Rice water, specifically fermented rice water (rice wine), appears to have natural sunscreen properties, according to a 2013 study. However, it's crucial to understand the nuances.
Understanding Rice Water's Potential Sunscreen Qualities
The reference indicates that rice wine (fermented rice water) might offer some protection from sun damage. The study highlights that rice wine:
- Can help improve skin damage from the sun.
- Increases collagen in the skin, which keeps your skin supple and helps prevent wrinkling.
- Appears to have natural sunscreen properties.
Important Considerations
While rice wine shows promise, consider these points:
- It's fermented rice water: The study focuses on rice wine, not regular rice water. Fermentation may be key to its properties.
- "Natural sunscreen properties" doesn't equal broad-spectrum protection: The extent of protection isn't specified. It's unlikely to offer the same level of UVA and UVB protection as dedicated sunscreens.
- Further Research Needed: More research is necessary to determine the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of rice wine and its effectiveness as a standalone sunscreen.
Recommendation
While rice wine might offer some benefits, it's not recommended as a primary sunscreen. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and follow sun-safe practices. Rice wine could potentially be used in conjunction with sunscreen, but more research is needed to confirm its synergistic effects.
