The Magical Effects of Fermented Rice Water on Skin and Hair
Eastern beauties have long known that rice is not only a delicious and nutritious food but also an excellent cosmetic ingredient. Ayurveda describes the extensive range of its applications.
Rice is a real treasure trove of potassium, zinc, magnesium, and iron, and a source of numerous vitamins, including B vitamins (pyridoxine, choline, thiamine, folic acid, niacin).
Unpolished brown rice contains the most benefits. Infusions of this grain are used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Among the beneficial properties of rice water for facial skin, the following are noteworthy:
- Improves skin tone, gives the skin freshness and velvety texture;
- Tones, moisturizes, and nourishes;
- Effectively fights enlarged pores;
- Prevents the appearance of inflammations, acne, and blackheads;
- Reduces fine wrinkles, prolongs skin youthfulness;
- Provides a good whitening effect, removes oily shine;
- Normalizes the functioning of sebaceous glands;
- Gives elasticity and firmness to the skin;
- Activates blood circulation;
- Promotes quick healing of burns and scars;
- Treats sunburns, soothes and relaxes the skin.
White rice is no less useful, and it can be found in any kitchen. Unfortunately, many of us simply pour out the leftover water after cooking rice as a side dish, wasting the valuable nutrients that have passed into the water and given it magical properties.
Indeed, the benefits of rice water are impressive, including:
- Promotes the cleansing and rejuvenation of the entire body;
- Slows down the aging process;
- Increases energy;
- Treats digestive system disorders (eliminates diarrhea);
- Soothes irritated skin;
- Activates blood circulation;
- Stimulates the natural production of collagen;
- Useful for enhancing lactation;
- Protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
In addition, rice water is great for strengthening and nourishing hair, promoting hair growth, and making hair beautiful and shiny.
To prepare rice water for your face, take the desired amount of rice, wash it, and place it in an enamel pot. Add cold water in a ratio of 1 part rice to 4 parts water. Boil over low heat for 20 minutes.
Then strain the rice through a sieve or pour out the water, and use the resulting rice water for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. It can be stored in a closed glass container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Overall, rice water is a simple and effective cosmetic ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for your skin and hair, as well as your overall health and well-being.
An even more effective remedy is fermented rice water, which is also very easy to prepare but requires a longer time to mature.
To prepare fermented rice water, take rice and mix it with water in a ratio of 1:4. Then, leave the mixture to ferment for 1-2 days, depending on the room temperature. Fermentation processes occur faster in warmer temperatures.
The readiness of fermented water is determined by its slightly sour smell and the gas bubbles that appear on the surface of the water.
During fermentation, the infusion becomes enriched with antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes. Moreover, a unique substance called Pietra appears during fermentation. This component provides a powerful anti-aging effect and triggers the process of cell rejuvenation.
Before use, it is recommended to strain the infusion. To stop the fermentation process, the resulting substance should be boiled for 1-2 minutes over high heat.
Fermented rice water is added to beauty masks and tonics to significantly enhance the effectiveness of homemade cosmetic products.