People have been drinking lovely teas for thousands of years. After all, it tastes great and has a number of health benefits. But it’s also absolutely fantastic for improving the health, quality, and appearance of our skin.
Because they’re abundant with many nutrients and antioxidants, these unassuming ingredients have the power to soothe inflammation, balance testosterone levels, and even slow down skin aging.
If you ever needed a reason to drink an excessive amount of tea, this is it. There are also ways in which we can apply tea directly to the skin for a double-action effect. So, let’s first talk about the six ways I use tea for skin benefits.
How I Use Tea For Skin Benefits
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are known to cause a whole host of problems for our skin. Blemishes become more common, and we can experience acne-like symptoms at any age. However, tea can help restore balance to our endocrine system.
We can improve our skin by incorporating Peppermint or Spearmint tea, which introduces menthol into our system. Menthol has an ‘anti-androgen’ effect, helping to balance testosterone levels.
Stress Relief
Stress is one of the number one causes of skin aging. Stress increases the levels of MMP in our blood, which speeds up the rate at which we break down collagen in the skin and body. This can often lead to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.
However, Chamomile tea has a relaxing effect on the mind or body. It can help give you headspace to switch off, get better sleep, and restore your glowing skin.
Anti-Aging
That’s right, tea can help us slow down the aging process! Teas like Rooibo are super high in antioxidants and AHAs. Together, these help us slow down fat loss under the skin and prevent oxidative damage to the skin from free radicals.
Green tea is also abundant in antioxidants and worth exploring if you’re interested in the anti-aging powers of tea for your skin.
Reduce Inflammation
Many teas have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Green tea is especially good for this, and it provides an abundance of antioxidants that our skin loves. One antioxidant in particular, EGCG, is why it’s so intensely soothing for inflammation. However, this effect can be amplified if the tea is also applied directly to the skin.
Bath Teas
Making your own bath teas is a wonderful way to get the fantastic benefits of tea for your skin and have a pamper sessions at the same time. Simply combine your favorite dried tea leaves with some finely ground oats and a little epsom salts. You can even buy empty tea bags so you can throw the whole thing in the bath and not worry about what makes its way down the drain.
De-puffing Tea Facials
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of tea, they’re perfect for a de-puffing facial. If you have some green tea bags laying around, soak them in some warm water for a few minutes before placing them on the eyes.
I like to put some music on, change into something super comfortable and just switch off my mind. Double up with a cup of chamomile or green tea to enhance your relaxation.
Invigorating Facial Spritz
Regular tea can be used as an invigorating facial spritz on a hot summer’s day. It’s just like throwing a tea bag, mint, and some fruit into your water bottle for a tasty pick-me-up. Instead, put your tea bags into a spray bottle with some cold water and let it infuse.
Then, just spray on the face to keep yourself feeling fresh. It’s also a great way to keep replenishing your skin with antioxidants. Many teas are also intensely hydrating, too.
16 Anti-Aging Teas Most Americans Are Missing Out On
Most Americans are missing out on all of this! As already covered, tea works wonders in hydrating and plumping up your skin. Packed with antioxidants, it combats radicals to prevent wrinkles.
And a cup or two of tea can certainly contribute positively to your skin health. Below are some teas you can enjoy for that complexion.
Calendula Tea
One of the most popular teas in the world is calendula tea. Although I have to say it’s quite bitter, the skin benefits make it worthwhile. It has plenty of antioxidants like triterpenes and flavonoids, plus anti-inflammatory compounds. Research also reveals it may support the skin in producing more collagen, which helps with skin smoothing and moisture.
Matcha Tea
Ever wondered about the origins of matcha? It’s powdered green tea leaves brewed to create a powerhouse super tea! Matcha is abundant in catechins, 137 times more than in regular tea, helping fend off those wrinkle-causing free radicals. Additionally, it contains EGCG, an antioxidant that fights inflammation, promotes health and aids in cell repair. It’s hard to resist the skin benefits of this one!
Turmeric Tea
While there’s no solution for medical skin issues, turmeric tea could become your skin’s best friend! Curcumin, present in turmeric, is known for its inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, and it is rich in antioxidants.
Drinking turmeric tea can help soothe irritation and redness, resulting in a smoother complexion. It may also aid in managing breakouts. Additionally, turmeric tea offers a tasty and caffeine free option to stay hydrated, which is beneficial for the skin.
Peppermint Tea
When I struggled with acne in my youth a friend suggested peppermint tea for skin benefits. It truly made a difference! Packed with antioxidant vitamins A, beta carotene, C, and E, peppermint tea provides a boost for the skin. Its anti inflammatory qualities can also reduce redness and irritation leading to a smoother complexion.
Oolong Tea
I recently discovered a famous type of oolong tea called Tieguanyi, also called the “Iron Goddess of Mercy.” As a matter of fact, oolong tea is a rare find. It’s believed that it makes up only 2% of the world’s tea, but it’s worth every sip! With good levels of antioxidants such as theaflavins, thearubigins and EGCG, oolong tea could be your secret weapon for skin health. A study even indicates its benefits in managing skin conditions.
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea, derived from the stinging plant is a remedy that offers contemporary advantages! Loaded with vitamins like A, C, and K, along with phosphorus and iron, it serves as an enhancer for skin and hair. With its antifungal and inflammatory properties nettle tea is ideal for achieving clearer skin, glossier hair and promoting new growth.
White Tea
White tea stands out as the least processed of all teas, known for its natural and subtle sweet taste. Abundant in antioxidants, white tea combats radicals to maintain healthy cells.
Moreover, it could shield your skin from aging inside and out! Some research suggests that it may also aid in weight management due to its caffeine and catechins content, which can boost metabolism and fat burning.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is one of my all-time favorite caffeine-free teas with its bold flavor and color. Rooibos tea is also known as Red tea, and originates from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis that grows along the coast of South Africa. Packed with antioxidants, it’s beneficial for your skin, potentially reducing wrinkles and signs of aging. Rooibos tea is commonly enjoyed like regular tea, with a dash of milk and sugar.
Hibiscus Tea
Who doesn’t admire the hibiscus flower? There’s more to it than meets the eye! Hibiscus tea is a powerhouse with advantages. Rich in alpha acids (AHAs), citric acid, and malic acid, it acts as an exfoliant and a skin brightener. Furthermore, it is loaded with antioxidants that combat radicals responsible for damage and diseases.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is an infusion made from dried chamomile flowers harvested from plants resembling daisies in the Asteraceae family. While many are aware of chamomile teas ability to promote healthy relaxation and aid in sleep, it also works wonders for your skin!
With its inflammatory anti allergy and antimicrobial properties chamomile can help prevent acne breakouts, calm sensitive skin and maintain hydration levels.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion Tea is a delightful option that can be easily obtained from local health food stores or made at home using dandelions from your garden. Its robust flavor, reminiscent of coffee, makes it a personal favorite of mine. Packed with inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, dandelion tea is great for detoxifying the skin, unclogging pores, and combating acne. Whats more, its natural anti aging effects help reduce lines and wrinkles thanks to its content of vitamins A, C, and E.
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey Tea blends black tea with bergamot oil to create a beverage that doubles as a skincare secret weapon—it’s a skin hack! The antioxidants in this tea boost the system while the theaflavins it contains have antiviral and anti inflammatory qualities. Bergamot oil complements this by supporting both skin health and cardiovascular well being.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine Tea’s delicate floral notes make it irresistible for many. Similar to how jasmine oils aid in healing scars and wounds, sipping on jasmine tea provides benefits for your skin internally. Loaded with polyphenols acting as antioxidants, Jasmine Tea can help protect your cells from all of that damage caused by radicals.
Have you ever used tea bags to help reduce puffiness around your eyes? This is a little hack I love to do! But sipping on black tea does wonders, too. Black tea is the base tea used for creating Earl Grey; it contains vitamins B, C, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc that’s good for the skin. Black tea has polyphenols and tannins that are essential and its caffeine content and other components help combat viruses to prevent skin infections.
15. Ginger Tea
We’ve all heard about how ginger can enhance skin radiance haven’t we? Well it’s true! The antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties of ginger play a role. Its called gingerol and helps in purifying the skin by fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. Who would have thought that sipping on ginger tea could have such an impact?
Rose Tea
Did you know roses are edible? Yep, there are over a hundred species, and they all make tasty tea! Sipping on rose tea isn’t just delicious, it’s a treat for your skin and hair, too!
Rich, in the vitamins C and E it can help reduce wrinkles soothe sunburns, address hair loss issues. Moreover it might act as a stress reliever to promote calmness and relaxation.
