7 Skin Benefits of Matcha Tea You Should Know

Skin dullness, frequent acne flare-ups, uneven tone, or early signs of aging can make you wonder whether your routine is missing something. Just as creams, serums, and professional skin treatments are required for keeping skin in good condition, proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and lifestyle habits are equally important.

Japanese Matcha tea is currently considered by most people for natural improvement of skin health. Though limited evidence is available, this tea, when incorporated into a balanced diet plan, can complement a proper, consistent skincare routine. According to Dr. Niti Gaur, dermatologist in Delhi at Citrine Clinic, maintaining healthy skin goes beyond topical products and also involves paying attention to overall lifestyle and nutrition.

Wondering what’s so special about this tea and how it benefits the skin? Read on to find out.

Quick Summary

• Matcha tea is the finest ground Japanese green tea rich in catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
• It is popular as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance.
• It protects skin structural proteins from oxidative stress/free radical damage.
• It may treat acne breakouts, dehydration, and uneven texture.
• It helps reduce photoaging.
• It keeps skin calmer, in a healthy tone.

What is Matcha Tea?

Matcha is a fine powdered form of shade-grown and specially processed leaves of green tea. It is suspended in a moderate amount of hot water and consumed as a beverage by many people.

Matcha tea has an abundance of catechins, including EGCG and other plant compounds. These ingredients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, weight-loss, and photoprotective properties, which is why Matcha tea is known as a healthy drink.

Coming up next are the 7 skin benefits of Matcha tea that you should know.

Why is Matcha Tea Popular for Skin Health?

Here are the 7 possible advantages of consuming Matcha tea:

• Natural Antioxidant Support

Antioxidants are substances that can fight against the free radicals generated by UV radiation, smoke, pollution, and other environmental stressors. They prevent oxidative-stress-related cellular damage, premature aging, and many chronic health conditions.

Matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant that is grown in the shade. The lack of sunlight increases the chlorophyll and amino acid content in the leaves, giving them a darker green hue. These leaves are then harvested. The stems and veins are removed, and the remaining portion is ground, which is the matcha. So, matcha has an abundance of catechins that are natural antioxidants. They help neutralize free radicals and support skin resilience, but they can't reverse existing damage.

• Photoageing Protection

Repeated UV exposure contributes to fine lines, skin dullness, uneven tone, roughness, and loss of resilience and firmness. Matcha tea, like any other green tea, can help protect the skin from the UV-caused inflammatory and oxidative changes. But better protection is still with daily, appropriate use of suitable sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, avoidance of intentional tanning, and dermatologist-guided skincare. Matcha tea can best complement the physical sun protection routine.

• Calmer-Looking Skin

Inflammation is linked to many skin concerns, including acne, redness, irritation, and some signs of premature aging. As per laboratory and clinical research, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and other green tea plant compounds present in Matcha tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, intake of Matcha tea can support the skin’s natural response to environmental stressors. But it cannot guarantee quick relief from existing redness or inflammation. For persistent skin inflammation, itching, or burning, a proper diagnosis is needed.

• Even-Looking Complexion

Over time, cumulative UV exposure, inflammation, and a compromised skin barrier can leave the skin dull and unevenly toned. With Matcha tea’s antioxidant effect, these skin complexion-related effects can be reduced. Skin tone, radiance, and pigmentation can improve. But for established pigmentation, matcha tea can only support the dermatologist-recommended treatment.

• Well-Managed Acne-Prone Skin

Most acne is inflammatory, driven by bacterial growth in congested skin. Green tea compounds have been found to reduce inflammation and be part of sebum-related pathways. As matcha tea is a type of green tea, it is researched for supporting acne-prone skin. It can best complement a prescription acne treatment/management plan.

• Better Skin Texture and Hydration

Healthy skin depends on an intact skin barrier, proper hydration, controlled inflammation, and normal levels of collagen and elastin. Some studies on green tea extracts have found improvement in skin moisture, firmness, elasticity, or overall tone/texture. These findings may be promising for Matcha tea too.

• Anti-Ageing Support

Repeated exposure to free radicals and UV exposure can lead to collagen and elastin damage. As matcha contains antioxidants, it may support the skin’s natural defence. Some studies on topical green tea extracts have shown potential improvement of mild fine lines and elasticity. Other noticeable aging skin concerns may require targeted dermatological procedures.

How is Matcha Tea Used to Enjoy Skin Benefits?

Matcha tea can be incorporated into the diet. This provides gradual skin benefits but is not guaranteed. However, there is no fixed dose for improving skin. Most healthy adults benefit from a moderate serving, but as matcha has more caffeine, sensitive people need to take matcha tea in a safe amount, as a healthcare professional recommends.

If matcha tea is applied to the skin, its formulation quality and concentration are important to make the skin temporarily refreshed without causing reactions.

Also Read: Is Matcha Safe for Everyone? What Dermatologists Want You to Know