Our skin is the largest organ of our body and plays an important role in protecting our bones, muscles, and internal organs. So, taking good care of our skin isn’t just about how we look; it’s closely linked to our overall health and how we feel. 

Both, drinking quality matcha and applying it topically can have a positive effect on our skin, with the antioxidants and the plant compound working in several ways to protect it and keep it looking fresh and healthy.

As you probably already know, matcha has an extraordinarily high level of antioxidants, more than other heavy hitters like blueberries, broccoli goji berries and spinach combined! Antioxidants are great for our skin and with the other components found in matcha, including methylxanthines, caffeine and chlorophyll, it’s a winning skincare combination!

Gives Skin a Healthy Glow

When we think of healthy skin, the word “glowing” ranks top of mind. There are several things we can do naturally to support our healthy glow skincare goals, including eating an antioxidant rich diet, regular facial massage, staying active and, regular consumption of quality matcha can also give it a boost.

Methylxanthines are compounds that help to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and circulation around your body and to the surface of the skin. Caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline are all examples of methylxanthines found in green tea. By boosting blood circulation more oxygen and nutrients are carried to the skin giving it healthy glow.

Helps to Prevent Premature Ageing

There are a few different ways the components in quality matcha work to prevent premature ageing.

The antioxidants in matcha help to strengthen skin cells and diminish the signs of ageing whilst the high chlorophyll content of matcha green tea helps to mitigate UV exposure, keeping skin healthy and looking younger for longer. Matcha also stimulates elastin production to add volume to the skin and make it supple.

EGCG, which is found in abundance in matcha, is very powerful at protecting against free radicals. It helps neutralize them which reduces oxidative stress which can accelerate cellular ageing.

When used topically, the caffeine in green tea also plays a key role by energising the skin and helping to keep it firm over time.

Protects Skin from Sun Damage

As you may already know, the tea plants for matcha are shaded about four weeks before harvest. During this time, they continue to grow in near darkness, which inhibits photosynthesis, causing the plants to concentrate large amounts of chlorophyll and other nutrients in the leaves. This is what makes quality matcha such a vibrant green.

The benefits of chlorophyll in matcha go well beyond just the colour though, it can also protect our skin from sun damage and reduce photo-aging, which means fewer wrinkles and sunspots. Chlorophyll also protects our skin by shielding it from impurities and chemicals in our environment that can cause clogged pores.

Helps to Reduce Inflammation and Prevent Acne

Matcha is anti-bacterial and as already highlighted, it contains incredibly high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Amongst many other benefits EGCG also helps to reduce inflammation and even skin tone. If you have red, irritated skin such as acne, eczema, or rashes— matcha can help soothe it.

Matcha can benefit your skin from the inside out if consumed regularly and it’s also excellent for your skin when applied topically. There are DIY face masks you can make yourself and you can also find a wide variety of matcha skincare products available these days, including a new 100% organic face scrub developed in collaboration with OMGTea.

OMGTea has partnered with Wildtree Skincare, an organic and vegan skincare company that specialises in beauty products infused with Superfoods, to create a Matcha & Baobab Face Scrub. Wildtree products use only 100% natural, plant-based ingredients that have specific therapeutic benefits for your skin, like matcha. 

Find out more about this exciting new product here.