Is rice water safe for skin? 6 potential side effects of this home remedy

Younger or outdated, many individuals swear by rice water in terms of pores and skin well being. The starchy liquid, which is left behind after soaking or boiling rice, is commonly celebrated for its potential to hydrate pores and skin, and forestall untimely pores and skin ageing. You’ll be able to simply make it at house, and embrace it in your skincare routine. You’ll be stunned to know however there are a lot of magnificence manufacturers that imagine within the energy of this kitchen ingredient. No surprise there are such a lot of business merchandise corresponding to moisturisers, serums, and lotions, with this pure ingredient. However is it actually wholesome? Sure, there are advantages for pores and skin, however not all claims are confirmed. That’s why you also needs to know concerning the uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face earlier than utilizing it.

Is rice water wholesome for pores and skin?

Sure, rice water comes with some advantages for pores and skin. Earlier than we transfer on to the uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face, we have to know the way it will help us.

• Could assist to realize glowing pores and skin: “It incorporates pure enzymes and antioxidants which will assist to brighten uninteresting pores and skin and cut back darkish spots, leaving pores and skin glowing,” says veteran magnificence knowledgeable Dr Blossom Kochhar.
• Could forestall untimely ageing: Wealthy in antioxidants, this kitchen ingredient can fight free radicals that trigger untimely ageing. This sort of water may be thought of as an anti-ageing ingredient, and used as uncooked materials for skincare functions, as per a examine revealed in Cosmetics in 2018.
• Soothes irritated pores and skin: It has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist to calm redness on face, and pores and skin itching. “This makes it appropriate for folks with circumstances like eczema that may make your pores and skin dry, and itchy,” says the knowledgeable.
• Improves pores and skin texture: The pure starch in rice water will help to tighten pores and clean the pores and skin, making it really feel comfortable and supple.
• Hydrates the pores and skin: “This sort of water acts as a pure humectant, attracting and retaining moisture,” says the knowledgeable. That is particularly helpful for folks with dry pores and skin. Rice has phenolic compounds, tricin, betaine, and squalene which are anti-inflammatory, and have whitening, and moisturising properties, as per a examine revealed within the Journal Of Beauty Dermatology in 2022.
• Prevents zits: Its delicate astringent properties can cut back extra oil and clear clogged pores, stopping zits.

What are the uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face?

This pure ingredient is mostly protected, however there are potential uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face:

1. Dryness

It may be hydrating for you, however utilizing it too typically might result in extreme dryness, notably for individuals who have dehydrated pores and skin. “One of many uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face is that overusing it, can strip the pores and skin of its pure oils, resulting in dryness and flakiness,” says Dr Kochhar. The pH (potential of hydrogen) stage of this pure ingredient is round 6, which is barely acidic. So, extreme use can have an effect on the pure pH steadiness of the pores and skin.

2. Allergic reactions

Dwelling cures may be helpful, however be certain that to carry out a patch check earlier than utilizing any kitchen ingredient, together with rice water. “It doesn’t occur typically, however some people might expertise redness or irritation attributable to an allergy to rice water,” says the knowledgeable.

3. Pimples

“It could fight zits, however improper rinsing or utilizing fermented rice water that’s too sturdy can clog pores and result in pimples,” says the knowledgeable. All the time dilute rice water correctly and rinse your face completely to keep away from zits formation.

4. Uneven pores and skin tone

Extended use of this ingredient with out correct cleaning might lead to a buildup that causes uneven pores and skin tone, which is without doubt one of the uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face. “So, use it solely as a part of a skincare routine constructed in response to your pores and skin kind,” says the knowledgeable.

5. Sensitivity to daylight

Rice water could be a nice ingredient of sunscreen. A 2016 examine, revealed within the Worldwide Journal of Beauty Science, confirmed that it may be used as a sunscreen however must be mixed with different plant extracts. Nevertheless, instantly making use of rice water and stepping out within the solar might not be one of the best thought. “It will probably make your pores and skin extra delicate to ultraviolet rays, particularly in case you don’t wash it off correctly,” says the knowledgeable.

6. Over-exfoliation

It has pure exfoliating properties, and utilizing too typically or leaving it on face for a very long time might result in over-exfoliation. “It could disrupt the pores and skin’s pure barrier, resulting in sensitivity. So, restrict utilization to 2 to three occasions every week to keep away from the uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face,” suggests the knowledgeable.

Find out how to use rice water for face?

Whereas there are a lot of advantages of rice water in your pores and skin, it must be utilized in the correct method. Right here’s how you can use it.

• As a toner: Dip a cotton pad within the starchy water and swipe it over your face.
• As a face masks: Combine it with Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) or aloe vera gel to create a soothing DIY face masks, which must be rinsed off quarter-hour after utility.
• As a rinse: Splash the starchy liquid onto your face and let it air dry earlier than rinsing it off.

There are potential uncomfortable side effects of rice water on face, however this kitchen ingredient can also be helpful for folks with dry, and acne-prone pores and skin. You principally must understand how typically it is best to use it.