13 Teas That Can Work Wonders For Your Skin

Teas are known for their health benefits. Tea contains polyphenols and other components that may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and diabetes.

But did you know that teas can also get your skin to glow? It’s true!

There is a common misconception that herbal tea is also tea. Herbal teas are beverages made by blending certain herbs, spices, fruits, or other plant material in hot water. They generally do not contain caffeine. Chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, dandelion tea, rose tea, and peppermint tea are a few examples of herbal teas.

There are so many different kinds of teas you can choose from and each has its own way to help your skin look healthy and glowing. You can drink the tea, apply it directly to your skin, or even use the extracts to see results. Listed are 13 such teas that are great for your skin.

1. Green Tea

Tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea is also derived from the same plant; the only difference is the leaves used. Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves. Green tea has the highest polyphenol content and the least caffeine content, making it a very healthy tea. Here’s how green tea helps your skin.

• Improves skin complexion: It makes your skin healthy and flushes out the toxins from the skin, reducing scars, blemishes, and inflammation.¹

• Fights aging signs: Green tea has antioxidants that fight the early signs of aging like wrinkles, sun damage, and fine lines on the skin. The polyphenols in green tea are photoprotective – that is, they protect the skin from the damages caused by light, whether natural or artificial. Photoaging is one such disorder.²

• Treats acne and pimples: The epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) polyphenol from green tea is found to be helpful in treating acne and pimples due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It can reduce the redness, swelling, and pain caused by pimples.³

2. Black Tea

Black tea is made by exposing the tea leaves to air, causing them to be oxidized. In this oxidation process, the leaves turn brown and the flavor is intensified. Theaflavins – antioxidant polyphenols – are found in black tea. A study shows that the theaflavins in black tea are effective antioxidants.⁴

Black tea leaf has double the caffeine content of green tea. Therefore, it can help reduce any redness and puffiness of the skin and also protect it from sun damage.⁵

Further, black tea extract is a good antibacterial astringent. Regular use of the extract can control breakouts of pimples and even acne.

3. White Tea

White tea is made from buds and leaves that are dried in natural sunlight before they are lightly processed to prevent oxidation or further tea processing. White tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging properties.

The oxidative stress in skin cells can damage the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of skin cancer and other photo or light damage like wrinkling and spotty pigmentation. The extract of white tea may limit and prevent the damage in the cells due to their exposure to sunlight. The white tea leaves can help even the complexion because of their cleansing effects.⁶

They also help retain moisture in the skin for a longer time keeping the skin less dry and hydrated. Also, topical application of white tea is beneficial to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage due to their antioxidant properties.⁷

4. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is a legume plant that is native to South Africa. It is also called red bush and has been used in traditional medicine for treating health issues like asthma and depression.

Rooibos tea contains zinc and alpha hydroxy acid that promote healthy skin. This tea has also been used to deal with skin-related issues like acne, nappy rash (for babies), and eczema. The topical application of this tea gives a soothing effect on the skin and can control acne eruptions.⁸

Also, because of the antioxidant properties of this tea, drinking it and direct application can help with aging-related problems such as wrinkles.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile (British spelling camomile) tea is another effective tea that can be used for your skin. When you aren’t getting enough or good sleep, it shows in your eyes. Your eyes tend to look puffy and you develop dark circles. The topical application of chamomile tea can help you get rid of this. Placing two tea bags of chamomile on your eyes will reduce the puffiness and erase that tired look. The tannins in this tea help reduce the eye inflammation.⁹

Chamomile tea is also an effective home remedy for treating eczema. It has a calm and soothing effect and it is recommended to take this tea before bed to promote rest from the stress and irritation caused due to eczema.¹⁰

6. Matcha Tea

This is tea is native to Japan and now has its use in skin care worldwide. It is rich in nutrients and is known for detoxifying the skin. It contains antioxidants, chlorophyll, and natural antibiotics.

The catechins present in this tea helps reduce the signs of aging. Matcha powder is becoming a popular ingredient in face masks, creams, and lotions.

7. Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. Oolong tea can provide a clear and healthy skin complexion. Just like green tea, it contains polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants. Because of the antioxidants, Oolong tea has anti-aging benefits too. It does this by fighting the reactive free radicals that damage cells and cause aging.¹¹ This tea also helps in reducing the chances of developing dark pigmentation on the skin.

There is a study that shows the effectiveness of drinking Oolong tea to manage recalcitrant atopic dermatitis with positive results.¹² With this, it may be concluded that Oolong tea has anti-allergic properties as well.

8. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids help exfoliate your skin and control oily skin and clogged pores. These, in turn, gives you a fresher, younger, and smoother-looking skin. They can also help with sensitive skin. They also protect the skin from the cell-damaging free radicals.

9. Dandelion Tea

Dandelions are a forgotten species but they can do wonders for your skin. Dandelion tea has antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging. Dandelion also contains inulin that can improve the quality of skin by removing bacteria.¹³

10. Rose Tea

Rose tea has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties. You can keep your skin hydrated with rose tea by washing your face with it. It locks the moisture in and keeps the skin from drying. This tea can also clear blemishes.

It is also a good home remedy for dark circles. Due to its antioxidant property, it can slow down the aging process.

11. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea can provide a clear skin. It is particularly good for oily skin as peppermint contains menthol that will reduce the production of oil and keep it under control.

Peppermint tea can also soothe skin irritations, especially in toddlers. So if your toddler has an itch from a rash or skin irritation, pour a cup of this tea into the bathwater. This will give a cooling sensation to the body.¹⁴

This tea can also reduce wrinkles due to its antioxidant property.

12. Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea has antiviral and antibacterial properties and this helps to keep the immune system healthy. Jasmine tea also prevents the signs of aging. It can also help soothe sensitive skin.

13. Burdock Tea

Burdock tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on the human body. It also contains antioxidants which promote good health. It can also be used to reduce wrinkles.¹⁵

Burdock tea may be considered for the natural treatment of undesirable skin disorders.¹⁶

Now that you’ve read how teas can benefit your skin, don’t forget to add them to your skin care routine!