By Laura Blaha
Growing up, my Colombian grandmother Letizia had a treasure of natural beauty remedies that always stood out: rice water. This centuries old tradition is a skincare secret adored for its simplicity and effectiveness. What’s more, it’s the ultimate travel-friendly solution to keeping your skin radiant wherever you go.
My grandmother is the definition of timeless elegance, smooth, glowing skin at 80 and a healthy energy that’s hard to miss. She swears by simple, natural remedies, and rice water has always been her go-to. Originally an Eastern tradition, it made its way into Latin culture, where looking after your skin and hair is practically an art form. For her, rice water wasn’t just for her skin it worked wonders on her hair too, keeping it shiny and healthy, all while staying effortlessly chic.

Rice water is a powerhouse of vitamins B and E, minerals, and amino acids, all working together to soothe, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. It’s a natural toner perfect for all skin types, whether you’re combating dry cabin air on a long flight or soothing sun-kissed skin after a day of exploring.
How to Make It:
The beauty of rice water lies in its simplicity. All you need is:
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- Half a cup of white rice.
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- A bowl of water.
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- Thirty minutes of patience.
Simply soak the rice in water, give it a gentle swirl, and strain the liquid into a clean bottle that you can find on Amazon. Voilà! you’ve created a gentle skincare elixir that’s as effective as it is natural.

If you are wondering why is rice water’s benefits so good? Let me tell you it goes beyond hydration. It calms inflammation, reduces redness, and adds a subtle, healthy glow to your complexion. Use it as a toner after cleansing or transfer it to a spray bottle to mist your skin during flights. The lightweight formula ensures it fits seamlessly into your travel skincare routine without weighing you down.
Rice water isn’t just a skincare hack it’s a connection to heritage, self-care, and the beauty of nature, making it an irreplaceable staple in my suitcase and my heart.