You might know sake as the delicious Japanese rice wine that pairs perfectly with sushi, but did you know it also has some amazing skincare benefits? Sake isn’t just a great drink—it’s packed with natural ingredients that can do wonders for your skin. If you’re curious about how this traditional beverage can help you achieve a glowing, healthy complexion, you’re in the right place.
Benefits Of Sake For Skin
Natural Exfoliation
One of the standout features of sake in skincare is its gentle exfoliating properties. Sake contains kojic acid, a natural byproduct of the fermentation process, which helps in getting rid of dead skin cells. A 2022 study found that Kojic acid helps protect the skin from UV damage, reduces hyperpigmentation, and inhibits melanin production. By adding sake to your skincare routine, you can brighten your skin and achieve a more even, radiant glow.
Moisturisation
Sake can even help you moisturise your skin due to the presence of amino acids and vitamins. The amino acids in sake act as natural moisturisers, helping to retain water in the skin and keep it soft and supple. Vitamin B, present in sake, aids in fortifying the skin barrier, thereby preventing moisture loss.
Also Read: Carrier Oils: Expert Lists How To Choose And Use These Oils For Your Skin
Anti-Ageing Benefits
The antioxidant properties of sake are beneficial for fighting signs of ageing. Sake is rich in polyphenols and vitamin E, which fight oxidative stress from free radicals. This effect helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, maintaining your skin's youthful and radiant look. Moreover, it has a high vitamin B content that supports accelerated skin cell turnover.
Brightening Effect
If you’re looking to brighten up your complexion, sake might be your new best friend! One of the great things about sake is that it contains niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. This powerful ingredient helps even your skin tone and boosts your natural radiance by reducing melanin production. In a double-blind, randomised controlled trial involving 202 patients, a topical solution containing 2% N-acetyl glucosamine and 4% niacinamide significantly decreased the facial spots and pigmentation compared to a placebo formulation.
Improves Skin Elasticity
Sake contains rice bran oil, which is known for its ability to improve skin elasticity. This oil helps in maintaining the skin’s firmness and resilience, making it a great addition to an anti-ageing skincare routine.
Also Read: Understanding Skin pH: Expert Explains Importance Of Skin pH And How To Tell If Yours Is Healthy
Soothing and Calming
People with sensitive or irritated skin should add sake to their skincare routine. The fermented yeast in sake possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin. It can also help alleviate redness and inflammation associated with acne or rosacea.
Enhances Skin Texture
The combination of enzymes and acids in sake helps to refine skin texture. These natural components smooth out rough patches, reduce pore size, and promote a more even skin surface. You can use a sake-enriched exfoliating scrub or mask once a week. Alternatively, add sake to your regular skincare routine by using it as a facial mist to gently refine and refresh your skin throughout the day.
How To Add Sake To Your Routine
- Sake-Based Products: Look for skincare products that feature sake as a key ingredient. These can range from cleansers and toners to masks and serums.
- DIY Treatments: You can experiment with homemade recipes using sake. Combine it with other natural ingredients like honey, yoghurt, or aloe vera for customised skincare solutions.
- Patch Test: Before applying sake-based products to your face, perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any skin issues to avoid complications.]