Luxurious Rice Water Soak For The Dry Hands of Autumn

We've all experienced it, especially in certain regions and climates.  One day it's summer and 95 degrees, and the next day you start the morning with a 50 degree chill in the air.  Usually, the first parts of my body to react to this drop in temperature are my hands and lips.  To combat dry, flaky skin on my hands and around my fingernails, I do a weekly soak with rose petals, sandalwood, essential oils and vitamin/mineral-rich rice water.

Rice is high in PABA, ferullic acid and allantoin, which are all high in antioxidants.  These are key to your skincare regimen as they have natural anti-inflammatory and skin-protecting properties. Cleansing skin with rice water can result in a smooth, glowing complexion and, with repeated use, can reduce the appearance of dark spots.

2 cups clean, organic rice
5 cups water
2 tablespoons dried rose petals
1/2 teaspoon sandalwood
1/2 tablespoon rose absolute
1/2 tablespoon lavender oil

Heat water (do not bring to a boil). 

Pour water over clean, organic rice so the rice is completely submerged, and stir until the water is cloudy.  Let sit for approximately 15 minutes.

Separate the water from the rice.

Add the dried rose petals, sandalwood, rose absolute, and lavender oil to the rice

Submerge hands in the rice water, and let soak for 5 minutes. I am often tempted to let my hands soak for longer, however you don't want the heat to dehydrate your hands and counteract the moisturizing benefits of the ingredients.

Remove hands from the rice water, wipe hands with a warm, damp cloth, and moisturize with an essential oil blend while hands are still damp.   

 

Note:  Sometimes I like to  wash my face with pure rice water to soften, tone and brighten my skin.  If you try this, be sure to refrigerate the rice water for no more than 2-3 days.