Much has been written about the benefits of incorporating green tea into your skincare. And I'm here to tell you, the hype is real. Whether taken internally in the form of green tea or a daily matcha latte, or used topically in skin care products, green tea has many powerful skin soothing and smoothing benefits.
Green tea is made, as all tea is, from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Most green tea is grown in China or India. The reason that the tea leaves remain green (and not black, reddish, or brown as in other tea varietals) is due to the processing and heating of the leaves. In the case of green tea, the leaves are heated shortly after picking which preserves the chlorophyll that gives it its signature color.
Matcha is also green tea, but it has gone through additional processing, refined by the Japanese culture, in which the leaves are pulverized into a fine powder. When you drink matcha, you are drinking the entire leaf of the tea plant, vs. drinking green tea where the leaf is steeped in hot water so the beneficial plant compounds infuse into the water, and then the leaf is discarded.
Drinking both green tea and matcha are excellent ways to reap the rewards of Camellia sinensis for your skin, and which you choose to drink is a matter of personal preference. I happen to love both and enjoy one cup of each daily!
Now, on to why green tea in all its forms is so great for your skin. The two most commonly touted chemical compounds in green tea are EGCG and L-Theanine. EGCG (short for Epigallocatechin Gallate) is a supercharged antioxidant that slows down the process of skin aging by reducing wrinkles, improving moisture retention, and smoothing skin texture. EGCG is often cited as being one of the most potent antioxidants in any plant.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that has incredible skin benefits as well. It has been shown to help hydrate skin and prevent moisture loss, two things that greatly contribute to a beautiful, healthy glow. And, L-Theanine also has the added benefit of promoting relaxation by reducing stress and anxiety. Even though green tea contains caffeine (albeit less than coffee and black tea), the L-Theanine helps to smooth your body's response to the caffeine and provide a gentle lift instead of that coffee jolt. Given the link between stress and skin breakouts, and the constant stress most of live with in our daily lives, that's reason alone to add green tea into your life.
Green tea has been extensively studied and shown to help skin with:
Acne, by helping to reduce excessive oil production
Healthy pro-aging, by supporting skin elasticity and reducing sun damage
Rosacea, by supporting healthy inflammatory response
Overall skin health, by supporting digestion
Combatting melanoma (research is currently underway)
For a simple and delicious way to relax more, stress less, and give your skin moisture and aging support with green tea (and other skin-smoothing herbs), try my Tea for Tabitha Get Up + Glow tea. Use code ARTISTRY15 for 15% off your first order!
Green tea is also wonderful for your skin when used topically! My favorite way to get topical green tea is with Jenette All Natural Skin Care Matcha Magic Green Tea Superfood Masque. It's a matcha latte for your face, and a rejuvenating ritual to enjoy while sipping tea.
Comments