If you’re a natural beauty connoisseur, you’re likely no stranger to the concept of beauty teas and tonics. But does your beverage of choice really make a difference in the look and feel of your skin?
The short answer is yes! How you hydrate in spring is just as important as what you put on your skin. Read on to learn which herbal teas you should brew this season to give your skin a healthy, youthful glow from within.
As the seasons change and spring emerges, our skin undergoes a transition, too. Now is the time to replace heavy moisturizers with light and rejuvenating serums, work in gentle exfoliation to brush away dull winter skin, and protect your skin with a high-quality sunscreen daily.
Along with updating your skincare products and routine, you may want to reconsider your go-to beverages. That’s right – what you sip throughout the day has a major impact on the quality of your skin!
Drinks like sugary coffees and cocktails can be enjoyed in moderation. But drinking too many of these warming, inflammatory beverages can make it easier for common skin issues to erupt – especially in the warmer months. Because of the current seasonal shifts, many of us are more vulnerable to breakouts, wrinkles, and damage caused by excess heat, sweat, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances. By consuming balanced, restorative beverages (like tea) throughout the day, we can combat these seasonal issues and improve the health of our skin.
Of course, water is always a good choice. But herbal teas pack in all the hydrating benefits of water plus additional healing benefits from phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Green Tea
Green tea is well-known for its ability to boost energy and promote weight loss. But did you know that green tea is also a natural antidote to UV radiation and pollutants? Green tea is high in antioxidants called polyphenols which protect the skin against harmful radiation and environmental toxins. Over time, drinking green tea may help prevent redness, irritation, acne, and even premature aging.
Because green tea contains caffeine, it also works well to fight brain fog, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes due to irregular sleep schedules and spring allergies.
Hibiscus Tea
One of the most popular beauty teas, hibiscus tea promotes clear, vibrant, youthful skin. This tea is high in beta carotene and vitamin C – two essential nutrients that repair cellular damage from stress, sun exposure, and clogged pores. Studies show that hibiscus tea also encourages skin hydration and collagen production to tone the skin and fight the signs of aging.
Rose Tea
If you’re seeing more breakouts, redness, or dull skin in the mirror, it’s time to pamper your skin with the soothing benefits of rose tea. Like other herbal teas, rose tea (mei gui hua in Chinese herbal medicine) is packed with antioxidants that protect the skin and promote a more youthful complexion. Because rose also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Springtime often brings out skin allergies, redness, irritation, and breakouts, but rose tea calms and neutralizes these issues leaving you with glowing skin.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos, or red bush tea, is a delicious tea that gives all skin types a natural glow. What makes Rooibos tea unique is its high concentration of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a rare compound found in many dermatologist-recommended skincare products. According to a study, AHA may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making it a valuable tool for graceful aging and a radiant complexion.
As an added benefit, rooibos tea also supports hair health. Drink this tea regularly to strengthen your hair, reduce hair loss, and encourage healthy growth.
Dandelion Tea
So much more than a weed, dandelion is a well-known liver tonic rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps support the liver in removing toxins from the body – including the toxins that build up to cause breakouts, inflammatory skin conditions, and premature signs of aging. Dandelion tea also helps cool inflammation and ease symptoms related to acne, eczema, psoriasis, and UV damage.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is especially vulnerable to stress and poor detoxification during the spring season. Drinking dandelion tea can help support your liver’s healthy function and keep your skin calm and clear.
Don’t just drink your tea…use it as a natural beauty product! Teas and herbal infusions can also be used as simple, natural ways to improve your skin health from home.
Make an herbal tea facial mask
Add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 teaspoon of unpasteurized honey, and 1 teaspoon of natural aloe vera gel (optional) to a bowl and mix until it forms a deep green paste. After cleansing your skin, apply the paste to your face (avoiding the eye area). Let the mask do its magic for 15-20 minutes while you enjoy some well-deserved downtime! When you’re ready, rinse the mask off and finish your typical skincare routine.
A spring clean does your mind, body, and skin good!
Along with enjoying the beauty benefits of these refreshing spring teas, now is the perfect time to schedule a spring session at The Beauty Within. From rejuvenating facial acupuncture treatments and transformative microneedling to organic facials and naturopathy, we’re here to help you reveal your healthiest skin in any season.
Book your next visit or schedule a free consultation to take the first step towards clearer, more youthful skin by summer!
