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Woman applying a matcha green tea face mask in the bathroom mirror

Amazing Ways to Use Matcha for Skin

Matcha, matcha, matcha! It’s the new perfect food! But are you aware of how to use matcha for skin? Chew on this!

Matcha green tea is the amped-up, intensified version of green tea that came onto the scene just a few years ago. And now it’s everywhere!

Now, there are matcha bars and cafés dedicated entirely to serving matcha tea in varietal forms that include teas, lattes, matchuccinos, thick teas that double as sauces on ice cream and treats, cakes, cookies, lava desserts, and other delicacies. But there are also matcha spas, that serve matcha facials, pedicures, and massages.

But what exactly is matcha? And what makes it so insanely popular? How good is it for your skin? This article will focus on just that: matcha for skin. Because matcha is a powdered form of green tea, it mixes easily with other ingredients to make anything that your skin might need, from face to hair, to lips, to body scrubs. Continue reading to learn how to use matcha for skin, its benefits, and how to make 4 DIY face masks.

What is Matcha?

matcha green tea powder in dark brown bowls with a whisk at the side

Matcha is green tea on steroids, with more antioxidants, chlorophyll, polyphenols, and amino acids than any other tea on the market, including green tea.

Matcha and green tea are both from the green tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and both use its leaves to make a tea. What makes matcha so much different – and so much better — is that it is powdered green tea leaves. So, while normally we steep green tea leaves and drink the water as a tea, matcha is the powdered leaves themselves, which we mix with water. So, in essence, we are drinking the leaves themselves.

Historically, matcha was used only in Japanese tea ceremonies. As such, it is raised and processed differently than most teas. It is not grown in the sun; instead, once it spawns its first leaves, it spends the rest of its life growing in a protected environment. This encourages more chlorophyll and antioxidants in its leaves.

After the leaves are picked, every single leaf has both its stems and veins removed. Then, it is powdered to make matcha green tea. The end result is a tea that consists of the most beneficial part of the plant, the leaf, where all the chlorophyll, antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols are.

Thus, matcha green tea powder is the most beneficial and potent part of the plant, which is why it is so popular among health enthusiasts in the first place.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea

woman pouring hot water into a bowl of matcha green tea powder

Matcha contains powerful antioxidant ingredients known as catechins. Catechins are water-soluble polyphenols which are a major group of antioxidants.[1] There are 8,000 different kinds of polyphenols, and they are available in every type of plant, from fruits and vegetables to cereal grains and legumes, to coffee and tea.[2] These antioxidants are known to help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and enhance insulin activity, among other amazing health benefits.[3] In addition, one of these catechins known as Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate (EGCG), even has anti-tumor properties.

Matcha has three times more catechins than regular green tea and 137 times more EGCGs than regular green tea.[4] Drinking just one cup per day can impart the benefits of burning fat, lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, clearing acne, promoting youthful, glowing skin, and diminishing sun damage.[5] Here are some other benefits of matcha green tea:

  • Helps lower cholesterol
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Enhances insulin activity[6]
  • Anti-tumor properties[7]
  • Promotes a clear, calm mind, and relaxation[8]
  • Reduces stress and lowers fatigue[9]
  • Helps anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia[10]

There is no doubt that drinking matcha can offer a wide range of health benefits. With its high concentration of antioxidants, it offers a real health boost in more ways than one. Let’s explore the benefits of matcha for skin and beauty. 

The Benefits of Matcha for Skin

Since matcha is quite new to the western hemisphere, it’s a wonder that it is already so popular. Matcha has even begun making its appearance in the world of mainstream skincare. Everyone from drugstore brands to high-end department store brands have started entire lines based on matcha as the primary ingredient. And these lines include everything from cleansers to moisturizers, from treatments to sheet masks. If you want it, you can find it with matcha.

Thus, there is no doubt that matcha’s beauty benefits extend from the inside to the outside with topical applications. According to the research, green tea’s main antioxidant ingredient, EGCG, can be applied to the skin and it provides the same protective effect to the skin as it does for the internal organs.[11]

Let’s take a better look at some of the benefits of matcha for skin.

1. Treats oily skin

matcha green tea powder on a grey tabletop with a bamboo whisk

Using matcha for skin can soothe your skin. When topically applied, instead of just absorbing excess oil like many acne products do, matcha can stop it at the source by reducing the production of sebum. It won’t dry out your face, and one study found a 70% reduction in sebum in participants who used a 3% green tea product for eight weeks. [12]

Its natural anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to calm acne breakouts and reduce sebum production.[13] Polyphenols, especially EGCG, a molecule found in green tea, has been proven to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and fight certain types of bacteria.

2. Protects your skin from sunlight

matcha green tea powder on a white plate with a bamboo whisk beside it

We all know daily SPF is important, right? Matcha for skin provides a powerful polyphenol, EGCG, which is photoprotective. It is the ingredient in matcha that can be combined with regular sunscreen to protect skin against molecular damage caused by sunlight.[14] It fights free radicals and renews skin cells at the same time too!

3. Anti-cancer properties

matcha green tea powder in a wooden spoon

While matcha can protect our skin from sunlight, its EGCG actually has been proven to prevent cancer cells from forming.[15] It has even been shown to decrease melanoma cells.[16] So, while using matcha for skin as a photoprotectant SPF, it will prevent the formation of potential cancer cells while it decreases the melanoma cells already present.

4. Anti-aging effects

a cup of fresh matcha green tea

The caffeine in matcha green tea can help tighten the skin, and the polyphenols can also help to fight free radicals, which weaken skin’s elasticity.[17] And the chlorophyll and amino acids help with cell renewal to keep your skin looking fresh.

5. Reduces inflammation

matcha green tea powder on a wooden spoon spilling over onto a white tabletop

Matcha has caffeine and an amino acid, L-theanine, that constrict blood vessels to act as an anti-inflammatory. It can ease and calm rosacea, acne, and eczema.

6. Calms dandruff and inflammation on your scalp

woman holding a small wooden spoon of matcha green tea powder over an empty cup

Matcha for skin is also helpful for your scalp. It can be added to your current shampoo or conditioner to clear up dandruff and reduce inflammation on your scalp. The EGCG in matcha green tea applied to your scalp helps with hair loss and to control sebum on the scalp. [18], [19]

7. Combats under-eye circles and puffiness

matcha green tea mixture in a floral bowl

Matcha’s caffeine and amino acids are beneficial ingredients in fighting under-eye puffiness, swelling, and dark circles.[20], [21] They reduce the inflammation that causes puffiness, while matcha’s chlorophyll fights signs of aging. 

How to Make a DIY Matcha Face Mask

So, are you ready to try matcha for skin? Then how about a DIY matcha facial? We have four DIY matcha face mask recipes for different skin types. These simple recipes will have your skin glowing in no time!

1. Matcha and Honey Face Mask: For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

matcha green tea powder in a brown bowl with a wooden scoop and bamboo whisk beside it

Matcha green tea is rich in chlorophyll so it can help fight signs of aging, boost skin elasticity and improve skin suppleness. Honey adds antibacterial benefits and moisturizing properties. Cinnamon stimulates the blood flow.

Prep Time: 1 minute
Equipment: A bowl and a whisk, boiling water

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp powdered matcha green tea
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • Boiling water

Directions

  1. Mix the matcha, honey, and cinnamon in the bowl.
  2. Add boiling water slowly to achieve a liquidy consistency (for the consistency of gravy).
  3. Make sure the mask is cool to the touch, then apply to your face and neck and let sit for 20 minutes.
  4. Rinse with warm water.
  5. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

Tip: Use this DIY matcha face mask once a week for deeply cleansed and rejuvenated skin.

2. Matcha and Egg White Face Mask: To Close Pores and Refine Skin Texture

matcha green tea powder heaped in a black dish, with a clear glass of matcha green tea beside it

This DIY matcha face mask uses egg whites to help close pores and tighten the skin. This will reduce or eliminate acne, and remove excess sebum. Matcha powder is a powerful antioxidant to renew skin cells.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Equipment: A bowl and a whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
  • 1 egg white

Directions

  1. Put ingredients together in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Apply it to your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse with warm water.
  4. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

3. Matcha and Yogurt Face Mask: For Ageing Skin and To Even Skin Tone

a heaped bowl of matcha green tea powder spilled over onto the table, with a bamboo whisk

The lactic acid in the yogurt has a gentle peeling effect and removes buildup and dead skin cells to brighten your skin, while the antibacterial properties of the honey will cleanse the skin to reveal brighter skin. In using this DIY matcha face mask, the antioxidants in the matcha powder help prevent cell damage and rejuvenate the skin.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Equipment: A bowl and a whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
  • 2 Tbsp plain or Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon of honey

Directions

  1. Mix the ingredients well in a bowl.
  2. Apply to your skin and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse completely with warm water.
  4. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

4. Matcha Clay Face Mask: For Oily Skin or To Deep-Clean Pores

matcha green tea powder on a wooden spoon, in a lacquer dish on a wooden table

The French clay (or bentonite clay, either will work) will trap dirt and deep-clean pores, while the matcha reduces inflammation and the production of sebum. This is a great DIY matcha face mask to use after a long day.

Prep Time: 1 minute
Equipment: A bowl and a whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. of French green clay (bentonite clay is a great substitution, both can be found at your local superstore)
  • 2-3 oz. of distilled water
  • ½ tsp of organic matcha green tea powder

Directions

  1. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Apply to face and neck. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse completely with warm water.
  4. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

Tip: You can substitute the water in this recipe for apple cider vinegar (for oily or acne-prone skin), sparkling water (to increase stimulation and detoxification of the skin), or milk (to hydrate dry or tired skin). They will all work just as well for any of the DIY matcha face masks.

Where to Find Matcha Powder for Skin

bowl of matcha with a bamboo whisk sitting on top

If you want to try matcha for skin, you’re in luck! Now that matcha is available to consumers all over the world, you can even find spas that offer matcha facials, pedicures, or even massages. Matcha green tea powder is also available for consumers to purchase directly. But where? Here are some common places to find matcha:

  • Health food stores. Most health food stores sell matcha green tea powder, in both ceremonial and culinary grades. It is worthwhile to check at your local Chinese grocery store, too. They may have a different selection or even better prices!
  • Online sites. You can order it online from any reputable vendor. But, be sure to read the reviews to make sure you are dealing with someone reputable whose products are the real deal.
  • Local superstore. Your local superstore should carry an ample selection, including both ceremonial and culinary grades.

Tips on Using Matcha For Skin

Because matcha for skin offers so many health and beauty benefits, you can use it every day to treat your skin.

  1. Invest in a bamboo whisk. This will help you blend or mix your matcha powder into a much smoother form. Whisks generally cost $10, but they may come in a set that includes a bamboo spoon and scoop for a few dollars more.
  2. Learn the different grades of matcha tea. Ceremonial grade is the highest quality available (and the most expensive). There are also several types of culinary grade to purchase, but it is not as pure nor as exclusive as the ceremonial grade matcha green tea powder. Knowing which grade you need for your matcha for skin is important. Consider how often you will use it, and for what purpose.
  3. Use a matcha sunblock daily. Using a daily SPF is a modern fact of life, but using a matcha sunblock is even better. Using either our recipe for SPF or just adding a bit of matcha green tea powder to yours will provide both protection and benefits to your skin.
  4. Apply a hair mist with matcha. Our hair needs protection, too! With our busy lifestyles, a matcha hair mist can refresh your hair while protecting it and your scalp from daily stressors and too much sun!
  5. Weekly rejuvenation. Don’t forget to try all of our DIY matcha for skin care recipes when you have time to rejuvenate. From our matcha face masks to our bath salt recipes, make sure to try them all.
21 Amazing Ways to Use Matcha for Skin

Conclusion

All in all, matcha green tea powder is one of the most powerful ingredients you can use in your routine to improve your overall health and appearance. Matcha for skin is the latest craze because of its amazing effects. Try any one of our DIY matcha for skin care recipes and see if you aren’t a believer, too!

References

Scientific References:

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