The value of rice in Japan is unlike that in any part of the world. Rice is an integral part of Japanese culture.
It is not only Japan’s most important crop, cultivated for over 2000 years, but also a staple in every meal.
In fact, the word gohan (which means cooked rice) has become synonymous with the general meaning of “meal”, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner sometimes referred to as “asagohan”, “hirugohan”, and “bangohan”, respectively.
But rice isn’t just valued as a source of food. It is also a well-kept Japanese beauty secret, valued for its beauty benefits.
Here are some byproducts of rice that the Japanese love:
Rice Bran
- The nutrient-rich outer layer of rice kernels
- Rice bran oil is rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and linoleic acids
- Rice bran oil is easily absorbed into the skin and does not clog pores
- Rice bran oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can calm and soothe irritated skin
- Rice bran powder is a powerful yet gentle exfoliant that can lighten blemishes and renew skin cells
Sake
- Sake is fermented from rice, and thus it naturally has many cosmetic benefits
- Japanese sake contains kojic acid, which can inhibit melanin production, making it an excellent whitening treatment. Kojic acid also helps slow the signs of ageing and promotes hair root growth.
- Sake raises your body temperature by up to 2 degrees, widening your blood vessels, stabilising blood pressure, and improving circulation, which in turn helps brighten the complexion.
Ikeda Spa doesn’t want to keep rice as a beauty secret anymore; we offer a range of non-invasive skin-brightening treatments, including our Rice Bran Whitening Scrub and Rice Bran Whitening Wrap. Every Autumn, we have our limited edition Sake Bath too!
It’s true when they say that the secret to beautiful skin can be found in your kitchen 🙂
