While rice may seem like a fairly basic and humble ingredient in cooking, there are physical properties of rice which make it very useful in skincare. Rice water can help to fight the signs of ageing, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote smoother, firmer skin. And while rice powder has intense mattifying capacities, rice water also helps nourish dry skin with deep moisturising abilities. With this in mind, we’ve delved into our stock cupboards to find five of the best products which harness the power of rice:
Medik8 Eyelift Peptides
Medik8 Eyelift Peptides is a multi-action anti-ageing eye serum that helps to lift and shape the look of eye contours for an immediate well-rested look. It contains a complex of 5 age-defying peptides which help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a rejuvenating boost. At the same time, rice and soy proteins strengthen collagen and protect against free radical damage to reduce puffiness and improve the skin’s texture.
Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Booster
Fermented rice water and green tea seed oil is combined with a balancing prebiotic, for a nourishing and hydrating boost from this calming booster. It has a unique water-meets-oil texture which gives your skin a multivitamin pick-me-up, and also contains cica and agave, to help calm and soothe the skin. It’s perfect for anyone with dry, ageing or reactive skin which needs a dose of TLC.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Another product with a unique texture, this microfoliant contains a rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. It is combined with a blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal which calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. It’s gentle enough to use on a daily basis, which makes it stand apart from many other exfoliators on the market although it should not be used on skin that is sunburned, irritated, sensitive or has recently been waxed.
Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Overnight Repair Mask
Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Overnight Repair Mask is a deeply nourishing anti-ageing face mask that helps to smooth out lines and firm the skin, treating you to an overnight facial. It contains rose and frankincense essential oils which reduce redness and calm sensitivity, as well as strawberry seed extracts which are rich in fatty acids, while nourishing oils of rice germ and millet seed help protect against environmental damage. It is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly recommended for dry, dehydrated and mature skin.
Elemis Superfood Night Cream
As well as containing rice bran oil, which is full of antioxidants, vitamins B and E, and natural emollients, this night cream contains extracts from a host of superfoods. Quinoa extract contributes all eight essential amino acids which help lock moisture into the skin, while black seed oil is rich in Omega 6, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids to support the skin’s lipid barrier for a healthy glow. Finally, an essential oil blend of lavender, ylang ylang and vetivert help promote feelings of relaxation before sleep, allowing you to wake up to healthy-looking skin with an outdoor-fresh glow.