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skincare

Tea Guides

The Tea Infused Skincare You Never Knew You Needed

January 10, 2022

We drink it. We use it in recipes. And now we’re adding it to our skincare routine. Tea is not only great to sip on, but has so many incredible benefits for our skin, too! It’s no wonder that all the benefits from drinking tea can also apply to putting in onto your skin. From earl grey tea to green tea to matcha and everything in between, tea is the it ingredient skin care right now.

Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Sleeping Mask

Innisfree is a company that puts in the work to make sure that all of their products are clean and organic. That includes their Green Tea Sleep Mask. This mask is a hydration-boosting overnight mask infused with green tea that quenches skin and provides antioxidant protection while you snooze. Just remember that when using sleep masks to apply after your moisturizer.

Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

We’re hitting you with another sleep mask (because frankly, they are powerhouses in your skincare routine). Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask is an intensely moisturizing treatment that lifts your nighttime ritual to new heights. This sleeping mask acts like a corset for your complexion, giving you a lifted, firmer look by morning. This mask is made with a mix of kombucha (black tea ferment), black tea extract, blackberry leaf extract, and lychee seed extract which is proven to inhibit damaging free radicals and helps improve the appearance of skin elasticity. 

Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Toner

Possibly the most well known of clean beauty brands is Herbivore Botanicals. It can be found everywhere from big retailers like Urban Outfitters to small curated shops like Follain– and for good reason. All of their products are made from food-grade ingredients because after all, you shouldn’t put something on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your body, right? Their Jasmine Green Tea Toner has the powers of antioxidant-rich green tea infused into luxurious jasmine flower water. It’s formulated to reduce oiliness, fight blemishes, and treat combination, oily, and blemish-prone complexions.

Winky Lux Matcha Sugared Lip Scrub

When it comes to skincare, we often forget about giving love to our lips! Lip care is especially important in the dry, cold winter months of the year. This Matcha Sugared Lip Scrub by Winky Lux will smooth and soften to help even the most chapped of lips. Blended with sugar, green tea extract and natural vanilla to gently exfoliate, moisturize, and recharge lips. Your lips will love you so matcha!

CREMORLAB Herb Tea Pure Calming Mask

Everyone knows that Korean beauty products are top notch and this herb tea calming sheet mask does not disappoint. Infused with aloe vera, rosewater and thermal water, this mask contains black tea and chamomile extracts. The tannins and polyphenols inside the black tea extract purify and soothe your skin whilst hydrating the dermis. There is a reason this brand has a cult following!

COOLA Classic Sport Face Sunscreen with White Tea

If there is one thing that you take away from this blogpost, please let it be that you NEED to be wearing sunscreen everyday (yes, even when you are indoors!) They state that this is a “Farm to Face” organic sunscreen with white tea that features fortified sun protection that’s unbelievably light, non-greasy, and sheer on any skin tone. This sunscreen is designed for those long, active days in the sun but light enough for everyday use. Board certified Dr. Bindu Sthalekar says, “White tea contains high amounts of anti-bacterial and anti-aging properties that help prevent wrinkles and sagging skin”. Sounds like a win win all around!

Whamisa by Glow Studio Chai Tea Eye Cream

Who knew that your daily glass of chai latte can give some extra skincare benefits? Known to increase blood circulation, chai combats puffiness and dark circles. Blended with flavanoid-rich rooibos, this chai tea eye cream by Whamisa will fill in wrinkles and curb fine lines. Formulated without any parabens, mineral oils and fragrances, you will get the best pick-me-up that you never knew you needed.

Tea has been around for thousands and thousands of years and it is no surprise that we are now adding it to our skincare routine. From hydration to clearing blemishes, tea does it all. Weather consuming orally or topically, it is sure to keep your skin glowing.

If you try out any of these products, let us know! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @theteakitchen for daily posts on all things related to tea!

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Tea Health Benefits

How Tea Can Benefit Your Skin

July 23, 2021

If you know skincare, you know that it’s no secret that tea is a beneficial ingredient that can be found in many different skincare products. The antioxidant properties found in teas provide a long list of different benefits for your skin. Not only does consuming tea benefit your skin, but it can also serve as a topical use ingredient.

Tea has been used in skincare for centuries in Asian countries such as China, Korea, and India. Tea extracts were used as essences by Asian Princesses centuries ago, and the cosmetic application of teas has continued to develop since then. As the demand within the cosmetic industry for “clean skincare” products has risen, so has the presence of tea in skincare products. What once served as a product only available to royalty, now has expanded to be used by people all over the world as dermatology concerns become more prevalent in today’s society.

Camellia sinensis is a species of tree that produce tea leaves. They are known to be a rich source of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that benefit our skin. Some constituents associated with tea and the condition of our skin include antiaging properties, cell regeneration, skin circulation, increased UV protection, and more. These can be broken down in specific by the type of tea found in your skincare product, or the type of tea you are using to apply directly onto your skin.

Keep reading to learn about how these specific teas can benefit your skin.

Green Tea

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in Green Tea can help protect your skin from environmental stressors. The consumption of Green Tea can also aid in preventing skincare is it brings these properties to the foreground in protecting your skin from UV damage. It achieves this by promoting DNA repair. UV damage is often a primary cause of fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots. Therefore, making Green Tea a great product to prevent those skin concerns from arising. The potent polyphenols found in green tea are extra helpful in benefitting your skin and reducing damage which can help to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Green Tea can also help detoxify your skin and prevent acne blemishes. The anti-inflammatory properties found in Green Tea can aid in soothing your skin and can act as a great natural toner. Add green tea to your skincare routine to experience these benefits.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile herbal tea is great for supporting your skin health for a variety of different reasons. For starters, chamomile teas are often used to aid in sleep as they are not caffeinated and can alleviate stress and anxiety through the relaxing compounds found inside of them. More sleep means healthier skin which can result in a glowing complexion. When you are able to get a full night’s rest of sleep it can avoid skin concerns such as dark under-eye circles or puffiness. Chamomile tea also has healing properties that can relieve other irritations such as eczema and rosacea.  

Jasmine Tea

Among the many benefits of Jasmine tea, it is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties which can assist in supporting the health and look of your skin. These properties bring a rich blood supply packed with nutrients to your skin which can prevent aging and be used to treat acne. It helps to regulate the circulation of your blood which has major skin benefits. Jasmine tea can also be used to even out the tone of your skin and prevent uneven pigmentation as well as reduce fine lines.

Matcha

Matcha is a favored ingredient in the “beau-tea” realm as it promotes healthy-looking skin with the help of the powerful antioxidants and vitamins found in matcha. Matcha can serve as a gentle exfoliant to help diminish the appearance of pores and wrinkles. Its antibacterial properties can also help remove excess oils from your skin which can assist in treating and preventing acne. Matcha can also help moisturize and cleanse your skin to provide a natural glow while detoxifying your skin from irritations. Hydrate your skin and pack it with nutrients by using high-grade matcha to opt for healthier skin.

White Tea

White Tea is another tea that can help boost a naturally glowing complexion. The properties found in white tea can serve as stress relievers which may help flush the toxins out of your body. By flushing out the toxins, it can help to detoxify your skin and clear out any existing acne. The theanine found in white tea is what makes this all possible. By relaxing your body, it boosts the appearance of your skin and can dramatically strengthen your elastin and collagen which can help prevent wrinkles or fine lines from appearing.

Whether you are new to skincare or a skincare pro, consider adding tea to your skincare routine to boost your skin’s health and get all the benefits associated with the different types of teas.

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Tea Health Benefits

6 Ways to Use Tea that Doesn’t Involve Drinking It

December 29, 2015
There are many benefits to drinking tea, but did you know you can get some of those same benefits by using it in a different way? Below are a few creative ways to repurpose those tea leaves and tea bags you’ve already steeped. It’s both sustainable and easy to incorporate into your everyday life.

1. Hydrating face mask

You’ll need:
  • 2 tbsp green tea leaves
  • 1 tbsp mashed banana
  • 1 tsp plain yogurt
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  • Mix 1 cup of water in a pan and 2 tbsp of green tea leaves.
  • Boil it in the low flame for few minutes.
  • Allow it few minutes to cool and then strain the tea.
  • Add 1 tbsp of banana and 1 tsp of plain yogurt to the green tea.
  • Mix the ingredients well to make a smooth paste.
  • Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  • Wash off with cool water.
  • Repeat this method twice or thrice in a week.
  • Follow this remedy till you get relief from this acne issue.
Note: You can replace banana with peach or papaya.

2. Acne fighting mask

Green tea has antibacterial properties and honey does as well. This combination plus the rice will help reduce oils and bacteria on the skin, which will reduce acne.

You’ll beed:
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 1 tbsp or 1 green tea bag
  • 3-4 drops of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  • Take ½ cup of boiling water and boil the green tea powder in it.
  • Add 1 tbsp of honey to the mixture.
  • Add 2 tbsp of rice flour to make a thick paste.
  • Increase the content of honey or rice flour to make the paste thick enough to apply on your face.
  • Mix the paste well to avoid lumps.
  • Apply it on your face with your fingertips.
  • Keep it on for 20 minutes.
  • Remove it using warm water.
  • Apply it twice a week to quickly reduce the spread of acne and remove the scars.

3. DIY fabric dyeing

You’ll need:
  • 100 tea bags
  • 4 tbsp salt or vinegar (optional and to your discretion)
  • A pot large enough for the fabric to move freely
  • Large spoon or thongs to stir
  • Approximately 1 yard of fabric per 4 cups concentrated tea (natural fibers work best: cotton, wool, silk)

Instructions:

  • Wash the fabric first to remove any manufacturer’s chemicals which may interfere with the dyeing process. (I recommend experimenting with small swatches first.)
  • Fill pot with water.
  • Simmer tea bags with salt (or vinegar) for 30 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Remove tea bags from the pot (leaving them in results in splotches where the bags make contact with the fabric.)
  • Add fabric to the pot. The fabric must be damp first, to eliminate air pockets.
  • Soak fabric for up to one hour, depending on the desired shade. Stir every few minutes so the fabric takes the colour evenly.
  • Rinse in cold water.
Note You can also do this with Easter Eggs!

4. Green tea ice cream with earl grey dark chocolate fudge sauce

Traditional Japanese Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe

You’ll need: 
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp matcha green tea powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
 
Instructions:
  • Put the cream, milk, sugar, matcha powder, and salt in a heavy bottomed saucepan and whisk ingredients until combined. Try and whisk the majority of lumps away, but don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth. The next step should help eliminate most of the lumps.
  • Heat the mixture on medium-high heat until it comes to a full boil. Keep whisking until it starts to foam. At this point, your mixture should be pretty lump free — the heat will have eliminated most of the lumps. Remove from heat.
  • Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and let it cool down. Cover, then refrigerate the mixture in the coldest part of your fridge for at least four hours, or, ideally, overnight.
  • When the mixture has chilled, remove cover and give the mixture a whisk to bring it together. Churn for 20 – 25 minutes in an ice cream maker, or, according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Serve freshly spun — it will have an incredibly creamy texture (almost that of soft serve) at this point. For a more traditional ice cream texture, transfer to an airtight container and freeze overnight.

Dark chocolate earl grey fudge sauce

You’ll need

  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 garl grey tea bag
  • 1 ounce 72% dark chocolate, chopped
  • 2  tbsp unsweetened, dutched cocoa powder
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan or in a tea cup in the microwave. Remove from heat, add the tea, and let steep for 4 minutes or longer (depending on how much you want your fudge sauce to taste like tea).
  • Wring and remove the tea bag and pour the tea into a medium bowl. Add the chocolate, cocoa powder, and salt.
  • Combine the corn syrup, sugar, and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir intermittently while bringing to a boil over high heat. The moment it boils, pour it into the bowl holding the chocolate. Let sit for 1 full minute.
  • Slowly begin to whisk the mixture. Then continue, increasing the vigor of your whisking every 30 seconds, until the mixture is glossy and silky-smooth. This will take 2 to 4 minutes, depending on your speed and strength. You can use the sauce at this point, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze.

Source

5. Eye depuffer

Brew two bags of tea, wring them out then simply apply a tea bag on each eye. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. It really does soothe tired eyes, and it’s easy enough to incorporate with a face mask to achieve total spa level relaxation.

6. Bug bite relief

Repeat #5 above, rather place tea bag on bug wounds. Green tea bags make a great itch reliever.

Tea never disappoints. For something so old, we’re constantly finding new ways to use it.

What are some other ways you’ve discovered to creatively use tea?

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