7 Benefits of Matcha for Skin

There are many benefits of matcha for the skin and you'll often find it in skincare products. Thanks to its sweet and earthy flavor, its also used in everything from drinks to desserts.

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder, made from shade-grown green tea plants. The shaded plants produce more amino acids and caffeine, compared to conventionally-grown green tea plants. Because it’s powdered, it’s also more highly concentrated in caffeine and nutrients. This traditional East Asian ingredient has become internationally loved in recent years.

When carefully mixed into water or milk, matcha can be used to make tea, lattes, breads and sweets. Known for its many health benefits, matcha tea has 137 times more antioxidants than other green teas. It has several benefits for the skin as well. 

1. Anti-inflammatory

Matcha is naturally anti-inflammatory, meaning it can soothe the skin. If you have irritated, inflamed and red skin, you can apply matcha to improve the appearance. Use a homemade matcha mask to improve the appearance of new scars and inflamed bruises. Just don’t apply matcha to any open wounds. Drinking matcha tea may also improve inflamed areas such as puffy undereyes. 

2. Glowing Skin

Due to its high antioxidant content, matcha tea can help improve blood circulation, resulting in glowing skin. Antioxidants also fight free radicals, which helps to maintain an even skin tone. You can reap the rewards of the ample antioxidants in matcha by drinking matcha tea and matcha lattes. 

3. Anti-Aging

Matcha has been shown to increase collagen and elastin fiber content in the skin. It also suppresses collagen-degrading enzymes, which effectively prevents the skin from wrinkling. Furthermore, the antioxidants in matcha prevent cell damage, which helps the skin stay strong and healthy. Consuming matcha tea can therefore help you delay signs of aging.

4. Acne Prevention

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, matcha is a great ingredient for improving the appearance of blemishes. You can apply matcha to inflamed and red pimples, for speedy disappearance. In the long-term, using matcha can help control acne as well.

By reducing sebum production of the skin, matcha can decrease the number of blemishes in the first place. You can use matcha face cleansers, moisturizers, masks and more, in order to reap these benefits.

5. Oil Control

Because matcha controls sebum production in the skin, not only can it help you prevent acne break-outs, but it prevents oiliness of the skin. Stick with the dewy look over a shiny face by using matcha-based products on your skin. 

6. Cleansing

The tannins found in matcha powder are high in chlorophyll, making matcha a great ingredient for cleansing your pores of pollutants and toxins. You use matcha as a cleanser by making a homemade face mask using matcha powder and a few teaspoons of water. Apply that to your face for ten minutes before washing with warm water.

7. UV Protection

Because matcha is high in EGCG, it has the ability to mitigate damage to the skin caused by UV exposure. Consistent consumption of matcha tea, matcha lattes, and other foods with a high matcha content can make your skin more resistant to sunburn. It can even help prevent skin cancers caused by UV rays. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop wearing sunscreen completely. But drinking matcha tea regularly may help you out next time you’re out in the sun for too long.

Read more:

• Golden Matcha Latte Recipe (Vegan)
• Matcha vs. Green Tea: What’s the Difference?
• Matcha Cookie Recipe: Vegan Green Tea Treats

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Tags: Beverages Guide self care Skin Care Tea