Did you know ‘chawal ka atta’ can give you Korean glass skin?

In the quest for flawless, dewy skin, known as “glass skin” in Korean beauty terms, people often look to high-end products and complex routines. However, an unexpected ingredient might just be hiding in your pantry—’chawal ka atta,’ or rice flour. This humble ingredient, commonly used in Indian kitchens, has been celebrated for its potential skincare benefits and could be your ticket to achieving that coveted Korean glass skin.

What is Korean glass skin?

Korean glass skin is a term used to describe a complexion that is exceptionally smooth, radiant, and translucent, much like the surface of a piece of glass. Achieving glass skin involves a regimen that focuses on deep hydration, even skin tone, and a healthy glow. The Korean skincare routine emphasizes layers of hydrating products, including serums, essences, and moisturizers, to build up a luminous complexion.

The magic of rice flour

Rice flour, or ‘chawal ka atta,’ has been a staple in many traditional beauty practices across Asia for centuries. It’s made from finely ground rice and is valued for its versatility and effectiveness in skincare. The benefits of rice flour for the skin include exfoliation, brightening, and oil absorption. Here’s how it might help you achieve glass skin:
Gentle exfoliation: Rice flour is known for its fine texture, making it a gentle exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Regular exfoliation is crucial for maintaining a smooth, even surface, which is a key component of glass skin. By sloughing off dead cells, rice flour can reveal a fresher, more radiant layer of skin underneath.
Brightening effect: Rice flour contains natural compounds such as ferulic acid and allantoin, which have antioxidant properties that help brighten the complexion. These compounds can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, contributing to a more even skin tone and enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
Oil control: Rice flour absorbs excess oil, which can help to keep the skin matte and prevent clogged pores that lead to acne. By balancing oil production, it helps maintain a clear, smooth surface, which is essential for the glass skin look.
Soothing properties: The soothing properties of rice flour can help calm inflammation and redness, making it beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin. This can contribute to a more even and serene complexion, aligning with the glass skin ideal.

How to incorporate rice flour into your skincare routine

Rice flour face mask: One of the simplest ways to use rice flour is by creating a DIY face mask. Mix rice flour with yogurt or honey to create a paste. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. This combination not only provides the exfoliating benefits of rice flour but also incorporates the hydrating and soothing properties of yogurt or honey.

Rice flour scrub: For a gentle exfoliating scrub, mix rice flour with a small amount of water or milk to create a paste. Gently massage the mixture onto your face in circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water. This will help remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.
Rice flour and turmeric mask: Combine rice flour with a pinch of turmeric and some milk to make a mask that brightens and evens out your skin tone. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance the effects of rice flour, providing additional benefits for a glowing complexion.
Rice flour as a setting powder: You can also use rice flour as a natural setting powder for your makeup. Its oil-absorbing properties make it an excellent choice for keeping your makeup in place and your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
While rice flour can offer numerous benefits, it’s important to use it appropriately for your skin type. Over-exfoliating or using it too frequently can lead to dryness or irritation. Always perform a patch test before applying any new ingredient to your face to ensure that it doesn’t cause an adverse reaction.

Additionally, the effectiveness of rice flour can vary from person to person. It’s best used as part of a broader skincare regimen that includes proper hydration, sun protection, and a balanced diet.
So, before you reach for the next high-end skincare product, consider giving rice flour a try. It’s a simple, effective, and cost-efficient addition to your beauty arsenal, potentially bringing you one step closer to achieving that coveted glass skin.