Washing your face with rice-infused water may sound strange, but it can do wonders for your skin. Rice flour offers several benefits for your skin. It reduces excess oil, soothes irritation and gives you clear and glowing skin. If you have been longing for that glass-like skin, you need to try this natural ingredient for sure! Let’s explore the benefits of rice flour for skin and how to prepare simple DIY masks that will give you a radiant and healthy glow.

What is rice flour?

It is a type of flour made from finely milled rice. It can be made from either white rice or brown rice, as found in a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.

“It is an organic, healthy, and effective skincare ingredient that is affordable and suitable for all skin types. You can easily make rice flour at home from white or brown rice and mix it with other kitchen ingredients. Plus, for thousands of years, women in Asian countries have relied on rice flour for skin and hair care, which has helped them keep ageing signs at bay,” says Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda.

What are the benefits of rice flour skin?

1. Gentle exfoliant

Rice flour has a slightly coarse nature, which acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells, while giving a smoother and glowing skin. This natural exfoliation process improves skin texture and helps in maintaining a radiant complexion, as found in a study published in the Advances in Social Science, Education, and Humanities Research Journal. It contains enzymes that contribute to glowing skin and lightening dark spots or pigmentation. If you use rice flour-based face masks regularly, you will be able to get a more even skin tone and a glowing complexion over time.

Also Read: 10 steps to exfoliate your face properly for glowing skin

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2. Absorbs excess oil

“Rice flour also helps absorb excess oil from the skin making it particularly useful for people who suffer from oily or acne-prone skin. If you have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin, incorporating a DIY mask in your skincare routine can be helpful to make your skin feel refreshed and oil-free, says the expert.

3. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties

Rice has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it perfect for those who have sensitive or irritated skin, as found in a study published in the Advances in Social Science, Education, and Humanities Research Journal. It helps in reducing redness, and inflammation and is good for those with sensitive skin.

4. Combats free radicals

“Rice flour is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin E, which helps combat free radicals that can cause premature ageing. These antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage and improve skin elasticity, thus giving a youthful appearance,” explains the expert.

5. Hydrates and gives clear skin

“Rice flour also helps in retaining moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple. This hydration effect helps create a healthy skin barrier function and prevents dryness. Rice flour can also help in tightening enlarged pores, giving a clearer and smoother appearance, says the expert. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

Also Read: 5 simple butter face masks for glowing and soft skin

How to use rice flour skin?

Here are some of the DIY rice flour face masks to use in your beauty regimen, as explained by the expert.

1. Rice flour exfoliating mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of rice flour
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

• Combine rice flour with honey in a bowl.
• Gently apply the mask to the face.
• Leave the mask for 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

2. Rice flour yoghurt mask for sensitive skin

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of rice flour
• 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt

Method:

• In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of rice flour and 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt.
• Apply the mask to the face.
• Leave the mask for 10 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

3. Rice flour mask for oily skin

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of rice flour
• 2 tablespoons of Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

Method:

• Mix rice flour, multani mitti (fuller’s earth) and rose water in a bowl.
• Gently apply the mask to the face.
• Leave the mask for 5-10 minutes
• Rinse it off with water.

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4. Rice flour mask for glowing skin

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of rice flour
• ½ tablespoons of turmeric powder
• ½ tablespoons of milk or yoghurt

Method:

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
• Apply the mask to the face.
• Leave the mask for 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

5. Rice flour mask for dry skin

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of rice flour
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• ¼ avocado

Method:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of rice flour, 1 tablespoon of honey, and ¼ avocado in a bowl.
• Gently apply the mask to the face.
• Leave the mask for 10-15 minutes
• Wash it off with water.

What are the side effects of rice flour masks?

While rice flour masks are generally considered safe for most skin types, individuals with allergies should practise caution and avoid using rice flour-based products. Similarly, those with highly sensitive skin may experience mild irritation, so do a patch test before applying a new mask to the entire face. Also, it is recommended to consult your doctor before incorporating rice flour masks into your skincare routine.