It's a known fact that I am all about plant-based options - and when it comes to skin - I have recently been obsessed with one ingredient that has shown an immediate improvement in the appearance of my skin. 

Yes, honey, rice flour it is. Your initial impulse to natural skincare wouldn't probably be to reach for your trusty rice kernels, but darling, you should be! Rice flour may just as well be the thing you need to be reaching for to get your skin looking brighter, lighter, more even-toned, and smoother.

More about natural skincare: Using olive oil as a natural remedy for greasy faces.

Read on to learn how to make this easy 2-ingredient mask that is utter obsession-worthy!

Fact: I personally suffer from hyperpigmentation in my chin and mouth area. This is due to problematic skin in that area over the years, not to mention countless years of probing that region whenever I would have a breakout. I mean, it's not that bad, but it could be better!

Can we all agree that it's just so hard to not want to pick at problem areas!? It's the absolute worst. Recently, I've been more conscious about taking care of my skin. I'll attribute that to finally reaching my 30's. If only I had paid more attention to my skin in my 20's. *sigh*

Once I reached my 30's, I started to see noticeable changes in the appearance of my skin that I didn't particularly like. Enter: Fine lines and soon-to-be wrinkles. Milia. Hyperpigmentation. Uneven texture. *balls eyes out*

Mhm, that's the exact process I went through, then I was reminded of a product that I absolutely loved - PLANT Apothecary's Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleanser. I absolutely loved it. Gentle, exfoliating, yet it didn't strip my skin of moisture.

So, I had an idea. I have rice flour in my pantry, (#asian) so I thought, why don't I just make a mask out of it! Genius moment. That's exactly what I did - and it was the best experiment ever to take place.

The first time I tried it, my face was lighter and brighter immediately after. No joke!

Here are some interesting facts about rice: Rice flour has been used for centuries in Asia, particularly Japan as a whitening agent for the skin. I won't go into full detail, but rice bran has certain inherent properties such as PABA (para aminobenzonic acid) as well as Ferulic acid and allantoin, which acts as sunscreen/anti-inflammatory agent. Tyrosinase inhibits the production of melanin in the skin, and Vitamin B boosts new cell production and slows down the aging process (yay!). Last but not least on important facts, rice flour brightens the skin by improving collagen production and elasticity. 

I can certainly attest to it having a brightening and lightening effect on my skin. Not only did it happen the first time I tried this face mask, but it happened every single time thereafter. It also acts as an exfoliant upon removal, and my skin looks and feels a lot even-textured immediately afterward. Needless to say, I've been addicted to doing this almost every night. It does exactly what I want it to, and it's the easiest thing to make. So, why wouldn't I get addicted!

If you're looking for a way to naturally lighten your skin without ever touching harmful ingredients, this is for you. I would think that it would also work well on other areas of the body, so it's worth a try. I've seen significant improvement in my skin since I've been using this face mask, which is why I had to share it in hopes that it will help anyone who suffers from hyperpigmentation.

Here's how to make this yummy, delightfully-scented, and completely natural 2-ingredient face mask:

diy

rice flour face mask

ingredients

• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour or regular rice flour

• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, add the rice flour, then slowly add water and mix until a creamy paste forms. Apply a thin layer to the face with a brush, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes until it feels noticeably dry. Using warm water and a washcloth or a natural charcoal sponge (what I use), gently remove the mask in circular motions. Pat your face dry, then apply your favorite moisturizer to your skin. Cover and save the remaining product in the refrigerator for use throughout the week.

I personally use this mask very often, so it is completely up to you on how frequent you want to use this mask. The more often, the better, as it will work it's wonders over time.

You can find rice flour at most grocery stores. I personally use sweet rice flour found at my local asian store.

Wasn't that just the easiest DIY face mask EVER! Yup, thats why I love it. I seriously hope you try it out because it works! No sugar-coating here. Since I'm that obsessed, I partnered with PLANT Apothecary to give away one of their Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleansers that I had mentioned earlier! Click the button below for entry details.

Will you be trying out this recipe? If you do, I'd love to see your photos! Go on, tag me in your photos on Instagram using #hellolovelyliving and @hellolovelyliving so I can get all heart eyes on your photos + share them so others can do the same!

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