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What is Matcha Tea?
Green tea has become a thing these days, especially in smoothies, baking and other beverages. But who would have thought that matcha green tea would rise to fame in the beauty industry and modern skin care.
In Japanese culture, matcha green tea has been around for centuries, and it has been known to ward off free radicals and bring a sense of calmness to the mind.
Matcha, which is finely ground green tea leaves, has now evolved from just being a tea drink to being a core ingredient in modern skin care treatments.
One cup of matcha green tea is actually equivalent to 10 cups of the regular green tea in terms of antioxidant and nutritional content. Discovering the nutritional wonders of matcha green tea, it has now become known that you can also reap the amazing skin care benefits from these potent leaves.
Matcha Green Tea Skin Benefits
What makes matcha green tea great for the skin?
We all know green tea to be a potent antioxidant that is perfect for all skin types. That is why it can be used as an alternative to some Vitamin C extracts that may cause irritation to those with sensitive skin. Green tea is also known to contain effective anti-inflammatory properties.
You will find green tea extract listed as camellia sinensis leaf extract in the ingredients of commercial skin care products. Matcha green tea boasts of these benefits in a more power-packed version.
According to dermatologist Judith Hellman, matcha is pulverized green tea, made from the entire leaf. It is packed with a type of polyphenol called catechins that make matcha into a powerful antioxidant. She said that catechins help catch and deactivate the skin’s free radicals, so it impedes the many signs of premature aging.
Judith Hellman added that the powder is much more concentrated than its liquid form, especially for skin care purposes. Because green tea is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, matcha aids in treating skin conditions like rosacea and even skin acne.
When applied directly to the skin, in the form of a scrub or a mask, matcha green tea has a direct and fast effect in improving the skin’s condition.
- EGCG is a potent anti-inflammatory.
- Diminishes redness.
- Shrinks pimples.
- Exfoliates the skin and eliminates dead skin cells.
- Stimulates elastic production and firms the skin.
- Protects the skin from free radical damage.
- Tannins in green tea help shrink pores.
- Removes oil and slows oil production.
- Good for all skin types.
Matcha Green Tea Properties
Antioxidants
The mention of high levels of antioxidants in matcha can never be too emphasized. This may be repeatedly mentioned because it is the primary content of matcha. These antioxidants control the effects of free radicals and UV radiation, so the skin is protected from exposure to the sun, wind and other environmental pollutants.
It protects the body from inflammation, thus minimizing acne breakout and other skin conditions. The EGCG antioxidant in matcha is responsible for slowing skin cell degeneration, keeping the skin from aging, and promoting tighter, smoother and moisturized skin.
Chlorophyll
During the last three to four weeks of growing matcha, right before they are harvested, the leaves are kept covered for protection from the sun. This increases chlorophyll production which gives high quality matcha leaves its vivid green color.
Chlorophyll also makes matcha a powerful detoxifying agent that cleanses the toxins present in the body and wards off impurities and hazardous chemicals in the body’s system, giving the skin a clean and radiant glow.
Natural Antibiotics
The presence of various natural and organic components found in matcha act as strong antibiotic agents that our bodies can greatly benefit from. These substances include catechins, Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, protein and calcium.
These organic substances cleanse the body’s internal system, and at the same time purify the skin to eliminate any impurities and blemishes. A healthy immune system also means a healthy, well-hydrated and youthful skin.
Minerals
Matcha green tea is high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron.
Matcha Green Tea Face Mask Recipe
This simple match face mask is a fast and effective way to bring all the nutrients from the potent green tea to the skin. Adding Aloe Vera will give you a carrier oil that will help bring these nutrients deep into the skin.
Nourishing Matcha Face Mask
Makes 1 face application.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp matcha powder
- 1 Tbsp aloe vera, fresh or bottled
Directions:
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl and apply with fingers to a just-washed and towel-dried face. Leave on face for 5-10 minutes avoiding the eye area, then rinse off with cool water. For best results, apply moisturizer right after drying face with towel
Have you tried matcha green tea in your skin care? leave us a comment or share this article with friends, we can all benefit from this rich powder 🙂
To a Bright and Beautiful you,
Maria.
Now even green tea is passé and everyone is turning to moringa/drumstick leaves tea. I wonder if one could substitute matcha for Moringa oleifera powder? I happen to have a bag of moringa in my pantry. Looks so much like matcha. I might give it a try 🙂 What do you think?
Hi Aleksandra 🙂 I say, give it a try! Moringa has loads of vitamin C and vitamin A, making it great for the skin.
Great tips.. I have never used green tea facial stuff .. will it suit computational skin ?
I am not sure what you mean by computational?