There’s something that both skincare and tea lovers have been appreciating for centuries now: matcha.
Many people are already aware of the many great benefits green tea has for your skin so it should come as no surprise that matcha carries these benefits as well.
In fact, the argument could be made that they are more potent due to the concentrated nature of matcha.
This article will take you through 4 of the most effective and science-backed benefits that matcha has for your skin
CONTENTS:
- What is Matcha Tea?
- The Key Skincare Benefits of Matcha Tea
- Some Extra Tips for Matcha Tea Newbies
- Final Thoughts
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha is a type of tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis plant - the same plant that also gives us both black tea and green tea.
However, when compared to green tea, matcha has increased chlorophyll levels (where it gets its bright green colour) and amino acids, mainly because of how it’s shielded from sunlight, processed and harvested.
Matcha tea has been widely consumed in East Asia for centuries and is finding much appreciation again in modern times as people flock to it for its unique flavour and many health benefits.
The Key Skincare Benefits of Matcha Tea
If you’re a devoted fan of organic beauty products and natural skincare methods then adding matcha to your diet is likely a smart move.
Matcha offers a wide range of benefits, from helping lower cholesterol to potentially improving brain function and cognition.
It also helps you achieve healthier, glowing skin - let’s have a look:
1.) Matcha can help relieve irritated, acne-prone skin.
Matcha contains epigallocatechin gallate, also known simply as EGCG, an anti-inflammatory agent that aids in reducing not only inflammation but also the redness associated with irritated skin and acne.
Matcha also has tannins, which are antioxidants that aid in regulating oil production. Excess oil can lead to inflammation and clogged pores, a bad combination that results in acne.
2.) It helps protect you against the harmful effects of sun or UV exposure.
The EGCG in matcha also helps repair skin damage from sun or UV exposure.
This is crucial as it can help prevent cells from deteriorating quickly which leads to premature aging and even worse skin problems.
Regular matcha consumption not only improves the appearance of your skin but also protects it from environmental stressors.
3.) It's powerful ingredients can counter dull-looking skin.
The caffeine in matcha helps reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes for a more refreshed look. Matcha is also rich in chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifier, and other antioxidants that work to fight bacteria and toxins for a healthier glow from within.
4.) Drinking matcha helps stimulate circulation in your whole body (including your skin!).
It seems like there’s a never-ending list of powerful, naturally-occurring ingredients in matcha that promote overall health.
An example of such an ingredient is methylxanthine, which is commonly found in foods and beverages that contain caffeine. It helps improve blood flow, which is vital for the skin’s glowing appearance and helps support quicker healing from cuts or scratches.
Some Extra Tips for Matcha Tea Newbies:
Take Note of the Shelf Life
Matcha powder, when stored correctly, can last up to one year!
Make sure to limit exposure to air, heat, and humidity to maintain its flavour profile and health benefits.
Like most powdered ingredients, it’s best to consume it within a month or so of opening the packaging. If that’s not possible, then make sure to use it by the "best before" date specified by the manufacturer.
You Can Prepare It In Various Ways
Matcha powder is a very versatile ingredient. You can drink warm or cold matcha depending on your preference and still get great results.
It can also help to have a matcha whisk at home. Using one can help you remove clumps and create a silkier, frothier texture. And on days when you prefer a matcha snack, its powder form makes it easy to add it to your favourite cookies or smoothie bowls.
Expect It to Have a Grassy Taste
As mentioned, since matcha is literally made of powdered tea leaves, you should expect it to have a grassy flavour profile.
Different matcha brands have different taste profiles due to sourcing and purity - but all will have a ‘vegetal’ type taste. Some may get used to it over time, while others might not. For the latter, you can always add a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Know the Matcha Grade
Not all matcha powders are the same. The matcha grade you want will depend on your preferred brand, budget, and how you plan to prepare it.
There’s ceremonial grade tea, made from the highest-quality matcha leaves. This is the matcha grade you’d want if you want to drink the tea and get its full benefits and flavour.
You can also get premium-grade and kitchen-grade ‘culinary’ matcha if you plan on making blended matcha drinks or matcha-flavoured desserts.
Final Thoughts:
Matcha’s green appearance does not only make it "look" organic and healthy - there are many studies that show a range of different matcha-related benefits for humans. One of which is good skin health!
Pairing matcha with other adaptogens and supplements that help to promote good skin health (e.g. ashwagandha, reishi, vegan collagen etc.) can be a great way to build a natural ‘dietary’ skincare routine that has a number of other flow-on benefits as well.
If you haven’t tried matcha yet and are looking to get started, try a few of the brands we recommend on our site and find the flavour that suits you best.