Eat & Apply: Black Rice Skin Benefits

Once upon a time, in China, there was a variety of rice so nutritious and unique that it was forbidden for the common people to eat it. We are talking about black rice, a variety of sticky rice with a purplish-black outer layer that was reserved only for the royal family in the olden days. 

Rice has been a key part of Asian cuisine and culture since ancient times. And there are so many varieties, each with a unique nutritional composition. But one variety of rice is considered to be a holy trifecta of taste, nutrition, and aesthetic- the black rice.

Also called the ‘forbidden rice’ or ‘purple rice’, it belongs to the Oryza Sativa species of rice and has a unique purplish-black hue from which it gets its name. Its taste was so rich that it slowly became reserved only for the royal families.

Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. Black rice is now cultivated in various Asian countries so lesser mortals like us too can access the health and beauty benefits of black rice.

Skincare Benefits of Black Rice

• 1. It has anti-aging properties.

The rice gets its unique color from anthocyanins- a natural pigment and powerful antioxidant that present abundantly in this forbidden rice. And that’s not all, it has several other carotenoids and flavonoids which make it an antioxidant-rich ingredient.

We all know how antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative damage and the breakdown of collagen. So black rice-infused skincare can indeed help fight fine lines and wrinkles and keep your skin firm and youthful.

• 2. It soothes your skin

Along with being a powerful antioxidant, anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. So black rice can also help deal with breakouts and other skin problems that cause irritation and redness.

• 3. Improves overall skin health

Loaded with several more nutrients compared to other rice varieties, black rice has amino acids, niacin, zinc, and other nutrients that help strengthen and nourish your skin barrier.

How To Eat Black Rice For Healthy Skin

The good news is you can eat your way to good skin and health with the help of black rice. A nourishing diet is as important as using good skin care products for keeping your skin healthy. And black rice will provide your body with multiple vital nutrients that support healthy skin functioning.

 It is easily available on Amazon and incorporating it into your diet is as simple as swapping it in for white rice in all recipes. It is a stickier grain so you will need more water to cook it than usual.

Try a sticky pudding with black rice or even a black rice bowl with your favorite sauteed veggies on the side.

How To Apply Black Rice For Naturally Glowing Skin

You can also use black rice water on your skin to get healthy, radiant skin. After you have boiled the rice, don’t throw away the water it was cooked in. Strain and add it to a spray bottle and use it as a toner for tighter, hydrated skin.