Matcha green tea has been hailed for its impressive array of potential health benefits, from boosting brain function to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. But can this finely milled powder also benefit your skin?
There’s a reason matcha has taken the wellness world by storm – it’s packed with potent plant compounds that may offer wide-ranging effects on your body and skin. Let’s explore the research to uncover whether incorporating matcha into your routine could be a natural way to enhance skin health.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of finely ground green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, with matcha you ingest the entire leaf in powder form.
The shading process increases chlorophyll production and enriches the leaves with amino acids and other beneficial compounds. After harvesting, the soft stems and veins are removed from the leaves which are then stone-ground into a bright green powder.
Also Read: Matcha vs. Green Tea
Because you consume the entire leaf, matcha contains higher concentrations of antioxidants and other nutrients compared to steeped green teas. One study found that matcha contains over 137 times more epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant, than cultivated green tea.
Matcha’s Antioxidant Prowess for Skin
The antioxidants in matcha, especially EGCG, are thought to be behind matcha’s potential benefits for skin health and appearance.
Protects Against UV Damage
Research shows the antioxidants in green tea may help protect your skin against UV radiation damage, a leading cause of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
In test tube studies, EGCG has been shown to increase cell’s defenses against UV damage and even reactivate dying cells caused by UV exposure. Animal studies backup these findings, demonstrating that green tea polyphenols can inhibit adverse UV effects.
While most research has focused on green tea extracts in general rather than matcha itself, the high concentration of antioxidants like EGCG in matcha may make it an even more potent UV protectant for skin.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can accelerate skin aging and exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The antioxidants in matcha may help.
Test tube and animal studies indicate EGCG has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammatory responses in skin cells and tissues. By inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and gene expression, EGCG could offer relief for inflammatory skin disorders.
While more clinical studies are needed, matcha’s anti-inflammatory effects could help reduce redness, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.
Combats Premature Aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots – we all dread those inevitable signs of skin aging. Oxidative stress caused by excessive free radicals is a major driver of extrinsic or premature skin aging.
The antioxidants in matcha, especially EGCG, may help neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress that accelerate skin aging. In one study, green tea antioxidants were found to reactivate skin’s antioxidant defenses and increase enzyme activity to prevent collagen breakdown.
Related: Is Matcha Green Tea Acidic?
By reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in skin cells, the antioxidants in matcha could play a role in preventing or delaying visible signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots. Its potential for UV protection could also minimize sun damage that causes premature aging.
Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is the main structural protein that keeps skin firm, elastic and youthful-looking. As we get older, our natural collagen production declines, contributing to skin aging.
Some research indicates the antioxidants in green tea may help stimulate production of new collagen in the skin. In one study, treating skin cells with EGCG increased collagen production and inhibited collagen-degrading enzymes.
Also Read: Why is Matcha Better than Coffee?
While more human trials are still needed, matcha’s high EGCG concentration could offer anti-aging effects by supporting collagen synthesis and preventing collagen breakdown.
Matcha for Acne
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, matcha may also benefit those with acne-prone skin. Its antioxidants could help reduce inflammatory responses that trigger acne breakouts.
In particular, research shows matcha’s EGCG content exhibits potent antibacterial effects against acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Its anti-androgenic effects may also help curb excess sebum production, another contributor to acne development. While human studies are still lacking, matcha’s antioxidant arsenal could make it a helpful dietary addition for keeping acne under control.
How to Use Matcha for Skin
The most popular and easiest way to reap matcha’s skin benefits is by drinking it as a tea. Just mix 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality matcha powder with hot water and whisk into a frothy beverage using a bamboo whisk or milk frother.
Topical application is another option for targeted skin treatment. Some companies have started developing matcha-infused skincare lines or you could try making a simple matcha face mask at home using:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp milk or yogurt
Incorporate Into Your Routine
While the research on matcha itself for skin is still emerging, the antioxidants and compounds in this concentrated green tea powder show promise for a wide range of skin benefits.
From UV protection and preventing premature aging to relieving acne and inflammation, matcha’s powerhouse of plant nutrients could become a useful tool in your skincare routine – both internally and externally.
As with anything, be sure to purchase high-quality matcha from reputable brands and start slowly to assess your tolerance. With its rich nutrient profile and potential multi-faceted benefits, matcha may just become your skin’s new superfood staple.
FAQ
Is drinking matcha better for skin than regular green tea?
Yes, matcha contains higher concentrations of antioxidants like EGCG compared to steeped green tea since you consume the entire leaf powder.
Can matcha cause skin issues or side effects?
Large amounts of matcha can potentially cause side effects like headaches, heartburn, and skin irritation in some people due to its high concentrations of caffeine and tannins.
How much matcha should you drink for skin benefits?
Most experts recommend starting with 1-2 cups (240-480ml) of prepared matcha per day for potential skin benefits, avoiding more than 4-5 cups daily.
Can matcha provide sun protection and prevent sun damage?
The antioxidants in matcha may offer auxiliary sun protection benefits, but it should not replace using broad-spectrum sunscreen products with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Is matcha better for acne-prone skin than coffee?
Yes, matcha’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it better than coffee for acne, as coffee can increase oil production and exacerbate breakouts.
Can matcha reverse visible signs of aging like wrinkles?
No, matcha cannot fully reverse deep wrinkles, but its antioxidants may help prevent and delay premature skin aging by inhibiting collagen breakdown.
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