Here's how drinking herbal teas can improve your skin

When it comes to skincare practices, most people only focus on what goes on their faces. Snail mucin, crystal facial rollers, rubber masks, and LED massagers have all had their five minutes of fame, but did you know what you put inside your bodies is just as important? That’s right, what you consume can impact your skin as much as what you put on it. “An unhealthy gut can show up in skin conditions like eczema, acne, dry skin, and excessive oil production,” says Dr Saida Rasulova, head doctor at Chenot Palace Gabala, a wellness retreat in Azerbaijan. 

Your holistic approach to beauty routine should include one more practice—drinking a cup of hot herbal tea. Herbal teas, whether prepared traditionally with loose leaves or made with convenient tea bags, nourish the skin from within. “Rich in natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamins, these teas support a healthy complexion and skin vitality,” says Dr Debjani Chakraborty from Wellness Co. Drinking a warm cup of herbal tea can eliminate toxins, and provide your body with essential nutrients, enhancing your skin’s overall health.

Which herbal tea is right for you?

With so many teas to choose from—both familiar names and ones with exotic ingredients—it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for your skin. While most herbal teas have multiple benefits, there are some that can target specific skin problems.

Ginger tea for hyperpigmentation

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant. Its root has skin-brightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and scars. It can also help even out your skin tone, leaving you with a nice healthy glow.

Peppermint tea for hormonal acne

A refreshing cup of peppermint tea can help with hormonal imbalance. It can reduce excess sebum production on the skin and promote cell turnover, which helps get rid of dead skin cells. You could also try spearmint tea, another alternative loaded with menthol. 

Lemon tea for glowing skin

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C. Drinking lemon tea daily can brighten your skin and aid in collagen remodelling. “Collagen is a building block of our skin and boosting the production of this protein helps maintain skin elasticity and delay signs of ageing,” says Dr Samridhi Sharma, clinical research associate and skin expert at Fixderma.

Rooibos tea for youthful skin

The rooibos plant is an ingredient favoured in many anti-ageing beauty products. Rich in antioxidants, zinc, and alpha-hydroxy acids, it protects your skin against harmful free radicals, while preventing and reversing the accumulation of fat under your skin. 

Jasmine tea for oily skin

If you wake up with a greasy T-zone, swap your morning coffee with a fragrant cup of jasmine tea. It contains anti-ageing properties, and helps with oily skin, acne, and blemishes. 

How to add drinking herbal tea to your routine

Start your day with a hot cup of herbal tea in order to reap its full benefits. “Drinking herbal tea on an empty stomach can help your body absorb the nutrients more efficiently,” says Dr Sachin, BAMS, a medical advisor at Rasayanam Ayurveda. He also suggests steeping the tea in boiling water for a longer time to better absorb the antioxidants. Go for organic, loose-leaf teas of high quality or tea bags without any harmful additives to get medicinal benefits from the herbs. 

While drinking a cup of hot herbal tea for months can create a noticeable difference in your skin health, this alone is not enough to improve any skin conditions. To elevate your skincare routine in a holistic way, be mindful of consuming fruits, vegetables and healthy fats every day along with drinking herbal tea consistently for long-term results. 

All images: Pexels

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