day. But beyond plates of cai fan and homecooked meals, this great grain may also deserve a spot on your vanity, as several skincare gurus have discovered!
Most recently, the granddaughter of a Korean ajumma by the username @tamsskyn took to TikTok to share about the rice water recipe her grandmother used since the 1940s. She believes it played a prominent role in helping her experience minimal sun spots and wrinkles over the years.
Credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
Tams, who is 42 herself (she looks like she’s in her 20s!), also swears by the recipe, and has since shared a series of videos documenting her rice water skincare routine.
Benefits of rice water for skin
Functions as an anti-ageing elixir
Rice water contains amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that may help delay or stop the ageing process of the skin. Furthermore, it may inhibit the activity of the skin-ageing enzyme elastase. As a result, rice water may help to maintain your skin elasticity for a longer period of time, creating mochi-soft skin.
Reduces scarring and brightens the skin
Fermented rice water can be beneficial if you have dull skin, acne, or uneven skin tone. It boosts collagen synthesis in your skin, resulting in a luminous complexion.
The skin-whitening effect of rice water has also been praised for generations, as it promotes the fading of scars, pigmented spots, and blemishes.
Combats sunburns
Rice water can also be incredibly healing for minor sunburns, soothing red, swelling, or itchy skin. It also has a toning and tightening effect, making it great for targeting common anti-ageing concerns.
Related read: Rice water is Asians’ secret to clearer, bouncier skin; here are 13 of the best products from Korea & Japan
How to make rice water
Credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
Start by pouring two cups of any Asian white rice into a bowl, and give it a good first rinse under cold water. Drain the water, and then repeat the process one more time.
At the third rinse, stir the rice around for 30 seconds to a minute, until the mixture is visibly cloudier than before. You’ll want to keep the remaining liquid, so store it into a mason jar and place it into the fridge to prolong its shelf life.
Credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
You can go on to apply the rice water you prepared on your skin for up to two weeks, before making a fresh batch.
According to Tams, it’s also not necessary to let the rice soak in the water in any of the steps, making this an ultra-quick and simple skincare DIY you can repeat often!
Three ways to use rice water
In another TikTok video, Tams shares with users the three ways you can incorporate rice water into your skincare routine.
After cleansing
Upon cleansing, use the rice water as a form of essence on your face by pouring out it into a bowl and splashing it onto your face directly.
Not only is this incredibly refreshing, but it’s also a great way to reduce the hyperpigmentation in your face and soothe any redness quickly.
Credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
As a toner
If you prefer a less hands-on approach, you can pour your rice water into a spray bottle, and place it in the fridge. Spritz a little on periodically throughout the day as a refreshing toner and let it air dry.
In the summer, you can even add in a tablespoon of lime juice and cucumber to experience a greater pore-tightening and glowing effect!
As a face mask
Credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
If you’d like your skin to experience the beneficial nutrients and minerals of rice water for a longer time, simply grab a couple of gauze cotton pads, soak up the mixture you made, and apply it onto your skin.
You can leave the homemade face mask on for 10 minutes, and carry on with the rest of your skincare routine afterwards!
Related reads:
- 7 Korean skincare secrets so well-guarded, you wouldn’t have heard about it until now
- The Korean skincare brand used by JYP Entertainment artists has finally launched in Singapore; here’s everything you need to know
- 5 “Asian mum” hacks for glowing skin without makeup; Koreans mask their face with rice-water-soaked cucumbers!
Featured image credit: @tamsskyn/TikTok
