Did you know that tea, whose origins trace back to the Tang Dynasty in China, could be your secret to radiant glow? Yup, that’s right!
Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, has been a Japanese staple in traditional ceremonies and routine life for centuries. Although its origins trace back to China, it was the Japanese that refined its cultivation and preparation process. Thereby putting this green elixir on a global stage for benefits beyond those of a healthy beverage.
Traditionally consumed as a tea, matcha has found its way into the culinary world and, more recently, skincare routines. What makes it so sought after? Find out in this blog!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a vibrant green powdered tea made from the leaves of a young Camellia Sinensis plant.
The process of producing matcha begins several weeks before harvest when tea plants are covered to prevent direct sunlight. This increases chlorophyll production, enhances amino acid content, and gives the leaves a darker green hue. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. As a result, it provides a higher concentration of nutrients. This is why matcha is often referred to as a superfood.
But you know there are different grades of Matcha tea? Matcha comes in 3 different grades, each used for a specific purpose. Here’s a quick overview:
- Ceremonial grade: Matcha of this grade is of the highest and purest quality. It is used for ceremonial tea preparations and in Buddhist temples. And what do you make using this matcha tea? ‘Koicha’ or a thick tea. It has a higher proportion of matcha powder to tea which makes it thicker.
- Premium grade: Ideal for everyday brew, Premium matcha is subtle, grassy, and fresh. It is harvested early on in the year. This gives the tea its intense sweetness and depth in flavors.
- Culinary grade: The Matcha of this grade is the cheapest of all. It is also a little on the bitter end, mainly because it is made from the lower leaves and is harvested later in the year. However, it is best suited for your cooking needs. Think of smoothies, cookies, ice creams, and whatnot!
Compared to other green teas, matcha tea has a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. Here’s a quick list for you!
- Epigallocatechin gallate
- Catechin
- Caffeine
- Theanine
- Amino acids
- Saponin
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Rutin
- Vitamin C
The fun fact about matcha is that it contains lower levels of catechin content compared to other types of green tea prepared from leaves grown in sunlight. However, once you mix it with water, it produces 3x more catechins than the loose-leaf form of green tea. Impressive, isn’t it? Plus, it has a high grade of ‘umami’ flavor, thanks to more amino acids in the composition.
Benefits of Matcha for Skin
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation. Now, what’s that? Well, oxidation is a chemical reaction that, in turn, produces free radicals in your body. These free radicals cause cellular damage.
The skin, being the body's largest organ, is highly susceptible to oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. As a result, it needs antioxidants to protect itself.
Now, matcha tea contains a lot of polyphenols. These are antioxidants that are as good as other powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and carotene. Specifically, catechins make up 90% of the polyphenols in matcha tea. These catechins are of 4 major types. They are as follows:
- epicatechin (EC)
- epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG)
- epigallocatechin (EGC)
- epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
Of these 4, EGCG is the most abundant. It is also the most active catechins of all. It protects the skin from free radicals as well as UV-induced damage. Additionally, EGCG is known to improve your skin’s hydration and prevent the degradation of hyaluronic acid.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Whenever you get injured or infected, your body’s natural response is inflammation. However, long-term inflammation can cause more trouble for your skin. Think of issues like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
The EGCG and rutin compound found in Matcha tea has been shown to reduce inflammation. How does it manage to do this? EGCG, specifically, inhibits the inflammatory cytokines. As a result, it helps soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and minimize the occurrence of these conditions. Thus, making matcha an excellent natural remedy for calming inflamed skin and promoting a clear, even complexion.
Detoxifying Qualities
If you have an oily or a combination skin type, Matcha may be of special benefit to you. Here’s why! The polyphenols in matcha tea are popular for breaking down the bacterial membranes on your skin. This way, it helps address systemic bacterial inflammation.
Moreover, matcha is believed to be rich in Vitamin E, B2 (riboflavin), and Niacin. Now, these 3 nutrients have been very well-researched for skin health. Here’s a glimpse of their impact.
Vitamin E reduces the oxidative stress on your skin. Additionally, it strengthens the skin’s outer barrier which helps to lock in moisture and keep out harmful toxins and pollutants. Moreover, vitamin E aids in the repair of damaged skin cells by promoting cell turnover. This is of special importance for achieving blemish-free skin.
Similarly, riboflavin or vitamin B2 supports metabolic processes to remove the toxins out of your body. The better the toxin removal, the better your skin glows. Riboflavin also ensures that skin cells have the energy needed for detoxification processes and repair mechanisms. A secret? It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Then, there’s Niacin. It not only helps maintain your skin’s barrier function but also regulates oil production. And you know what better oil production brings, right? Less clogged pores and breakouts.
Anti-aging Benefits
Did you know that UV exposure seems to be a reason behind 80% of visible signs of aging on your face? This makes having antioxidants in your skincare routine as important as sunscreen. And EGCG delivers just the protection you need.
EGCG helps to rejuvenate dying skin cells, promote the regeneration of new cells, and improve overall skin structure. Along with other compounds in matcha, it makes sure that your skin is constantly renewing itself.
Plus, EGCG’s ability to improve skin hydration makes your skin appear youthful and firm. As a result, regular use of matcha can lead to a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Improvement of Skin Elasticity
The benefits of matcha don’t just end at protection. They extend to promotion as well. For instance, matcha promotes the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is your skin’s building block. It is a kind of protein which keeps your skin elastic and firm. And when your skin is all firm and tight, you can bid goodbye to fine lines and other signs of aging.
Hold on. There’s more. Matcha also contains caffeine which acts as a topical vasoconstrictor. This means that it constricts blood vessels and boosts skin circulation. Thus, making the skin appear tighter and brighter.
And let’s not forget the abundant chlorophyll. When applied to the skin, the chlorophyll in matcha absorbs the UV rays. Thus preventing premature aging of the skin.
How to Incorporate Matcha into Your Skincare Routine?
Your skin gets affected in a myriad ways but two of them take a front seat – what you apply and what you put inside your body, that is, what you eat. Based on these two, let’s look at how you can incorporate Matcha into your skincare routine.
DIY Matcha Face Masks
Let’s start with the simple options — DIY! Here are a few matcha face mask recipes to get you started. They are super simple and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. And the best part? They will shower your skin with all the matcha goodness.
- Matcha and Honey Mask: Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply to the face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. This mask is great for hydration and soothing irritated skin.
- Matcha and Yogurt Mask: Combine 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply to the face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse off. This mask helps to brighten the skin and improve texture.
- Matcha and Aloe Vera Mask: Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply to the face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with cool water. This mask is perfect for calming and moisturizing sensitive skin.
Matcha-infused Skincare Products
If you are not a DIY person or don’t want to make a mess while creating a face mask, then matcha-infused skincare products are your savior. They come in all shapes and types, ranging from face washes, serums, and moisturizers to face masks.
However, you need to be extra careful when choosing these products. Here are some tips:
- Look for products that contain matcha as their hero ingredient.
- Research a little and make sure they’re using a premium quality matcha.
- Always patch tests when you buy a product before going all in.
Matcha in Diet for Skin Health
Well, if topical application of matcha is not enough, there’s another way of reaping all the matcha benefits; the OG way – drink it, boss! Mind you, it has a lot of benefits.
Firstly, have you heard of the TikTok trend, ‘Chlorophyll water for clear skin?’ Well, the effect of consuming Matcha is similar, just that it offers more than just detoxifying your body for clear skin.
For instance, it reduces stress and anxiety. Thus helping you find your calm in the chaos. Moreover, it improves your memory function. Matcha also contributes to alertness and cognitive performance. In fact, studies report that matcha may help slow down age-related cognitive decline. Matcha has the potential to regulate blood sugar and halt weight gain by improving metabolism.
Let’s not forget that when your body functions perfectly internally, your skin glows from within. Here are some matcha recipes to help you get started!
- Matcha Smoothie: Blend 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with a banana, a handful of spinach, 1 cup of almond milk, and a tablespoon of honey for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
- Matcha Latte: Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with hot water and add frothed milk or a milk alternative. Sweeten with honey or agave syrup if desired.
- Matcha Oatmeal: Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to your morning oatmeal, along with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, for a delicious and antioxidant-rich breakfast.
Tips for Using Matcha Safely and Effectively
Quality Matters
The quality of matcha you use is important for both consumption and skincare. High-quality, organic matcha ensures you get the maximum benefits without any harmful additives. So look for a matcha that is bright green in colour. This indicates its high chlorophyll content and freshness.
Patch Testing
Before applying matcha to your face, it's important to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of the matcha mixture to a small area of your skin, such as the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, and wait 24 hours.
If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation, avoid using matcha on your face. Also, it will be wise to consult your dermatologist once before including any new matcha-infused product to your skincare routine.
Storage and Handling
Some ingredients need special storage care and matcha is one of them. To maintain matcha's potency, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Because exposure to light, air, and heat can degrade the quality of matcha, reducing its effectiveness. So if you want to make sure that your matcha is fresh and super effective, you should do what you got to do!
Conclusion
That’s all we have for Matcha as your superstar ingredient for skincare. It does so much at once – UV protection, aging defense, detoxification, curbing inflammation, and whatnot! And once you see the difference it makes to your life, we are sure you won’t turn your back on it.
So what do you say? Let’s give it a try, at least? If the answer to that is a resounding yes, we have something for you — Premium Matcha tea from the lands of Kagoshima Prefecture to your kitchen.
From plucking to grinding through precise steps, our Matcha undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process, ensuring a perfect 60-mesh texture that sets it apart from others. Try it here.
