When it comes to skincare, it’s very common for people in Indian households to reach for ingredients on their grocery shelves whether it’s turmeric, besan (gram flour), or even the oil section. Another commonly found ingredient that sometimes may fly under the radar is rice flour. Rice flour is created by finely grounding rice grains into a powder. While this can take the form of modak, dosa or even khichu, just a little difference in the preparation can create a fantastic rice powder face pack.
But why would you ever want to put on a rice powder face pack?
Unknown to many, there are many benefits one may use rice flour for. Face packs that are easy to gather and create can help gain these benefits of rice flour for your skin:
1. Gentle exfoliation
The very fine particles of the rice flour work well as mechanical exfoliators that can unclog pores and remove dead skin cells off the skin without abusing it.
2. Anti-aging benefits
By applying rice flour on the face, you can benefit from the antioxidants it contains that combat the effects of elastase. Inhibiting this compound can help in preventing early signs of ageing.
3. Gets rid of excess oil
Rice flour face packs can help you absorb the excess oil on the skin and leave your skin tight, without feeling overly dry.
4. Calms the skin
Using rice flour for face masks or packs can help soothe the skin as it has anti-inflammatory powers that work on the inflammation and redness of your face. Thus, you can also use rice flour for pimple-prone skin.
5. Helps with tan
Thanks to the anti-inflammation properties as well as gentle exfoliation, rice powder face packs can help with light suntans and are often recommended to lighten the skin, at least temporarily brightening it.
While rice flour face masks are beloved in many Asian countries, the effects of these concoctions alone are often debated. However, one can always give the treatment a shot—incorporating it safely with other ingredients—as the ingredients are easy to find and beloved in anecdotes. Also, if nothing else, it makes for a killer self care activity! Here’s how to go about it.
Rice Powder Face Packs to Try
Note: Patch test any kind of rice flour face packs you create to ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredient or that your skin doesn’t react adversely.
1. Rice face pack for oil control
Add a couple of tablespoons of rice flour to some aloe vera gel to create a paste. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and rinse off to bring an oil-free glow on your face.
2. Using rice flour for pigmentation
By adding a couple of tablespoons of rice flour to one tablespoon of honey, 2-3 tablespoons of milk and a bit of aloe vera gel, you create a rice powder face pack that will help hydrate your skin and provide a glow reducing the appearance of your dark spots and scars. This rice flour, milk and honey face mask is an easy to make concoction that needs to be applied and left on the face for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.
3. Exfoliation adventure
Another rice flour face mask that can be quickly put together is with 3 tablespoons of milk powder, 5 tablespoons of brown rice flour and some rose water. Mix all three together for a rice powder face pack that gently exfoliates the skin, leaving behind a fresh face!
4. Brightening rice face pack
Put together some rice flour, turmeric and tomato juice to create a rice paste for a face mask. Apply this to your face and wash after 5 minutes. This helps brighten your face and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
And there you have it, folks! Rice flour isn’t just for whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen; it’s a secret skincare hero that’s been hiding in plain sight. From banishing excess oil to soothing inflamed skin and giving you that youthful glow, face packs containing rice flour are super easy to make and packed with benefits. Plus, it’s a fab way to spend some self-care time. So, next time you’re at home and feel like your skin needs a little TLC, try a DIY rice flour and turmeric or rice flour and honey face pack. Your skin (and your future self) will thank you.
