Your skincyclopedia for A luminous skin
Rice is a Brightening and Anti ageing powerhouse and let us enlighten you with some Science and Nostalgia.
Coming from Kerala, rice holds an esteemed place in our heritage deeply woven into our traditions and culture and we take it wherever we go. Even to the next continent. It's a constant companion, accompanying us on our journeys across the globe.
In my childhood, I suffered a condition called "Hypopigmentation," where white patches marred my skin, possibly due to deficiencies or harmful chemical exposure. To remedy this, my mother administered rice water daily. However, while this starchy elixir helped alleviate my skin issues, it also led to unintended weight gain, presenting a dilemma.
Curiosity piqued due to the potency of rice while used topically. And voila, here I started and I delved into the potent properties of rice. Rich in a blend of active ingredients like Ferulic Acid, Gamma-oryzanol, Vitamin E, Phytic Acid, Kojic Acid, and more, rice offers myriad skin benefits when applied topically, much more than when ingested.
This exploration led me to the concept of Tyrosinase Inhibition, a topic extensively discussed in Cosmus skincare circles. Rice emerges as a brightening powerhouse, revered in East Asia for its skin lightening prowess.
How did our ancestors discover this centuries ago? They simply trusted in its magic, and indeed, it works wonders.
But let's rewind and focus on our skin.
Skin is made up of multiple layers. the top most layer is called the epidermis. Now the epidermis has multiple layers. The epidermis houses in its lowest layer a cell called melanocytes responsible for pigmentation. Melanocytes release melanin.
Oh Melanin, here we go again !
How does pigment come to be?
Melanin is a substrate (basic biology people), requiring the catalyst Tyrosine (an Amino acid) and the enzyme Tyrosinase, undergoes biosynthesis, resulting in Eumelanin and Phomelanin, the darker and reddish pigments, respectively. These pigments are invaluable, acting as our natural sunscreen, shielding us from DNA damage and skin cancer risks. A natural UVR absorbent filters, especially the strong eumelanin.
However, overproduction of pigments in certain areas leads to aesthetic concerns like melasma or hyperpigmentation, demanding safe treatment.
So, how does rice wield its enchantment?
In skincare formulations targeting pigmentation reversal and UV damage prevention, rice undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis. This process breaks down molecules, prompting rice to produce peptides, specifically, substrate analogs. These mimic melanin's structure, attracting Tyrosine but failing to biosynthesize—a phenomenon known as the Tyrosinase inhibition effect.
Many highly concentrated topical ingredients prescribed by doctors operate similarly, yet caution is warranted. Excessive use of potent ingredients like Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, or Retinoids can impede pigment production excessively, compromising our natural sun protection and risking sun sensitivity, skin thinning, or worse, skin cancer.
I experienced this firsthand, grappling with eczema-like issues on my toes. Using concentrated salicylic acid led to rapid pigment reduction and skin thinning, leaving me vulnerable to sun exposure. And worse dependency. Whenever I stop, the problem doubles.
Rice, however, strikes a harmonious balance with its array of natural active ingredients, offering healthy pigment inhibition while safeguarding against sun damage. Unlike certain products, rice-based skincare remains gentle, even under the sun's glare. (A huge culprit, Vitamin C causes severe sun damage to many people if used in their AM routine)
Doubtful? Try it yourself!
Explore our range of rice products, crafted to elevate your skincare routine.
Interested in a rice sunscreen recommendation? Drop a comment below, and we'll gladly assist!
