When it comes to skincare, natural ingredients have gained immense popularity in Japanese beauty circles thanks to their potential to enhance the skin’s health.
Among these, fermented rice extract has emerged as a standout ingredient of choice because of its powerful anti-aging and skin-soothing properties. One of the most significant innovations in this category is the F-Ishii extract, a unique ingredient developed by Dr. Ishii, Japan's foremost cosmetic dermatologist, after decades of research and organic farming practices.
But what exactly is fermented rice extract, and how does it benefit the skin?
Read on as we explore the many benefits of this skincare marvel.
The Origins of Fermented Rice Extract
Fermented rice extract has a long history in beauty routines, particularly in East Asia. Historically, Japanese women in the rice fields noticed their hands remained youthful and soft after constant exposure to rice water. This led to the discovery that fermented rice could be a potent skincare ingredient, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Rice is naturally high in nutrients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, and oryzanol, all of which contribute to its benefits in skincare. The fermentation process magnifies these properties by breaking down these compounds into smaller, more bioavailable molecules, which the skin can more easily absorb.
Dr. Ishii and the Revolutionary F-Ishii Extract
While many brands have tapped into the power of fermented rice extract, the F-Ishii extract stands apart as a pioneering achievement. Developed by Dr. Ishii over a span of 50 years, this formula represents the world’s first rice extract specifically designed to combat "inflammaging"—a term coined to describe aging caused by chronic skin inflammation.
Dr. Ishii's commitment to creating the highest-quality organic rice led to the development of the F-Ishii extract through microbial symbiosis. This innovative approach allows the extract to harness the full spectrum of amino acids, making it three times more potent than Junmai sake.
By focusing on organic rice farming and ensuring the rice undergoes a precise fermentation process, Dr. Ishii has crafted an ingredient that rejuvenates the skin and improves its resilience and softness. This is why F-Ishii has become a cornerstone of advanced skincare formulations.
Key Benefits of Fermented Rice Extract in Skincare
There are several key benefits of using skincare products with fermented rice extract:
- Calming Inflammation: The F-Ishii extract effectively reduces inflammation, a key factor in skin aging. Inflammaging refers to low-grade, chronic inflammation that accelerates skin aging by weakening the skin's barrier and reducing elasticity. By targeting this specific cause of aging, fermented rice extract helps soothe and calm irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin types prone to redness or breakouts.
- Enhanced Moisture Retention: One of the most prominent benefits of fermented rice extract is its ability to boost hydration levels. Rich in amino acids, which are natural moisturizing factors (NMF), F-Ishii helps the skin maintain a strong moisture barrier. This leads to visibly softer, more supple skin with moisture levels optimized for long-lasting hydration.
- Skin Resurfacing and Renewal: The F-Ishii extract also contains skin resurfacing acids such as lactic acid, succinic acid, and ferulic acid. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing a fresher, brighter complexion. The presence of these acids ensures that the skin remains smooth and radiant, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Strengthening the Skin Barrier: Environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays can weaken the skin's natural barrier over time. The full spectrum of amino acids found in F-Ishii supports skin health by reinforcing this barrier, making the skin more resilient to external aggressors. This results in skin that looks healthier and functions better at protecting itself from damage.
The F-Ishii Skincare Series: Harnessing the Power of Fermented Rice Extract
The benefits of F-Ishii can be fully experienced through Shiko Beauty’s carefully curated selection of products from the F-Ishii series, designed to transform your skin. Each product in the range is infused with powerful fermented rice extract to deliver targeted results.
