Do you know that Makgeolli(a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage) is just not consumed to get drunk? The Koreans are obsessed with it because of its skincare benefits as well. It’s no secret that Koreans take a natural and holistic approach to skincare. In addition to using mild and natural skincare products, they consume healthy foods and drinks for the same purpose.
Though, there are many Korean drinks that have potential benefits for skin. However, Makgeolli takes the lead because of its high probiotic content and beneficial nutrients.
So, let’s discuss this Korean alcoholic beverage a little.
What is Makgeolli?
Makgeolli is a rice wine prepared by fermenting a mixture of rice, water, and nuruk (a type of wheat flour). It is slightly carbonated and has a milky, slightly sweet, and tangy taste. This Korean alcoholic beverage is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Therefore, it serves as a natural, effective, and affordable way of achieving healthy glowing skin.
How to Use Makgeolli for Skin?
You can use Makgeolli in many ways to improve your skin.
As a drink – In South Korea, skincare addicts prefer to drink it instead of topical application. This rice wine is super refreshing and has a sweet and tangy flavor. Moreover, unlike other skincare drinks, Makgeolli is easy to drink. So, you are super lazy when it comes to skincare, that’s how you can use Makgeolli to achieve healthy skin. However, be super careful as it’s an alcoholic beverage, excessive use can cause negative effects on your skin and body.
As a toner – Makgeolli is forgiving enough to serve as a facial toner as well. It works wonders in balancing the skin’s pH and improving its texture. All you have to do is soak a cotton pad in it and apply it on your damp face after double cleansing.
As a face mask – Makgeolli makes a great exfoliating, brightening, and refreshing face mask. Therefore, if you do not like it’s sweet tangy flavor, use it as a face mask. Add one tablespoon of this fermented rice wine, and a tablespoon of raw honey in a bowl and mix well. Your refreshing Makgeolli mask is ready.
Benefits of Makgeolli for Skin
As stated above, Makgeolli is rich in all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that improve the health and appearance of your skin. Consuming it as a drink or using it as a toner or facial mask
Brightens the Skin – This fermented rice wine contains a high amount of kojic acid. Kojic acid is a chemical collected from different types of fungi and used as a natural skin lightener. It fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation and brightens up your skin.
Exfoliates the Skin – Makgeolli also contains enzymes that remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter and smoother skin. However, it only does so when used as a facial mask or toner.
Balances the Skin’s pH – This traditional Korean drink is known to have a slightly acidic pH. Therefore, it contributes to balancing the skin’s pH and improving its overall health.
Nourishes the Skin – The vitamins and minerals in this fermented rice wine help in nourishing and strengthening the skin. Moreover, they work for improving the skin’s elasticity as well.
How to Make Makgeolli at Home?
Makgeolli is super easy to make at home. Here is what you need to make this glow-boosting alcoholic beverage at home.
- Have All the Ingredients – To make Makgeolli you need 2 cups of short-grain rice, 3 cups of water, and 1/4 cup of nuruk.
- Rinse and Soak the Rice – Since it is prepared from rice, rinse the rice and soak it in water for a good 6-8 hours.
- Add Water and Boil the Rice – Now you have to drain the rice and transfer it to a large pot. Add the suggested amount of water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the rice well – Switch to low flame and simmer until the rice is soft and the water has been absorbed. It usually does not take more than 20 to 30 minutes.
- Let the Rice Cool Down – Switch off the stove and allow the rice to cool down at room temperature.
- Make Nuruk Paste – Meanwhile, mix the nuruk with a small amount of water to form a paste in a separate pot.
- Add Nuruk Paste in Rice – Now is the time to add nuruk paste in the rice to break down the starch in the rice into sugar. So, add and mix well.
- Transfer the Mixture to a Jar – Transfer the rice and nuruk mixture into a sterilized jar and cover it with a cheesecloth. Leave the mixture to ferment for 2 to 3 days at room temperature.
- Check the Mixture – After 2 or 3 days, check the mixture if it has started to bubble or gotten fizzy.
- Strain – Strain the mixture through cheesecloth, add sugar, and it’s ready.
- Put it in the Refrigerator – Makgeolli is always served and drunk chilled. So, put it into the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to enjoy it.
Tips for Optimal Results
- Shake the bottle well before using as Makgeolli has the tendency to separate
- If you are planning to drink it, put it into a shallow bowl called a “bowl glass.” The bowl glass would allow you to enjoy the aroma and flavor of the wine better
- To get the best results, add other Korean skincare foods and drinks to your diet as well
- Make sure to drink this Korean alcoholic beverage in moderation. It’s quite potent, start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake
- It’s slightly acidic, do a patch test before applying it to your skin as a mask or toner
- Use regularly, it takes some time to show noticeable results.
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