Key Takeaways:
- Matcha's antioxidants protect and rejuvenate the skin.
- Regular consumption or topical application benefits skin appearance.
- Helps maintain elasticity and youthful complexion, good for aging skin.
- Matcha offers concentrated green tea benefits, a true powerhouse.
- Can be consumed as tea or used in skincare products.
- A natural and effective option for skin nourishment, highlighting matcha's versatility.
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
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.
Many people believe that matcha is simply green tea powder, but in reality, they are not the same because they undergo different processing and harvesting methods.
When compared to green tea, matcha also 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 Benefits of Matcha For Skin
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.
It is also rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds that act as natural antioxidants. These antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, compounds that can damage cells. Free radicals are known to contribute to aging and various health problems, including skin issues.
Plus, matcha is packed in tannins, which are antioxidants that aid in regulating oil production in your skin. Excess oil can lead to inflammation and clogged pores, a bad combination that results in acne.
2.) It can protect the skin against UV ray exposure from the sun
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.) Its powerful ingredients can counter dull-looking complexion
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.
5.) Matcha can mitigate aging
Matcha's benefits extend beyond its well-known antioxidant properties. It is a potent ingredient that can also maintain skin elasticity.
While it may not directly promote collagen production, matcha may help keep skin firmness and preserve collagen levels.
As collagen levels naturally begin to decline in our 20s, slowing down this rate of decline becomes essential in combating visible signs of aging.
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.
You can also use matcha to make a topical skin care product. You can craft a matcha face mask by blending matcha with honey or aloe, leaving it on for 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, a refreshing spritz can be made with chilled diluted matcha and sprayed gently onto the face.
While the effectiveness of these homemade treatments is often supported by personal testimonials, scientific validation may be lacking so always proceed with caution. Experimentation and mindfulness of your skin's reaction are key to finding the right balance.
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.
FAQs About Matcha's Benefits for Skin
Q1. Does matcha help with acne?
Yes, matcha may help with acne. It contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces inflammation and redness associated with acne. The antioxidants in matcha, including tannins, also help regulate oily skin, preventing clogged pores that can lead to acne.
Q2. Is drinking matcha every day good for the skin?
Drinking matcha tea every day can be beneficial for the skin. Regular consumption of matcha provides antioxidants, promotes microcirculation in the skin, and helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. It can lead to healthier, glowing skin and may also help with specific skin issues like acne or dull complexion.
Q3. What is better for then skin, green tea or matcha?
While both green tea and matcha come from the Camellia sinensis plant and offer skin benefits, matcha is often considered more potent. It is processed differently, resulting in increased amino acids and chlorophyll in matcha. This concentrated nature of matcha may provide more pronounced benefits for the skin compared to regular green tea.
Q4. Does matcha age your skin?
Matcha does not age the skin; in fact, it may help combat signs of aging. The antioxidants in matcha can neutralize free radicals that attack the skin's structure, and it can inhibit enzymes that break down collagen. By protecting collagen, matcha helps maintain skin elasticity and may slow down visible signs of aging.
Q5. Does matcha lighten skin?
There is no strong scientific evidence to suggest that matcha can lighten the skin. However, its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants may help even out skin tone and reduce redness or discolouration. Some people use matcha in topical skincare products like face masks for its potential soothing and revitalizing effects.
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 and healthy skin!
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.
