7 Matcha Benefits for Skin
Discover the myraid of matcha benefits for skin. This powdered green tea from Japan is widely known for its health benefits, but what about the benefits of matcha for skin?
Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, topical matcha use can help a variety of skin concerns including acne and premature aging.
Is matcha good for your skin? Whether you’re drinking matcha tea or applying this Japanese-style powder to your skin, there are many benefits of matcha tea on skin. Keep scrolling to find out what makes this green powder so special and why it just might be the secret to healthy, glowing skin.
What is Matcha?
Before we delve into all the matcha skin benefits it's worth knowing what it actually is. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea (Camellia sinensis) that derives from Japan. Unlike other tea processes where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is made by finely grinding green tea leaves into a powder.
High in antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, matcha green tea as a skincare ingredient is said to have protective effects to fight free radical damage and reduce the appearance of sun damage.
Catechins present in matcha powder also help in protecting and repairing the skin. These powerful antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to skin aging and damage. By reducing oxidative stress, catechins may help protect the skin from premature aging.
7 Matcha Benefits for Skin
Whether you’re experiencing blemishes, fine lines, or irritated skin, matcha helps with a myriad of skin concerns. Here are all the skin matcha benefits.
#1: Clears Breakouts
According to recent studies, polyphenols found in matcha may be effective for reducing sebum production in the skin and treating acne vulgaris. This green tea powder is also rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol that can improve acne and oily skin.
In addition its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, EGCG is anti-androgenic and reduces lipid levels, helping to reduce excess sebum. Excess sebum (oil) on the skin can clog pores and encourage bacterial growth, causing acne. EGCG in matcha helps break this cycle to promote clearer skin and prevent future blemishes.
#2: Protects Against Sun Damage
Matcha is a rich source of chlorophyll, a skin-loving pigment that’s packed with antioxidants, plus vitamins A, C, E, and K. In plants, chlorophyll absorbs sun rays and converts them into energy. When applied to skin, similarly, it absorbs harmful UV rays and stops them from reaching the skin. As a result, it helps prevent premature aging caused by excessive or prolonged sun exposure.
In various studies, it has been shown that topical use of products containing EGCG inhibits acute UV irradiation-induced protein oxidation. This means EGCG may be able to reduce photo damage in the skin and prevent premature skin aging.
#3: Makes Your Skin Glow
Another of the many matcha benefits for skin is its ability to make your skin glow. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, matcha boosts blood circulation, leaving skin fresh and radiant. It also contains methylxanthines that help to encourage microcirculation in the skin, giving skin a natural healthy glow.
Matcha contains chlorophyll, which is believed to contain detoxifying properties. By purifying the skin, toxins are released for glowing, healthy skin.
#4: Reduces Redness and Irritation
Matcha is rich in catechins, antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress, matcha’s antioxidants may alleviate red, irritated skin.
With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, matcha is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. Besides preventing flareups, matcha also provides cooling effects while calming red, inflamed acne.
#5: Prevents Premature Aging
Matcha can prevent signs of aging and slow down the aging process. It does so by absorbing UV rays—protecting skin against free radical damage and ultimately photo aging. Matcha also has the ability to boost collagen production and elasticity, which improves skin firmness and texture. What’s more, matcha is rich in vitamin E which assists in skin cell growth and helps skin stay plump and hydrated.
While matcha is mostly known for its skin soothing effects, it also happens to be a great anti-aging ingredient that improves overall skin health for a youthful, radiant complexion. It’s basically a superfood for your skin!
#6: Addresses Ingrown Hairs
Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, topical matcha use may help prevent and treat ingrown hairs along the bikini line, legs, underarms, and other areas. It can also help to untrap hairs by loosening the plug blocking a hair follicle.
Overall, matcha is a superstar ingredient for soothing post-shave irritation, redness, and bumps. It’s gentle enough for all skin types and can even help to alleviate dry, itchy skin.
#7: Tightens Skin
In addition to the above matcha benefits for skin it can also help to firm and tighten your skin. By stimulating natural collagen production and elasticity, matcha works to tighten and firm loose, sagging skin. It’s also rich in caffeine, a topical vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels and boosts skin circulation, making skin appear tighter and brighter.
Best Matcha Skincare Products
Whether you’ve got dry, oily, or acne-prone skin, everyone can benefit from the soothing, purifying, and anti-aging skincare benefits of matcha. Here’s a roundup of the best matcha products for skin.
Truly's Unicorn Routine
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Enjoy all the soothing, glow-enhancing benefits of matcha for skin with this iconic trio of Unicorn Fruit formulas. It comes with a brightening deodorant, plumping lip balm, and hydrating whipped body butter to leave skin smooth, plump, and gleaming from head to toe. With a decadent cotton candy scent!
Truly's Dreamiest Shave Set
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Shaving feels extra dreamy with this luxurious routine. It's packed full of matcha, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to make sure every shave is smooth and irritation-free. No more ingrowns, itchiness, or razor burn with this 4-step routine. With the yummiest textures and most uplifting scents.
How to Use Matcha for Skin
Now you’ve discovered all the matcha benefits for skin, here’s how to use matcha in your skincare routine.
As a Soothing Moisturizer
If you’re dealing with dry skin, redness, or itchiness, look for a matcha-infused lotion or body butter. You’ll find matcha in Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter. This luscious, rainbow-swirled moisturizer deeply hydrates, soothes, and heals with a nourishing blend of matcha, rosewater, vegan collagen booster, and shea butter.
Scoop out a dollop of this soothing matcha moisturizer and apply to the entire body after showering. You can also apply a small amount to your lips, cuticles, and ends of hair for healing, softening, and repair.
As a Brightening Exfoliator
Matcha has natural exfoliating properties as well as brightening effects to give your complexion a dewy glow. You’ll find matcha in Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Polish, a buffing and brightening formula developed to smooth and brighten skin all over.
Massage a scoop of body polish into your skin. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow ingredients to activate. Rinse off.
As a Purifying Face Mask
Create a DIY matcha face mask by mixing matcha green tea powder with coconut oil and water to make a thick paste. Apply it to your face and neck, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off.
Side Effects of Matcha in Skincare
Like with most skin care ingredients, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts when you apply matcha. Irritation and even allergic reactions can occur with nearly any skincare ingredient. For that reason, pay attention to how your skin responds when you start using matcha.
Dermatologists do not recommend making your own matcha skin care as these concoctions are more likely to cause irritation.
Does Matcha Improve Skin?
Matcha is chock full of antioxidants and nutrients that can help with a wide range of skin problems. From dryness to irritation, acne to fine lines and wrinkles, there are a myriad of matcha benefits for skin. To get the most out of matcha, look for high-quality skincare products that contain a high content of matcha and use them consistently in your daily routine.
