Matcha is well-loved for its impressive nutrient profile, and ability to give us a much needed energy boost. Along with providing us with a sustained source of energy, sipping on a matcha daily has been shown to uplevel our health in so many ways. From reducing stress and anxiety to fighting free-radicals, this hard-working powder also offers some incredible benefits when it comes to the complexion of our skin.
Matcha is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, which also produces our regular green tea. The difference between matcha and standard green tea is that matcha is grown in a shady environment, which increases the amount of chlorophyll and antioxidants. Matcha is also made into a powder, as opposed to loose leaf tea, by grinding the green tea leaves. This provides a more concentrated (and nutrient packed) version of green tea.
As a crucial element of many ceremonial practices, matcha holds a special place in Japan where it’s traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. There are many different types of matcha, from the ceremonial grade that’s traditionally used with water to the premium grade that many of us enjoy with a good dash of coconut milk. Some people hold the belief that the quality of the matcha depends on the type you choose, but that’s not really the case. The quality of the matcha lies in the integrity and quality of the brand you purchase your matcha from - which is why we’re so passionate about providing the highest quality matcha that’s been sourced organically and ethically.
Despite its long history, some of the benefits of matcha still remain untapped - particularly when it comes to beauty and self-care. Let’s take a look at some of the ✨ skin healing ✨ benefits of drinking matcha.
Cooling inflammation and fighting breakouts
Since skin conditions tend to be inflammatory based, improving the body’s antioxidant capacity is an incredible way to enhance your complexion. Antioxidants protect the skin from UV radiation, encourage blood flow and fight free-radicals.
Matcha powder contains 137 times more antioxidants than your standard green tea! Of these antioxidants, matcha is particularly high in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCG), a polyphenol linked to powerful disease-fighting effects. The hype surrounding this EGCG is related to its ability to increase the antioxidant capacity of the body and reduce stress and inflammation. This compound has also been shown to benefit the skin, with studies revealing its ability to reduce acne and prevent aging.
Research has also suggested that EGCG is anti-androgenic, making it an effective antioxidant for the prevention of acne. Androgens are the hormones that in excess can lead to increased sebum production - a key cause of acne. By blocking androgens, foods rich in EGCG like matcha can help break the acne cycle.
Calming the skin from the inside out
Stress is a huge cause of our skin woes, from acne to increased aging - our face is one of the places where our stress really shows. When we’re stressed, the body produces more of our stress hormones like cortisol. This stress-cascade causes the release of a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone which stimulates the release of oil from our sebaceous glands. It’s this excessive oil production that leads to clogged pores, resulting in acne.
L-theanine is an amino acid that induces some impressive effects when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety. L-theanine is an incredible compound that supports the body by calming the nervous system. It gently nudges us into a relaxed state while keeping our mind focussed and alert, making it the perfect tool to reduce stress while maintaining a steady state of mind. As a rich source of L-theanine, matcha promotes skin healing effects by helping us reduce stress!
Preventing aging
The Chinese have coined matcha the ‘elixir of immortality’, so there’s something to be said for the anti-aging effects of this proclaimed superfood. One study found that the combination of using matcha both internally and externally resulted in serious improvement in skin elasticity. As a rich source of antioxidants, other studies reveal that matcha may delay the breakdown of collagen that naturally occurs as we age.
One study found that green tea drinkers had 25% less redness when exposed to UV radiation in comparison. The same group of green tea drinkers also had greater skin elasticity, less dryness and smoother skin in comparison to the non-tea drinkers. If this was the case with regular green tea, imagine the outcome of drinking matcha!
Matcha is also an incredible source of chlorophyll, the skin-loving nutrient that gives plants their green pigment. Chlorophyll has been shown to reduce photo damage and prevent aging by protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation.
So how much / how often do we need to be drinking matcha to experience these incredible skin-healing benefits?
Your daily cup of matcha is enough to give you an antioxidant boost, and to help you feel those stress-reducing effects. In combination with a balanced diet, including matcha in your daily routine will help promote radiant, healthy skin.
Discover more of the incredible benefits of matcha here 💚 and if you haven’t already - check out our most recent blog post for 5 easy ways to reduce stress.