Green tea is no new thing, but the matcha version has recently gotten pretty hip. Not only is it great for an energy boost, but matcha green tea benefits for skin are massive when applied topically as well! And that's what brings me here today, lovely readers. Green tea has always been one of my favorite beverages. I use green tea in hot toddies with lemon, honey, and whisky, and I basically use those same ingredients for facial cleansing. Plus, the green tea hair rinse is in my top three favorite hair cleansing methods.
I haven't always paid special attention to the type of green tea I was purchasing, however. Long before I was using it in my DIY beauty routine, I had about three shelves in my childhood room specifically used to house the fancy Arizona Green Tea bottles that I thought were incredibly unique and cute. Clearly, I needed to step up my green tea game if I was going to start putting it on my face. You can purchase organic, fair trade green tea for pretty cheap, but if you are looking for a gentle facial detox? Matcha green tea has skincare benefits that are even more powerful when you smear it on your face.
Arizona Green Tea (Pack of 24), $14, Amazon
According to Beauty & Tips, matcha green tea has antioxidants that match about 10 cups of regular green tea. It's also easier to work with in DIY beauty routines than brewed tea because it comes in a powdered form, which of course, makes for a great mask that you don't have to boil hot water and wait for a cool down period. No one wants to put a steaming cup of tea on their face.
Matcha green tea contains theanine, an amino acid, that actually serves for memory support — so, yes you should definitely be sipping on your matcha daily. According to Natural Living Ideas, the matcha green tea powder is a safe detox for conditions like acne and aging. This high quality green tea contains chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifier, that according to sources at the Huffington Post, removes harmful toxins and fights free radicals that damage cells needed to protect our skin. Matcha is particularly good for acne because it has the ability to decrease sebum production. Anyone with concerns about fine lines and wrinkles will love the effects of matcha green tea too — matcha green tea protects our largest organ from harmful UV rays that encourage premature aging and hyper-pigmentation. Plus, matcha green tea is known for being an energy booster, so it can stimulate and rejuvenate skin cells.
Once you've settled on your preferred brand of matcha green tea, you'll be ready to make one of these awesome face masks for a calm, detoxifying weekly treatment.
Matcha Green Tea & Lemongrass Mask
This is a major skin detox. You've already got antioxidants for days with a heaping tablespoon of matcha green tea. Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil which can heal and lift scarring and other damages to your complexion. Mix, and apply.
Matcha Green Tea & Rose Water Mask
This is a great weekly treatment that is supposed to help with sagging around the eyes, wrinkles, and well, basically everything. Maybe it won't transform you over night, but one thing is for sure, it will definitely plant the right ingredients in your face to promote healthy skin. Use one heaping tablespoon of matcha green tea, one tablespoon of rose water (add less for a thicker consistency), and four to five drops of lavender essential oil.
Image: Gabriela, Steenbergs, Steenbergs/Flickr; warlord76/Fotolia; Giphy
