The Benefits of Matcha Green Tea for the Skin
Posted by Pure Cosmetica on 8th Jun 2022
The hero in Japanese Tea Ceremony, Matcha Green Tea has found its way into foods, sweets, smoothies – and finally skincare.
Who can blame it? Compared to other green teas, Matcha Tea has at least three times the concentration of natural antioxidants!
What is Matcha Green Tea?
Matcha Green Tea was introduced in Japan in 1191 by Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai.
It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that have been grounded into a ultra-fine powder. During of the course of production, the tree is left to grow in the shade, which causes the tree to increase the amounts of amino acids and bioactive compounds (such as Chlorophyll) present in its leaves.
Skin benefits of Matcha Tea:
Matcha Green Tea contains a high concentration of natural antioxidants, such as polyphenols, catechins, phenolic acids, caffeine and Vitamin C, to name a few.
It also contains the highest amount of Epigallocatechin gallate than any other types of tea. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin, a potent antioxidant that is excellent at protecting the skin’s protective barrier against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors (pollution, UV light). These unstable molecules are responsible for causing most skin concerns, such as premature ageing, oily skin, skin redness and dry patches.
Catechins (an antioxidant) are also anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial – this means they help calm and soothe skin redness, as well as reduce skin bacteria caused by excessive sebum production – very helpful for acne!
1. Prevents pre-mature ageing
The high presence of antioxidants fight away free radicals and environmental stressors which cause skin damage such as uneven texture, dryness and fine lines.
2. Detoxes impurities from the skin
The catechin EGCG helps neutralise and get rid of the damaging free radical enzymes from the skin.
3. Helps fight acne
The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of Matcha Green Tea help reduce bacteria created by excessive production of sebum.
4. Regulates sebum production
Antioxidants promote a balanced function of the skin’s barrier which regulates the production of sebum.
5. Calming and soothing
Matcha Green Tea’s high antioxidant content helps calm and soothe inflammations in skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.