Rice, rice baby!

If you are a regular rice eater like me, then you simply can't deny. Like many other kitchen shelf ingredients, rice can also be used for beauty care. From ancient times, when cosmetics were not available, such natural ingredients were used for beauty care. Rice, the popular staple diet, is a natural skin toner, which promotes cell growth, stimulates blood flow and keeps the skin smooth and bright.

Rice is a traditional beauty ingredient that's been passed down through the generations. Rice water can bring moisturising and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Rice is rich in minerals, vitamins and high on the nutritional side, which helps to reduce dark skin spots and tighten the skin's open pores. The amino acids in rice can help for beautiful hair and skin.

Whether you eat rice or not, use it in your face pack for glowing skin. The starch in rice water is said to soothe the skin in conditions like eczema. Dip a clean washcloth into the rice water, then apply it over the affected area. After 2 to 3 minutes, allow the skin to dry by itself. Acne-Prone skin or even skin with acne eruptions can be washed with rice water to soothe and heal the skin. It also helps to tighten the pores and refine the skin. Rice water may be applied on the face with cotton wool and then massaged for a few minutes to revitalise the skin. Rice water has an astringent effect and helps to prevent pimples and acne.

Rice powder or rice flour can be used as a facial scrub. It is ideally suited to oily skin and is effective as a facial scrub. It helps to deep cleanse the skin and unclog the pores, discouraging and dislodging blackheads. It removes dead skin cells, tightens the pores and brightens the skin. Mix rice powder with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on the face and rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Wash off with water. Rice powder can also be added to 'ubtan' or body scrubs, along with gram flour, curd, rose water, powdered lemon and orange peels, etc.

You can use rice water for reducing dark patches or achieving fair complexion by mixing rice powder with raw milk to form a thick paste. Apply the thick paste on your face and uncovered skin and leave it for few minutes and wash it with clean fresh water. Repeat it once in a week to achieve amazing results. Although many beauty companies have launched soaps, toners, and creams etc, containing rice water it is always advisable to go for herbal homely products.

Mix corn starch powder and rice powder in 1:2 ratio. Apply the powdery material evenly on the face by using makeup brush and wash with clean water after a few minutes for silky smooth skin.

Fermented rice water protects the skin from UV rays and suntan. Rice wine increases the collagen in the skin, which keeps your skin supple and helps prevent wrinkling.

Rice wine contains antioxidant properties, which prevents premature ageing and wrinkles on the skin.

Prepare a thick paste of rice flour, castor oil and banana and apply over dark circles and wash it after some time with clean fresh water. It will lighten skin around eyes and keep you younger and fresh.

Take rice powder and Multani mitti in equal proportions and make a paste of it. Apply the paste on your scalp and rinse off with fresh water after 45 minutes for smooth, soft and lustrous hair.

Mix honey and rice powder and apply the thick paste on face and open areas. Leave it to dry in a natural atmosphere and wash after it has dried completely.

Cook a cup of rice. Remove the water and grind it to a thick paste with honey and milk. Apply a thick layer of this paste on the face and neck and let it dry before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Add yoghurt to a mixture of sugar and rice. Apply the paste on face and wash your face with fresh water after half-an-hour to get flawless, fair and attractive complexion.

Rice water acts as an excellent hair conditioner. Add lavender, rosemary oil to rice water and apply it on hair to balance PH level on the scalp and act as an excellent hair conditioner.

Transcending the boundaries of food, rice offers a plethora of benefits for your skin and hair, a rather surprising beauty staple that's been used across the world.