20 Amazing Herbal Teas For Glowing Skin

Since the earliest times, many cultures, especially in the East, have been consuming herbal teas to prevent and remedy all the possible ailments. We are now witnessing that the tea culture is becoming more and more popular in the West as well. Bio and health stores are packed with exotic teas from distant regions that can take away anxiety, stress, insomnia…

But did you know that besides healing our bodies from the inside, herbal teas are also extremely beneficial for our skin? Beauty emanates from the inside out, and if our bodies are healthy, it will reflect on our complexion.

However, before we dive into all the great skin benefits herbal teas can offer, let’s explain the difference between herbal teas and true teas.

Herbal Tea vs. Tea: What’s the Difference?

This might come as a surprise to you, but herbal teas aren’t true teas. The general term tea usually refers to black, green, or white tea. These all come from the leaves of the same plant or bush, called the Camellia sinensis.

The color of the tea will depend on the brewing time or fermentation level. And so, we have green tea that's the least fermented but contains the highest amount of antioxidants. All in all, as they all come from the same bush, they have similar chemical compositions, containing antioxidants, caffeine, and tannins.

On the other hand, we have herbal teas. These are made from various herbs, dried fruits, and flowers. Therefore, each of them has a unique flavor, chemical makeup, and medicinal properties. As they don't contain caffeine, herbal teas are ideal for people who avoid stimulants or are caffeine-sensitive.

Besides being relaxing and tasty, herbal teas can also be a great addition to our skincare routine.

Here’s how teatime can help you look more beautiful.

20 Herbal Teas You Should Put to the Taste

As you’ve probably noticed, herbal tea is becoming a champion in many natural beauty lines. Packed with different vitamins, amino acids, and other ingredients that fight aging, herbal teas have an indispensable role in the natural skincare world.

There are so many different kinds to choose from. Every one of them has a specific and unique role in keeping the skin looking youthful and glowing.

To notice the benefits, you can sip it, use its extract or apply it directly to your skin.

Here are twenty herbal teas that you'll want to try:

1. Chamomile Tea for Various Skin Conditions

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, chamomile tea is remarkably beneficial in preventing and fighting different skin conditions, including acne, hyper-pigmentation, eczema, scars, and psoriasis. It's also packed with antioxidants such as quercetin, which is great in protecting the skin from sun damage, pollutants, and free radicals [source].

Chamomile works wonders if applied topically as well. If you have trouble sleeping and notice that puffiness and dark under-eye circles start to show, you can put the chamomile tea bags directly on your eyes. This trick will erase the tired eye appearance and make you look instantly refreshed.

2. Ginger Tea as a Strong Antioxidant

Ginger tea is a rich antioxidant, and it has anti-inflammatory compounds. It can boost circulation and help flush out all the pollutants and free radicals from our bodies [source].

As a result, our skin will look more healthy and luminous. In fact, experts suggest drinking it on a daily basis.

3. Spearmint Tea for Treating Acne

If you’re fighting acne caused by hormonal imbalance, spearmint tea is your best friend. Drinking it regularly has an anti-androgenic effect balancing testosterone levels in the female endocrine system.

It can alleviate other skin issues caused by hormonal disruption, such as hormonal acne and the growth of coarse and dark hair on the face and chest, the condition known as hirsutism [source].

4. Dandelion Tea for Better Digestion

We already know that a healthy gut and digestion are essential for overall well-being, including our skin. With its immune-enhancing properties, dandelion tea promotes digestion, supports liver function, and flushes out toxins [source]. Studies also show that it’s good at protecting the skin from damaging UVB rays [source].

Better digestion equals fewer toxins, which, in the end, results in healthy skin with a fresh and young appearance.

5. Matcha Tea for Better Blood Flow

Similar to green tea, matcha tea is rich in catechins, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, protecting our skin from sun damage and photo-aging. It also reduces bacterial infections keeping flare-ups and acne at bay [source].

Its high levels of vitamin K promote blood circulation and wound healing, helping reduce swelling and puffiness. You can find different face masks and lotions containing matcha powder, but don't forget to drink a cup now and again for maximum benefits.

6. Rooibos Tea as an Age-Defier

Rooibos tea, also known as Red Bush Tea, is an anti-aging superstar. Studies show that antioxidant and alpha-hydroxy acid-rich rooibos tea helps eliminate the free radicals damage and slow down the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

It's also rich in flavonoids and zinc that help fight unwanted pathogens, the main culprits for breakouts and eczema.

7. Hibiscus Tea for Radiant Glow

This delicious red floral tea is a great source of vitamins C, A, B, as well as iron and zinc, which are all important for anti-aging and skin elasticity while protecting from free radicals at the same time.

Hibiscus tea also has high levels of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for achieving and keeping that sought-after youthful and glowy skin look and feel [source].

8. Horsetail Tea for Boosting Collagen Production

With its high silica content, horsetail tea supports collagen production [source]. Collagen is the main protein found in our skin, and its production slows down with aging. To keep the skin wrinkle-free and tout, make sure to compensate for this deficiency by drinking horsetail tea or using creams and masks that contain horsetail extract.

Besides its anti-aging benefits, this magical tea is also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, helping with acne and irritation as well as wounds, rashes, and burns.

Since both horsetail and matcha tea are great for collagen production, you can make their infusion and sip it for the skin-plumping effect.

9. Licorice Root Tea as a Sunscreen Helper

As an indispensable step in your daily skincare routine, sunscreen can be greatly complemented with having a cup of licorice root tea before and after sun exposure. You can also use topical creams and serums containing its extract. As a natural brightening alternative, licorice can reduce sun-induced spots and freckles as well as acne scars.

It's rich in glycyrrhizin, glabridin, licochalcone A, which are potent antioxidants excellent in fighting UV damage. They protect the skin from free radicals, prevent hyper-pigmentation, and fortify our skin's defenses, preventing sun damage even after unprotected UV rays exposure [source].

10. Burdock Root Tea as a Cleanser

For the whole body detox and cleanse, burdock root is the No. 1 go-to tea. While doing so, it promotes overall body health and the blood flow to the skin, leaving the skin happier and healthier [source].

Rich in different minerals and antioxidants, this tea is also a miraculous wrinkle remover, keeping the skin youthful and radiant.

11. Peppermint Tea for Oily Skin

Those with oily and acne-prone skin can reap the many benefits of peppermint tea. It not only calms the upset stomach but also slows down oil production and speeds up cell turnover.

Rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E and D, it encourages skin regeneration by getting rid of dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and glowing. It also acts as an anti-bacterial agent, which helps in controlling breakouts and aging [source].

12. Nettle Tea for a Strong Detox

Nettle is a diuretic plant, effectively flushing out all the toxins from the bloodstream. With its high levels of vitamins C and K, nettle tea also has anti-inflammatory effects, treating different skin issues such as eczema, acne, scarring, and rashes [source].

13. Rosehip Tea for a Quick Cell Turnover

Rosehip tea, as well as its infusions and blends, makes for a great addition to your anti-aging treatment. It has plenty of vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and cellular renewal.

It also contains an arsenal of powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, carotenoids, catechins, flavonoids, and lycopene, beneficial for cell healing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

For healthy, smooth, and young-looking skin, you could mix rosehip with hibiscus tea.

14. Ginseng Tea for Improving Skin Tone

Best known as a hangover cure, ginseng tea can also help our skin look fresher and younger. Thanks to the high levels of phytonutrients, ginseng tea is considered to have anti-aging properties, helping with skin brightening and toning [source].

15. Calendula Tea for Soothing Puffy Eyes

A slow lymphatic system usually results in puffy eyes. If this is the cause of the problem, you may find that various eye creams and gels are only a temporary fix.

This is where calendula tea takes over. When combined with strong diuretics, it will kick-start your sluggish lymphatics, eliminate excess fluids, and improve the overall skin tone. In no time, you’ll also enjoy puff-free mornings [source].

16. Gotu Kola for Better Skin Elasticity

You've probably heard of this fantastic herb under a different name, Centella. Just like horsetail tea, Gotu Kola or Centella is a super powerful herb that boosts collagen production. And, as we age, we could use every help there is on the collagen-production front [source].

That's why Gotu Kola got its well-deserved nickname - Fountain of Youth. With more collagen, our skin will have more firmness, elasticity, and of course, fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

17. Echinacea Tea for Fighting Eczema

Thanks to its anti-bacterial and antiviral properties, echinacea tea is excellent for boosting our immune system. Therefore, it can be used for fighting various skin conditions, such as inflammations, irritations, and even eczema. For a more potent effect, you can apply it topically as well [source].

18. Reishi Tea for Youthful-Looking Skin

Reishi tea is made from Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum. People call it the Mushroom of Immortality, and for centuries, it’s been used for treating a myriad of ailments, from depression to liver disease [source].

This incredible plant got its catchy name due to the number of its anti-aging properties. It's also traditionally used for improving the immune system, relaxation, and for alleviating anxiety and insomnia.

19. Rosemary Tea for a Healthy Scalp

And let’s not forget about the scalp, because it’s also our skin, after all. For healthy hair and scalp, rosemary tea is an all-purpose tea.

High in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, rosemary tea can relieve dry and flaky scalp, eliminating dandruff and irritation. It also improves circulation, which stimulates hair growth [source].

20. Valerian Tea for a Good Night Sleep

Sleep is an essential factor for our skin health. If we're fresh and rested, our skin is as well. Studies show that drinking valerian tea before bed can significantly reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve our overall sleeping quality [source].

Some Parting Words of Advice…

Keep in mind, however, that none of these herbal teas will give you that Wow! effect overnight. They might instantly reduce redness and irritation, but it will take some time to notice any more significant changes on your skin.

However, you should try to enhance your beauty routine with a daily delicious and steaming hot cup of your favorite tea and be persistent. Sit back, relax, and slurp your way to radiant and beautiful skin!

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