For years now, green tea has been the ingredient of choice for beauty and fitness conscious folks. So much so that they’ve been ingesting it by the cup and adding it to their diet in a dozen ways. Well, now there’s a new ingredient in town that does much more; we’re talking about matcha. Here’s a quick roundup about matcha’s benefits and how you can add them to your skin care routine
 

What is matcha?

What is matcha?

You’ve know all about green tea and its benefits. Matcha is that taken to the next level. Matcha is the finely ground powder of shade grown green tea and has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies since the 12th century. Like its counterpart, it is extremely beneficial for health but what makes it more effective than green tea is that the leaf which is the most nutrient dense part of the plant is also consumed.

 

What makes matcha such a powerful ingredient?

What makes matcha such a powerful ingredient?

Matcha is known to have one of the highest anti-oxidant levels in food with the primary one being the powerful catechin, Epigallocatechin Gallate or EGCG. It also contains a great deal of polyphenols, caffeine and anti-oxidants which boost immunity, enhance cognitive function, prevent cardiovascular disease and promote healthy skin.

How does matcha benefit skin?

The caffeine in matcha reduces puffiness and awakens the skin. Matcha is also anti-inflammatory in nature so redness and irritation can be kept at bay. Thanks to its potent anti-oxidants, matcha fights sagging skin, sun damage and dark circles.

 

How can we use matcha for skin?

How can we use matcha for skin?

Matcha in the form of tea makes for a nutrient-rich beverage, however, it is even more potent when used on the skin in a more concentrated form.

If you want to make a matcha face mask, here is how:

Combine 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of yoghurt and the white of 1 egg.

Apply this mixture to your face and neck, leave it for 40 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

Trust us, your skin will look more radiant and feel firmer than ever before.

Image Credits: Tumblr