A dermatologist has revealed a Japanese skincare practice that has been used for centuries that can keep you looking both youthful and fresh.
Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana, often uses TikTok and Instagram to share her expertise, including a series where she shares various beauty and life tips from her Japanese mother, Michiko.
In a TikTok video which was posted last month, Dr. Turegano explains why using rice water on the skin can be particularly helpful.
“When it comes to skin care, the Japanese have traditionally used different types of ingredients that have become popular in skin care routines today,” explained Dr. Turegano out at the beginning of the clip.
Via TikTok, Dr. Turegano that rice water, which has been used in Japan for centuries, is an ingredient that can be beneficial for the skin
On TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, Dr. shares. Turegano often shares her skin care tips and tricks with viewers as a triple board-certified dermatologist
“Rice water is an extremely beneficial ingredient that has been used in Japan for centuries for its skin-brightening and anti-aging properties,” she continued.
‘Nowadays you see rice water in various products.’
According to Healthlinethe earliest practice of using rice water can be traced back to Japan more than 1,000 years ago.
Some have long believed that rice water is beneficial for healthy and strong hair, according to Healthline, and it has also become an ingredient in some popular skin care products, such as Dr. Turegano explained in her video.
Dr. Turegano added that one of her favorite rice water products was SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence.
“It contains enzymes, amino acids and vitamins that can help improve skin texture, promote a more even skin tone and enhance the skin’s natural appearance,” she said.
Some of the promised benefits of rice water include helping to soothe irritated skin, repair damaged hair and can even help with stomach upsets when used sparingly to treat food poisoning, according to Healthline.
While you’re talking to Brydie Last month, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, based in New York City, explains that: “Rice water has been used throughout Asia for centuries for its reported beauty benefits.”
Dr. Turegano is a triple board-certified dermatologist practicing in New Orleans, Louisiana
She revealed that many skincare products contain rice water as an ingredient, including one of her favorites, the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
In a YouTube video about Japanese beauty secrets, Dr. Turegano a recipe for a DIY rice water mask
Dr. Sobel also explained that the water ‘inherently high starch, vitamin and antioxidant possibilities.’
However, rice water can sometimes contain small traces of arsenic, so large amounts of it can potentially lead to health problems.
Heathline also noted that while there was no concrete evidence for this, some believed that rice water could help heal eczema and other blemishes.
During the video, Dr. Turegano said the positive thing about Japanese ingredients was the ability to take a ‘do-it-yourself approach’, but shared that using them in this way was not something she always recommended.
“However, it is something that I do not always recommend, but if you decide to take this path, it is essential to do so responsibly,” said the dermatologist.
In a Youtube video in which Dr. Turegano explained some more Japanese beauty secrets, she shared a recipe for a DIY rice mask that she approved of.
First, she instructed to rinse the rice two to three times to “remove all impurities” and then let it soak overnight.
“You can use the rice water as a toner, but keep it in the refrigerator and throw it away after a few days or a week,” she said.
‘There is also the question of whether there is possible exposure to arsenic with rice, so in addition to rinsing the rice well, I would opt for basmati rice, jasmine rice or organic rice varieties.’
DailyMail.com contacted Dr. Turegano for comments.
The dermatologist warned that if you take a DIY approach to these products, you should do so responsibly
In the comments section of the video, which she also posted to Instagram Reels, many users were surprised by the beauty tip
In the comments section about Instagram Reelswhere she reposted the video, many were surprised by the tip.
“The answer was in my kitchen all along,” one person wrote.
Another commenter typed: “I can’t believe the wonders of rice water were hidden in plain sight!”
“This is why I follow you!” someone else wrote.
‘Always uncovering hidden gems!’
Others claimed they had tried rice water themselves and were already big fans.
“Mamina, you are a skin savior!” shouted one Instagram user.
‘I started using rice water and my skin feels great!’
Another said: ‘Incorporating rice water into my routine was the best decision.’