Ayurvedic Methods: Rice Face Mask

Jan 27

4 min read

Is your skin breaking out from unwanted pimples? Or it's flaky because of the dry, cold weather? Maybe you just want to rejuvenate your skin with a soft glow and restored skin barrier? Originally originating from Japan, this face mask will act as a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer to filter out all the impurities from your skin and keep it smooth and supple.

Ingredients

Rice Bran Extract:

Anti-Aging Properties: This extract is rich in ferulic acids which contain a heavy amount of oryzanol. These components protect your skin from UV radiation. They prevent wrinkles and promote skin repair.
Anti-inflammatory: It's also known to control outbursts of acne because of the presence of inositol and phytic acid. These compounds can reduce sebum production, reduce bacteria, and lightly exfoliate your skin.

Honey:

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps keep moisture and forms a protective barrier against dryness. It restores the skin's natural hydration, leaving it with a dewy appearance.
Honey has also been valued for its healing properties. The Ancient Egyptians combined honey with other ingredients to reduce pain. Even in the present day, it is widely used for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds and soothing sore throats. This substance also helps reduce bacteria and excess oils that build up overtime in your pores.

Purified Water:

This ingredient amalgamates all the tense ingredients into a smooth, unified mask.

Milk (alternate):

This creamy substance is packed with vitamins D and A and lactic acid. Both are essential for the skin. Since Vitamin D deficiency is linked with acne breakouts, it may feel soothing when applied. Vitamin A thickens your collagen, reduces wrinkles, and increases blood flow in the dermis. Lactic acid can be used to treat dark spots which can ultimately result in a lighter complexion. This acidic exfoliant is a great way to clear out dead skin cells as well.
If you are dealing with a sunburn, milk (although not clinically proven) can be used as a cool compress.

Virgin Coconut Oil (alternate):

Coconut oil helps keep your skin moisturized as rice masks tend to dry up the skin. The organic oil locks the moisture in your pores and maintains a balanced skin barrier. It is also known for its ability to decrease staphylococcal colonization. This bacteria is prominent in the skin disease known as atopic dermatitis.
Remember to use this product in its limits because it is an oil. Skins which are prominent to increased sebum production and acne will not directly benefit from it. Try to use the other alternates as a solution.

Instructions:

1) Pour 1 cup of rice and water in a pot. Boil this rice for about 20-25 minutes until it is soaked and smooth.

2) Grind this rice in a mixture with honey, purified water, and an alternate of your choice. Grind until the mask is slimy and in liquid form.

3) After spreading this mask on your face, keep it on for 30-45 minutes for the mask to do its magic.

4) After use, store this mask in an air-tight container at a cool temperature. It will last for a week.

Vocabulary:

Ferulic Acids: This plant based acid keeps your face firm and supple.
Oryzanol: A rice-bran oil component that keeps your face free from any impurities.
Inositol: A sugar that keeps a balance between the water and salt concentrations.
Phytic Acid: This plant based acid helps with shrinking the pores and tightening your skin.
Sebum: An oily substance that locks moisture. Too much production can cause inflammatory acne.
Lactic Acid: An organic acid that acts as a natural exfoliator by mitigating any radicals.
Dermis: The middle layer of your skin --> contains much of the collagen and skin proteins.
Staphylococcal colonization: The most common and abundant skin bacteria associated with skin infections.

Wrapping Up:

As we wrap up this blog, don't forget to comment your experience with the Japanese recipe. I would love to know your thoughts! Please feel free to email me through my website if you have any questions. You can also share some health topics you are curious about to provide me with some blog ideas. Subscribe to my blog to be updated on more posts + blogs to come! Thank you!

xoxo,

Haley 💗

Citations

Ward, Fiona. “Acne Cure: Does the Viral TikTok Rice Face Mask Actually Work?” Glamour UK, 30 July 2022, www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/viral-rice-face-mask-acne. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Nagendra Prasad, M. N., et al. "Health benefits of rice bran-a review." J Nutr Food Sci 1.3 (2011): 1-7.

Strausfogel, Sherrie. “Manuka Honey for Radiant Skin.” Better Nutrition, vol. 81, no. 1, Jan. 2019, p. 28. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=5392e4e2-ebfe-3aaf-8c7d-fdea9c1e22e6.

Watson, Kathryn. “Does Milk Have Any Benefits for Your Facial Skin When Applied Topically?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 Apr. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/milk-for-face#milk-for-face-mask. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Lio, Peter. “The Surprising Benefits of Coconut Oil in Skin Therapy.” Dermatology Times, vol. 37, no. 3, Mar. 2016, pp. 9–96. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=71eac433-52a1-3902-b457-eef9edc0bad3.

‌