Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1514075
88 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2024 BEHIND THE TREND Rice Water Spray Investigating the good and bad of this viral fad RICE IS THE MVP of the grain world. It pairs seamlessly with any protein or vegetable, and it can even be found in desserts—not to mention its folklore as a lifesaver for water-damaged cell phones. The last place we thought we'd find this pantry staple? Our vanities. Lately, however, social media has been abuzz with influencers spritzing their faces with homemade rice water, claiming it can cure any facial condition and leave behind glowing skin. We consulted Brian Goodwin, esthetician and international trainer at Éminence Organic Skin Care, about what you should know before your clients show off their cooking skills. THE GOOD The use of rice water in skin care can be traced back hundreds of years in Korean and Japanese beauty practices. In skin care products, rice has many benefits, including "brightening sun damage and evening skin tone, increasing the skin's luminosity and hydration levels, and refining texture," Goodwin says. These benefits can be linked to "rice's naturally occurring enzyme content, antioxidants, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, which suppress the primary enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation." All good things, right? THE BAD Your clients might think they have what it takes to DIY parts of their skin care routine, but they should be cautious. "It's likely there will be varying levels of the naturally occurring beneficial components in the rice used to create the rice water from source to source, meaning that efficacy in achieving results wouldn't be consistent from batch to batch," Goodwin says. They should also pay attention to the stability of homemade rice water, since DIY products aren't made with stabilizing ingredients. "There is a chance that the rice, or other ingredients being used in the recipe, could have some form of microbial contamination. This microbial contamination could impact the rice water's shelf life or, in extreme cases, cause harm to the skin," he says. THE CONCLUSION As an ingredient, rice can be beneficial to the skin. But this form of DIY spray might not be the best way for your clients to reap rice's benefits. It starts by having an honest conversation. "Always start with positive reinforcement and then a soft, gentle correction. For example, I would approach it by stating, 'Wow! I'm so impressed and happy you are taking ownership of your skin care! Because I know you value results, convenience, and your time, let's make sure we get you on a professional- level regimen to ensure you are achieving the desired results.' This approach avoids shaming the client and instead states that you want to be an advocate for their skin care journey." Then, it's your turn as the professional to offer product options that contain rice or have similar benefits. "Not only does this approach avoid the mess of making it at home, but it also ensures the client uses consistently safe and effective products," Goodwin says. Safety first!