Sip, soak, and glow: How tea can be your skin’s best friend
STAFF REPORTER
WHEN it comes to looking after one’s skin, many spend thousands of rand each month on serums, balms and creams to achieve flawless, glowing skin. However, skin specialists often recognise the value of natural products that are readily available when it comes to skincare. Enter tea. Tea has a range of different benefits for the skin, of which many are unaware. The affordability of tea also makes it a great addition to anyone’s skincare regime.
Tea has a number of roles to play when it comes to skin health. Dietitian, Mbali Mapholi, is encouraging the incorporation of tea into daily skincare routines – both the consumption of brewed tea as well as external uses of tea leaves and bags.
“When you’re sipping on your favourite cup of tea, there’s a good chance that you’re unaware of its skin health benefits. So let me spill the tea - whether you’re drinking a cup of tea, soaking in it, or using it to create skincare products, your skin is benefitting,” explained Mapholi.
To get your skincare routine off to a great start Mapholi shared some cost-effective and impactful tips for tea-rrific skin.
1. Sip
Glowing skin starts from within. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, meaning that sipping a cup or two of green tea a day could leave your skin looking clearer and more radiant. Chamomile tea is another great option as it’s calming for your skin and your stress levels, which is essential for a healthy glow, while also supporting restful sleep. Sleep itself plays a key part in skin health, allowing the skin to repair itself and regenerate. Getting enough deep sleep can help prevent bags under the eyes, wrinkles, and puffiness.
2.De-puff
Teas aren’t just for drinking; they’re versatile for skincare too. After brewing your favourite cup of chamomile or green Tea, chill the bags and then place them on your eyes for about 10 minutes. The tannins in the tea help tighten skin and reduce puffiness. Plus it won’t cost you anything and reusing your teabags benefits the environment – win-win.
3.Exfoliate
Tea leaves are a great natural exfoliator. Here’s a recipe to try for your next skin scrub:
Combine brewed and cooled tea leaves (cut open bags and remove leaves) with honey, brown sugar, or ground coffee granules and massage onto your skin before rinsing with water to remove dead cells and brighten your complexion.
4.Cover
Tea leaves are often used as an ingredient in homemade face masks. For a natural green tea face mask, follow the below steps:
Combine brewed and cooled green tea leaves (removed from bag) with honey and plain yoghurt. Cover the face and allow to sit for 15 minutes, then wash off with water and enjoy the feeling of soothed and refreshed skin.
*Note: If you are prone to skin conditions, consult your skincare specialist before trying these recipes.
5.Soak and soothe
Love to soak in the bath? Add chamomile or green tea bags to your next bath for a calming and natural skin-soothing soak. Simply run hot water, add the tea bags, and allow them to soak for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and add cold water to get your bath to the preferred temperature. The antioxidants can help reduce irritation and leave your skin feeling soft.
In closing, Mapholi noted: “Healthy skin isn’t just about what you apply topically; it’s about what you nourish your body with. By incorporating tea into your daily routine, you can support your skin’s radiance from the inside out. Pair this with a balanced diet and hydration, and your skin will thank you.”