I have been looking for more ways to incorporate green tea into my daily life as summer gets into full swing. Not only are teas like green sencha and matcha nourishing antioxidant sources, they are also amazing additions to any DIY skin care routine. I tend to have dry, sometimes red and irritated skin, especially in the summer after spending hours outdoors in the sun. I’m a gardening and hiking nut and a general outdoor enthusiast, so you can imagine just how much sun my cheeks are getting every day. Green tea has been a wonderful way to soothe my skin and offer it some much-needed relief.
From facial steams to cooling sprays, the addition of green tea is so refreshing after an adventurous hike, hours spent in the garden, or a long day of work. When used in a skin care routine, it can help soothe minor skin irritations and redness as well as rejuvenate and protect the skin. Some people even report toning and brightening effects due to the caffeine content found in green teas. These qualities are especially true of matcha tea! And let’s not forget that matcha, as well as other green teas, contain catechins, a polyphenol that is known for its antioxidant power and which is known to help reduce build-up on the skin.
There are many ways you can incorporate green teas into your skin care routine. I often begin by making a strong infusion either in water, carrier oil or witch hazel. I love how versatile infusions can be and they are always lovely to have on hand. Another simple option is to brew a strong blend of green tea with your favorite calming herbs and harness the power of steam. Sometimes I’ll even pour myself a little glass of tea while I prepare my recipe.
Here are five simple skin care recipes that each incorporate green tea for a refreshing and rejuvenating routine. These recipes also include some of my other favorite beneficial plants like lemon balm, lavender, and peppermint for a refreshing and cooling addition to any skin care regimen.
Makes enough for one facial steam.
Herbal steams moisturize and relax the face by stimulating skin circulation. They also help to clean the skin by dislodging dirt from pores. This recipe is rejuvenating and is suitable for various skin types.
Ingredients
• 1/8 cup organic green sencha leaf tea
• 1/4 cup dried organic lemon balm, double the amount if using fresh lemon balm
• 1-2 Tbsp. dried organic peppermint, double the amount if using fresh peppermint
Directions
Makes approximately 1 cup dry material.
Facial scrubs exfoliate the skin and cleanse the pores. Some facial scrubs can be rough on the skin, but this recipe contains oats, almonds, and other soothing and nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
• 1 Tbsp. organic oatmeal
• 1 Tbsp. organic almonds
• 2 tsp. organic lavender flowers
• 1 tsp. French green clay
• 1/4 tsp. organic matcha tea
• 2-5 drops organic lavender essential oil
Directions
1. Grind oats, almonds, and lavender flowers in a clean coffee grinder until finely powdered.
2. Sift through a mesh screen to remove larger pieces that may be too abrasive for delicate facial skin.
3. Add clay, matcha, and lavender essential oil.
Mix thoroughly, and store in a glass jar.
To Use
1. Mix a small amount with water, milk, cream, yogurt, flower water, or tea to create a smooth paste.
2. Apply to slightly damp skin and gently massage with fingertips, avoiding the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips.
3. When finished, rinse off with cool water.
Pro Tip
• You can use this same blend for a facial mask! Simply apply a light layer on the face, making sure to avoid the delicate skin area around the eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 minutes or until the mask feels taught and dry, then rinse off with cool water. For dry or sensitive skin types, leave on for 5 minutes or less.
Makes approximately 3/4 cups.
This recipe helps to tighten the skin, adjust pH levels, and remove residues left on the skin after cleansing. This recipe is gentle and suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients
Makes enough for one compress
Green tea contains antioxidants that ease and nourish the skin. Green tea compresses are beneficial for various skin types and are a nice relaxing treat for your skin.
Directions
1. To create a compress from green sencha leaf tea, make an infusion by pouring boiling water over organic loose-leaf tea and allow to cool completely.
2. Once it has cooled, strain out the leaves and reserve the liquid.
3. Soak a clean cloth in the infusion and then place the saturated cloth on skin for 5-10 minutes at a time. This process may be repeated several times a day.
Makes approximately 3/4 cups.
Use this mist whenever you need a little cooling off. Peppermint can be very refreshing. Incorporating green tea into this blend can help to reduce redness.
Ingredients
• 3/4 cups (6 oz) distilled or purified water
• 1 Tbsp. dried organic peppermint leaf
• 1/2 tsp. organic green sencha leaf tea
• 1 drop organic peppermint essential oil (optional)
Directions
1. Pour boiling water over the peppermint and green sencha tea leaves and infuse until cool.
2. Strain and pour liquid into a spray bottle.
3. Add the essential oil (if using) and shake to combine all ingredients.
4. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.
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