What Does Matcha Do for Your Skin + Face Mask Recipes

Besides being a delicious drink, matcha is also known as a health elixir, with miraculous benefits for your body and skin. It's been around for over four centuries and was used by ancient Chinese and Japanese for boosting energy and endurance.

Nowadays, the popularity of this amazing plant soared even more, and you can see matcha teas, shots, lattes, and deserts filling the shelves of most health stores and coffee shops.

But the craze surrounding this green beauty doesn't end there. The skincare and beauty world also got their piece of the pie – having matcha as a super-ingredient in different personal care products, from acne treatments to anti-aging creams.

So, let's find out all about this miracle plant and its secret skin benefits.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha, also known as Japanese matcha, is a type of green tea belonging to the same plant family – Camellia sinensis. It's a bright-green, finely ground powder of Camellia sinensis plant leaves grown and processed in a very specific way. Unlike green tea, matcha leaves are grown in the shade several weeks prior to harvest. During this period, away from the sun, the leaves produce more caffeine and theanine.

After removing veins and stems, the leaves are then ground into a fine powder. To consume it, you just need to suspend the powder into warm milk or water, whisk it, and it's ready. So, instead of steeping a tea bag in boiling water and then removing it, you're consuming whole matcha tea leaves. This way, all the antioxidant and nutrient contents of the plant are preserved – hence all the fantastic health benefits matcha touts.

Research suggests that due to its high antioxidant content (especially catechins), matcha tea may positively affect both physical and mental health, supporting heart and liver function, boosting cognitive abilities, reducing anxiety and depression, and even preventing cancer.

However, in this article, we'll focus on matcha benefits for our skin.

5 Incredible Benefits of Matcha for Skin

Whether you're drinking it or applying it topically, matcha can benefit your complexion in many different ways. Here are five amazing skin benefits you can expect from matcha:

#1: Reduces Inflammation

Thanks to its rich antioxidant content (most importantly, catechin called EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate), matcha has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it's excellent for combating irritation, redness, and inflammation caused by acne, rosacea, or eczema.

#2: Supports Clear and Even Complexion

Matcha has a high methylxanthines content, stimulating microcirculation in the skin. As a result, the complexion is more radiant and blemish-free. Also, tannins in matcha can shrink pores and reduce oil production and shine, making it perfect for those with oily skin.

#3: Prevents Premature Aging

The catechins found in abundance in matcha can reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, the main culprits for premature aging. The EGCGs in green matcha act as powerful free-radicals sweepers, neutralizing them and slowing down the process of cellular aging. In addition, the catechins combined with caffeine found in green matcha tea act as a powerful antioxidant duo, promoting skin elasticity and firmness.

#4: Protects Against Sun Damage and Pollution

Besides catechins, matcha is also packed with polyphenols. These organic compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA-repairing properties that can repair and rejuvenate your skin. Polyphenols can protect the skin from UV rays and remedy the damage caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

#5: Helps Prevent and Fight Acne

Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, matcha can suppress infection and inflammation that can cause acne. In addition, it's proven helpful in fighting hormonal acne as well. In women, hormonal acne is usually caused by excess androgen hormones that trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. EGCGs are potent antioxidants that can also reduce androgen hormones, supporting hormonal balance in women and fighting hormonal acne.

DIY Matcha Face Masks Recipes

To get the full benefits of this miraculous plant, you can make super nourishing matcha face masks at home and let it work its magic from the outside as well.

Takeaway...

If you want radiant skin with a clear and healthy complexion, it's time to reinforce your skincare regimen with some green matcha. Whether you choose to start your day with a delicious cup of matcha latte or make your own matcha skincare concoctions (or both), it's up to you. All in all, you should try to incorporate this green wonder into your daily life.

FAQs