And… because I am a person of science, I had to go do some real research.  I don’t share much about my background, but right after getting my engineering degree, I went to college part-time for 2 years to do a diploma in Esthetician (for fun).  I do have an addiction to collecting education.  

Even 20+ years ago, my amazing skin teachers told me about an ancient tradition where the Chinese would use rice washed water to wash their faces and hands.  And this has stuck with me to date.

Source:   Zamil, Dina et al, Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true? National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35587098/ [accessed on Sept 23, 2023)

Rice and yeast extracts do have properties that are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, whitening (this one is a popular one that is now used in the skincare industry – ie: SKII Pitera anyone?  I’ve been in skincare professional for 12+ years and that’s all we talk about… the clinical claims and marketing of other brands), photoprotective, and moisturizing.

There are also clinical studies of rice bran water used in bathing to help relieve dermatitis, including inflammation,  itching, and redness.

For me, I’ve started saving my rice washed water separately to use for washing my face in the evenings.  I’ll keep it room temperature and consume it completely in one wash.  I tried to leave some overnight in the fridge, but it does separate and haven’t explored it further.  So will need to do some more experimentation and research on the best way to preserve it for a morning wash. 

I also spend a little more time washing the rice (or at least soaking my clean hands in the water) and the results have been amazing in having softer and smoother hands!  It’s really amazing to see and experience it!

TRY IT!!

Here’s a summary of this 1st Temu haul:

• Vacuum sealer.  This compact, light-weight vacuum sealer is perfect for sealing my soup packs.  To be honest, I sucked at wrapping these things.  They were simply too big (my fault for putting way more ingredients, too greedy!! LOL) and in the end, I had to double wrap with saran wrap (AH, I also hate using non-recyclable or biodegrade-able products) so that the pieces weren’t falling out.  I managed to seal one-side, but on the first attempt, couldn’t get the vacuum to work.  I will try again!
• Adjustable sealable bags.  This is great because it’s not a prefixed size.  Yes yes, I am going to make soup packs that are little more… smaller.  And yes, it’ll fit in a 3 cup rice cooker.  I will try.  I promise.
• Recyclable paper tea bags.  Another cool find!   I have so many tea ideas lately because it’s way easier to make teas and they still have the same benefits as some of the soups, if not more!  Plus, I’m a huge fan of teas.  It’s now my go to first thing in mornings and post exercise (depending on what I do!).
• You can explore Temu here: https://temu.to/m/ucxllxz5ogm

The great thing about understanding how yin and yang is balanced is that this also pairs with the cooking styles of Chinese soups!

You can follow this post on “How Different Styles of Chinese Soups are Made“.