Infusing your skin with the antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea goes a long way in keeping it youthful, supple and healthy.
Turning to green tea for a quick pick-me-up is the way to go and not just for your tired body. It works wonders for your tired, sluggish skin as well. When applied topically, matcha or Japanese green tea, it helps to soothe and repair dry, damaged and aging skin. That’s why we are seeing more and more clean beauty brands introducing anti-aging, skin boosting and wellness products infused with matcha or green tea. Read on to find out why and how it works.
Why Matcha for skin care?
Matcha or Japanese green tea has been part of the Japanese culture since 12th century. It is a well-known antioxidant that protects the body’s immune system. It comes from the same tea shrub Camellia Sinensis as regular green tea, is just grown in the shade rather than under the sun to get a deep green colour and a deeper flavour. The green colour of Matcha comes from chlorophyll, which is known to help balance oily, acne-prone skin.
It is the finely ground powder of specifically grown green tea, is central to the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, called the Way of Tea. It involves ceremonial preparation, presentation, serving and drinking of Matcha tea. While it still remains a major part of Japanese tea culture, Matcha is has now emerged as a major skin care active that is used to treat multiple skin worries.
“Matcha prevents oxidative stress on cellular structure and sustains healthy skin. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B complex that ensure steady collagen production for good skin. It prevents premature skin aging and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines,” Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, Dermatologist and Founder, Skin Alive Skin Clinic. So, using Matcha-based products for your skin care routine help to enhance complexion and keep the pores toned thus preventing acne breakout. It helps to pull out toxins and you get a dewy, glowing complexion that looks firm and youthful.
Ways you can use Matcha to improve your skin
Tip #1: Tone your skin: Want to get toned, bright skin? Then mix two teaspoons of matcha powder with rosewater and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Mix well and apply to your face and neck. Rinse off after 15 minutes or as the mask starts to get dry. Do this thrice a week to get bright, soothed skin.
Tip #2: Exfoliate dead skin cells: Mix two teaspoons of matcha green tea powder with a tea spoon of ground coffee beans and some yogurt. Mix and apply on your face and neck area. Leave on for a few minutes and then gently scrub your skin using firm massaging strokes. Rinse off with regular water and pat your skin dry. It removes dirt, dead skin cells and adds suppleness to your skin.
Tip #3: Moisturize your skin: Soothe dry, irritated skin with this. Mix some matcha green tea with few drops of honey and some milk. Make a smooth paste and apply on your face, neck and chest area. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with plain water. They calm red, sunburnt skin and banish excessive dryness.
Tip #4: Keep oiliness in check: Fight greasy skin with this simple mask. Blend 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 1 teaspoon of multani mitti or fuller’s earth, and few drops of tea tree oil. Mix with water and make a smooth paste. Apply on face, neck and the chest area. Allow it to dry and then rise with plain water. It clears your skin of excess oil, minimises the pores and gives your skin a smooth, matte texture.
Tip #5: Smooth out fine lines: Save your dry, aging skin with this easy to use mask. Mix 2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder with some Argan oil or coconut oil, add few drops of rose essential oil. Apply the paste on your face, neck and décolletage. Keep on 15 minutes, then gently massage your skin and wipe off the mask. Rinse face with plain water. Do it twice a week to revive dull, tired skin.
Matcha-based skincare products from clean beauty brands
If you are pressed for time to make your own matcha-based skincare, then there are some great options that you can pick up off-the-shelf. Check these out here:
Cleanse your skin with Arata Purifying Face Wash with Matcha Green Tea & Witch Hazel or Tikitoro Refreshing Face Wash with Neem, Aloe Vera & Matcha Green Tea. It helps to purify skin and remove deep-seated dirt and impurities from skin, and balances excess sebum.
Tone and brighten your dull skin with Earth Rhythm Clear Skin Face Masque with Matcha Green Tea & Salicylic Acid or Carbon Bae Matcha Multani Face Masque. They help to remove impurities and pollutants from skin, treat dark under-eye circles, even skin tone, reduce acne, increase skin elasticity and makes your skin feel supple and youthful.
Rescue your undereye area with Nature Trail Nature Trail AM to PM Under Eye Serum with Caffeine & Matcha Green Tea. It has a unique sustained release formula, which ensures 24 by 7 nourishment. Matcha green tea reduces puffiness, fine lines and dark circles.
