Koreans use rice water on their face primarily as a gentle, natural cleanser.
Here's a breakdown of how they incorporate it into their skincare routines:
Cleansing with Rice Water
Rice water, the starchy liquid left over after rinsing or cooking rice, is valued in Korean skincare for its gentle cleansing properties. Here's how to use it effectively:
- Preparation: After rinsing rice, collect the cloudy water. You can let it sit for a bit to allow the starch to settle.
- Application:
- Soak a cotton pad in the rice water.
- Gently wipe your face with the saturated cotton pad.
- Repeat until your face feels clean, removing impurities and makeup traces.
- Benefits: This method cleanses the skin without stripping away natural oils, making it suitable for daily use, especially for sensitive skin.
Why Koreans Value Rice Water
The use of rice water stems from traditional Korean beauty practices and it is known for several benefits:
- Gentle Cleansing: It provides a mild cleansing action, suitable for daily use, according to the reference, where it mentions using "rice water as a cleanser by applying it to your face using a cotton pad" and that it "acts as a gentle, natural cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils."
- Natural and Affordable: Rice water is an easily accessible and cost-effective alternative to commercial cleansers.
- Skin Brightening and Toning: It's believed to help even out skin tone and provide a subtle brightening effect.
Practical Tips
- Freshness: Use freshly made rice water for optimal benefits.
- Storage: If not used immediately, store rice water in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
- Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying to the entire face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In summary, Koreans utilize rice water on the face as a gentle cleanser, making it a natural and affordable way to remove impurities and maintain healthy-looking skin.
