Unlocking the Japanese secret: how rice water leads to flawless skin without makeup
Many Japanese women seem to look years younger than their actual age. What's the secret? Half of it is owed to their dietary habits, which primarily include fatty fish, vegetables and a modest portion of carbohydrates. The rest is credited to their tailored skincare routine, ensuring proper hydration and skin elasticity.
10:28 PM EST, January 10, 2024
It's common knowledge that Asian skincare typically involves several detailed steps. However, the secret to attaining smooth and radiant skin lies in an ingredient we usually discard in our homes. This little-known ingredient is none other than rice water.
The Key to Radiant Skin as Seen in Japanese Women
The Japanese skincare routine encompasses five, seven, or even ten steps. The first stage is all about thorough skin cleansing. In this, Asian women prefer a two-step regimen. Makeup residues are removed with oil, followed by a cleansing gel to thoroughly cleanse their faces. The second stage involves a facial massage, usually carried out during the oil-based face cleansing. After meticulous cleansing, it's time for toning. Japanese women favor hydrating toners that are enriched with ingredients such as aloe, gotu kola, oats, or rice.
The fourth stage is focused on providing nutrition. Asian women swear by concentrated serums loaded with active ingredients aimed at moisturizing. The most popular ingredients are hyaluronic acid and snail mucus, both of which are known to prevent premature skin aging.
The final “mandatory” step, the fifth one, is meant to seal the entire skincare regime with an additional dose of hydration, typically in the form of a rich cream. An essential part of their skincare routine is the year-round usage of sunscreen, regardless of weather conditions.
Something You Might Be Pouring Down the Drain, Asian Women Use on Their Skin
Rice is a nutrient-dense product packed with vitamins that could improve skin health. As most Japanese women can attest, rice water makes for an excellent substitute for a toner. This seemingly basic mixture has phytic acid, iron, potassium, vitamin E, and B-group vitamins. Regular use can brighten and soften skin, improve elasticity, and even out complexion.
Preparing this rice water toner is straightforward. Simply place about half a cup of high-quality rice in a small jar and pour in the same amount of boiled and cooled water. After allowing it to sit for an hour, strain the mixture. Transfer the remaining liquid into a small bottle. Use it both morning and evening, and by the end of a week, your skin will become radiant and smooth.
