Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
What are matcha green tea benefits for skin? Learn how matcha is a superstar skincare ingredient and how to start using it today!
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 skincare?
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 mind.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. The green tea plants are shade-grown for 3 - 4 weeks before harvest, and the stems and veins are removed during processing.
Matcha is a more concentrated from of green tea, with higher caffeine content and higher concentrations of a nonprotein amino acid known as theanine. Theanine has stress-reducing effects on the body and mind. Green tea leaves also contain the catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer, diseases, and aid in weight loss.
Experts have found that "...the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) available from drinking matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG available from China Green Tips green tea, and at least three times higher than the largest literature value for other green teas."
How Does Matcha Green Tea Benefit the Skin?
Due to a high antioxidant content, green tea and matcha can help mitigate the damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. The catechins in green tea help catch and deactivate the skin’s free radicals, so it impedes the many signs of premature aging.
Green tea is also an effective anti-inflammatory, making Matcha an ally for those suffering from skin conditions like rosacea and acne.
People with sensitive skin can use matcha as an alternative to topical Vitamin C.
- EGCG is a potent anti-inflammatory.
- Helps diminish redness.
- Shrinks pimples.
- Exfoliates the skin and eliminates dead skin cells.
- Stimulates elastin 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.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Matcha Green Tea Skin Benefits
High Antioxidant Content
The mention of high levels of antioxidants in matcha can never be too emphasized. 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.
Matcha protects the body from inflammation, thus minimizing acne breakout and other skin conditions. The EGCG content 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 protected from the sun. This increases chlorophyll production, which gives high-quality matcha leaves their vivid green color.
The presence of chlorophyll makes matcha a powerful detoxifying agent that cleanses toxins present in the body. Chlorophyll helps keep your skin looking radiant.
Chlorophyll can help protect our skin from sun damage and reduce photo-aging, meaning we get less wrinkles and less hyperpigmentation.
Antibiotic Properties
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) gives matcha excellent anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties that help with acne-prone skin.
Vitamin K
Due to its Vitamin K content, matcha can reduce puffiness and skin inflammation, reduce dark under-eye circles, and promote better blood circulation.
Vitamins and Minerals
Matcha green tea is high in minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron. Vitamins A and C are present as well. These organic substances cleanse the body’s internal system, and at the same time purify the skin to eliminate any impurities and blemishes.
How to Incorporate Matcha Green Tea into Your Skincare Routine
Use Matcha as a Toner
Mix your matcha green tea powder with some water and essential oils of your choice in a spray bottle and spritz on your skin.
Use it as an Exfoliate
Make a natural sugar scrub with one tablespoon of matcha, one-quarter cup of coconut oil, and three-quarters of a cup of organic white sugar.
Make a Match Face Mask
There are plenty of ways to use matcha as a face mask. Here are some ideas:
- Mix one and a half tablespoons of clay, a half to a quarter of a teaspoon of matcha powder with a tablespoon of water.
- Mix equal parts matcha powder with coconut oil to create an easy mask for dry skin.
- For acne-prone skin, mix up an antibacterial mask by mixing one tablespoon of matcha powder with some lemongrass essential oil.
- Mix a quarter teaspoon of matcha powder with one tablespoon of aloe vera for a nourishing facial mask.
Conclusion
As you can see, matcha green tea has some fantastic skin benefits. Let us know how you use matcha in your skin care routine.
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 🙂
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?