Try Tea for Great Skin
What is the healthiest drink in the world?
If you said ‘water’, you’re almost right. There is a very strong argument to be made that tea could take
home that prize. Tea consumption has long been associated with anti-aging and anti-cancer effects, and
new research suggests that drinking certain teas may benefit our skin.
Drinking tea is an excellent way to consume more water and stay hydrated. The skin-benefits of tea are
linked to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects of bioactive plant compounds
found in tea, called polyphenols. Green tea in particular, has high levels of a potent polyphenol known
as EGCG. Additional protective polyphenols are also found in other types of tea including white tea and
black tea.
When polyphenol-rich tea is consumed, or even applied topically to the skin, these natural compounds
have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by UV exposure. It is this oxidative
stress and inflammation that can lead to premature wrinkles, as collagen in the skin breaks down and
the elasticity of the skin degrades. It should be noted that while tea has been linked to sun protection,
there is no replacement for sunscreen to protect from damaging UV rays.
With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up on some
organic tea at your natural health food store. Throw a cube of ice in it and stay refreshed as you add a
new layer of skin protection.
For even more fun with tea, try one of our simple DIY natural skin care recipes. Our refreshing green tea
and raw sugar scrub acts as an excellent exfoliant, designed to help get your skin ready for summer. Try
making it at home in six simple steps.
Green Tea and Raw Granulated Sugar Scrub
1. Brew a very strong ¼ cup of green tea (using ¼ cup of water).
2. Let steep for a half hour.
3. Remove the tea bag and empty the brewed tea leaves into a small bowl.
4. Mix in 1 tbsp of course, granulated sugar with tea leaves.
5. Rub gently into skin, let sit for 5-10 minutes.
6. Wash off with warm water.