Matcha for Skin Care

Matcha powder and green tea in general, have become highly popular as key ingredients in skin care and hair care products, especially in vegan and chemical-free organic cosmetics. The benefits of matcha are immense on skin, both from drinking matcha as green tea and external topical application. This is based on anecdotal experiences, traditional wisdom, as well as research into the benefits of the nutritional composition of matcha and green tea. In this blog, we outline the benefits of matcha on skin and hair health.

Matcha is anti-aging

Aging of skin is a combination of several factors such as aging with time and environmental conditions. A study published in European Journal of Integrative Medicine in December 2020, concluded that Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the powerful antioxidants found in abundance in matcha green tea, showed effectiveness against skin aging [1]. The best way to consume EGCG is by drinking matcha, which is several times more potent than green tea in terms of antioxidants, vitamin C and minerals.

Matcha is an agent for skin brightening

An observation from the same study [1], another research paper published in National Centre of Biotechnology Information, USA in June 2015 [2], and several other studies on all types of tea extracts, have concluded that the polyphenols (such as flavonoid and phenolic acids) found in teas, inhibit the accumulation and production melanin in skin. Melanin gives skin it’s pigmentation and hence consumption of matcha may result in skin brightening. Skin pigmentation depends on many other factors such as exposure to UV, genetics, climate, etc., however, consumption of matcha may aid in reducing the melanin produced by skin cells and hence aid the overall toning and even brightening of skin.

Matcha is anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous for skin

A study published in August 2020 [3] and several studies after, have concluded that the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea (which are in much higher concentration in matcha) have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties in skin. They can assist in prevention of inflammation and cancer in skin.

Matcha for acne treatment

A research paper published in January 2021, which conducted a review and analysis of clinical trials, concluded that physical application of green tea extract can assist in treatment of acne. However, drinking green tea may not have direct impact on acne.

Matcha can sooth skin irritation and redness

Several studies have concluded that topical application of Green tea (including matcha) can provide comfort to irritation in skin or itchiness due to dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. This is again due to the high concentration of polyphenols, which give anti-inflammatory properties to matcha.

As is evident, based on several studies and centuries worth of wisdom, matcha can be very helpful in maintaining skin and hair health. We have suggested some ways in which matcha can be used on make topical face masks at home to look great and feel good.

DIY Matcha face masks

Making a face mask at home with matcha does not have to be a complicated and time-consuming process. Below are some of the quick and easy ways in which Matcha can be applied to your face with some noticeable results:

Organic Ceremonial grade matcha + extra virgin olive oil + white vinegar

Mix 1 tsp of premium quality organic ceremonial grade matcha powder, 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp of white vinegar in a bowl and apply on your face. Rub well. Leave for 30 mins. Then gently wash with water.

Organic Ceremonial grade matcha + organic coconut oil + aloe vera gel

Mix 1 tsp of premium quality organic ceremonial grade matcha powder, 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and few drops of aloe vera gel in a bowl and apply thoroughly on your face. Leave for 30 mins. Gently wash with water.

Quick masks – when you have very little time….

• mix 1 tsp of matcha in a 15 ml water and add honey.  Apply on face. Wash after 15-30 mins.
• mix 1 tsp of matcha in 15 ml water and add coconut or olive oil and squeeze a few drops of lemon/lime or vinegar. Rub thoroughly on face. Wash after 15-30 mins.

All of the above methods are quick and easy and may give almost immediate results and show noticeable improvement in skin over a period of time.

‘Matcha, Honey and Lemon’ recipe is one of the best ways to consume matcha green tea and reap the holistic health benefits. If you are new to matcha, please read our blog titled ‘Matcha – frequently asked questions‘.

Our blog is based on some reputed research papers referenced below.

References

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382020313937

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4483495/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10926734/