With the sudden boost in the popularity of matcha, new facts show up every day. It is pretty established that regularly consuming matcha enhances your immune system. Owing to its rich anti-oxidants, matcha is an excellent alternative for various topical and oral treatments.
However, recently people started noticing its effects on the skin as well. So, is matcha good for your skin? Of course, it is! Matcha contains a unique plant compound, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which works magic for your skin. It regulates your blood flow, combats infection, and reduces inflammation, resulting in glowing skin.
Thus, matcha is nothing less than magic for your skin. Read on to discover the benefits of drinking matcha in the morning and how to incorporate it into your routine to maximize its potential.
Table of Content
What Is Matcha? How Is It Used?
The difference between matcha and green tea is often confusing for people new to the matcha fandom. Let’s hear it out first! Matcha is a type of green tea obtained from the same plant Camellia Sinensis. However, the difference in its growth and harvest sets it apart from regular green tea, both in nutrition and taste.
A month before the harvest, the farmers move the plant to a shade, where it completes the rest of its growth. How does that change the nutrient profile? Since it is grown in the shade, it has a relatively higher amount of chlorophyll, thus the dark green shade.
This also substantially increases the amino acid content and the anti-oxidants. Once harvested, the farmers remove the stems and grind the entire leaf into a fine powder. Unlike regular green tea, where you only infuse the leaves in water and throw out the content, you can consume the matcha leaves as a whole.
A fun fact about matcha tea is that you can use it as a healthy alternative to coffee since it has a high amount of caffeine, thanks to the whole leaves. But wait, with a high caffeine content, is matcha green tea good for your skin? Let’s find out!
Is Matcha Good for Your Skin? 5 Skin Benefits of Matcha
To give you an idea, matcha contains approximately 137 times more anti-oxidants than regular green tea. So, is matcha tea good for your skin? Less processing also means more essential compounds get preserved in their natural state, providing immense benefits.
But is matcha good for acne? The catechins and polyphenols help combat the environment’s adverse effects, leading to healthy, supple skin. It is surprising to see the matcha skin before and after once you add it into your daily beauty routine or diet.
Here are a few ways matcha helps your skin look younger and cleaner:
Decreases Inflammation
Nothing is worse than post-inflammation scarring after an acne breakout. The red, irritated skin stays long even after the acne is gone. Does matcha help clear skin after a breakout? Is it effective for the PIH (Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation)? Fortunately, it is!
The polyphenols and methylxanthines such as EGCG present in matcha form a protective barrier around your skin. This way, your skin is not exposed to harm and soothes itself down, resulting in shrunken pores and decreased redness.
Protection From Pollutants
The high chlorophyll content in the matcha leaves works alongside the antioxidants in protecting your natural skin barrier. The chlorophyll in the matcha absorbs harmful rays, pollutants, and other compounds that could be damaging to your skin. Additionally, the anti-oxidants neutralize the free radicals, so your skin is not exposed to them.
Inhibits Aging
Does drinking matcha help your skin slow down the aging process? Whether you are dealing with fine wrinkles under your eyes or sagging skin, matcha is your best friend! The massive amount of anti-oxidants in matcha neutralizes free radicals while chlorophyll prevents UV exposure. This promotes cell turnover leading to younger-looking skin.
Balances the Hormones
Increased sebum due to hormonal imbalance is among the top culprits for acne-prone, oily skin conditions. Is matcha green tea good for your skin? Can it also balance your hormones? Luckily, yes!
Besides being a potent anti-oxidant, EGCG helps reduce sebum production, a mixture of fatty acids that may cause breakouts. It also showed formidable results against androgen hypersecretion causing hormonal imbalance.
The EGCG compounds bind to the androgen receptors and decline the overall androgen level in your body. High androgen level is a significant cause of sebum production and acne.
Better Blood Circulation
The blood circulates more efficiently thanks to high amounts of caffeine in matcha, which is also a type of methylxanthine. Better blood circulation can prevent breakouts as well as reduce the redness and inflammation in pre-existing acne scars.
By ingesting matcha daily, you are basically allowing blood to reach your skin faster, leading to healthy skin.
3 Ways to Use Matcha for Your Skin
The best part about this Japanese powder is its versatility. You can use it as a refreshing, energizing drink or make a face mask out of it and apply it topically. However, the key is to use the best matcha powder for skin.
Authentic Japanese matcha powders are your best bet since the farmers harvest it through traditional methods, preserving all their qualities. The price point may be a bit high, but it is totally worth it.
Another tip while using matcha powder is getting a special matcha whisk, a brush-like with thick hairs. This allows the powder to dissolve completely without any lumps. Read on to find out how to make matcha face masks for clear, spotless skin.
Matcha Face Mask
There are countless DIY face masks using matcha that you can try at home, depending on your skin type. Take ½ tsp of matcha powder, 1 tsp of honey, and a few drops of water to turn it into a paste. Apply this face mask for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
You can add any other clay for oily skin, coconut oil for dry skin, or a few drops of tea tree oil for acne-prone skin. This increases the matcha face mask benefits, providing clear skin in record time.
Matcha Toner
You can also make a refreshing toner from matcha and spritz it throughout the day or after your skincare routine. Simply mix 4 tbs of matcha powder in 1 cup water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Not only is it cost-effective, but also highly beneficial for your skin.
Matcha Scrub
Exfoliation is essential for your skin to get rid of dead skin and impurities. And a natural scrub made from matcha is exactly what you need. Mix 1 tbsp of matcha powder, 1/4th cup of coconut oil, and 3/4th cup of refined white sugar to make a coarse mixture. Scrub your once a week with this exfoliator to get glowing skin.
Is Matcha Good for Weight Loss?
Adding matcha to your daily diet not only helps you with your skin problems but also manages your weight. In short, it is an all-rounder! It shows a significant decline in LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) as well as the overall weight, thanks to the increased rate of thermogenesis burning more calories.
It contains almost no calories, making it an excellent alternative for your beverages. However, that alone is not sufficient. You need to change your lifestyle and make it healthier to see results.
Final Verdict
Is matcha good for your skin? Should you take it everyday? Of course, yes! But do not go beyond two cups a day since the caffeine content may hamper your circadian rhythm.
Whether you include matcha in your skincare regimen or go for matcha tea, your skin will thank you. This incredible energy booster will definitely be a great addition to your routine.
FAQs
Let’s check out some of the frequently asked questions.
Is Matcha Drink Good for Your Skin?
The high anti-oxidants, polyphenols, and methylxanthines make matcha drink great for your skin. Compared to regular tea, matcha green tea contains 137 times more antioxidants. It neutralizes the free radicals, decreasing inflammation, acne, and premature aging.
What Does Matcha Do for Your Face?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can reduce redness, inflammation, and acne by controlling the oxidation of free radicals. It promotes better blood supply to your face resulting in healthy, younger-looking skin.
Is It Ok to Drink Matcha Everyday?
Matcha is safe to drink every day, given you do not exceed two cups. Since matcha contains a relatively greater caffeine content, you should not take more than 2 cups a day; otherwise, it may disrupt your sleep schedule. However, it is healthier than coffee and makes an excellent source of caffeine.
Does Matcha Tea Make Skin Glow?
Yes, drinking matcha tea daily can make your skin glow, thanks to numerous antioxidants, especially EGCG. It fights off free radicals, reduces chances of breakouts, and protects your skin against UV rays, resulting in healthy, glowing skin.
