Skin loses collagen at a rate of roughly 1 % per year after our mid-20s, leading to wrinkles, dullness and sagging. Rice water has long been used across Asia to soothe and strengthen skin; flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reinforce the barrier and smooth texture; and clove contains eugenol, an antioxidant that enhances circulation and visibly tightens skin. Blending these three with soothing aloe, protective vitamin E and deep-hydrating humectants lets you whip up a salon-worthy “collagen gel” in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients Required

(Makes ~150 ml; enough for 3–4 weeks of nightly use)

2 tbsp white rice—short- or medium-grain
1 tbsp whole flaxseeds
10–12 whole cloves
2 tbsp fresh aloe-vera gel
1 vitamin E capsule (400 IU)
2 tbsp rose water
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
Optional: 2 drops lavender essential oil for a relaxing scent

Procedure

Prep rice water: Rinse the rice well. Simmer in 250 ml water for 10 minutes, then strain; reserve the slightly milky liquid rich in skin-loving inositol.
Make flax–clove gel: Add 200 ml fresh water, flaxseeds and cloves to a pan. Boil on low for 8–10 minutes until the liquid thickens and forms translucent strings. Strain through a muslin cloth, pressing to extract the gel.
Combine bases: While the gel is still warm, whisk in the rice water until fully blended. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Boost & preserve: Stir in aloe-vera gel, glycerin, rose water and the contents of the vitamin E capsule. Add essential oil if using. Mix until silky.
Store: Transfer to a sterilised glass jar; keep refrigerated. The gel stays fresh for up to four weeks thanks to clove’s natural antimicrobial properties.