"The love for beauty is inherent in everyone." Beauty has always been a pursuit of humanity, especially for women who consider it a lifelong mission. To achieve beauty, many spend heavily on skincare products, cosmetics, and even cosmetic surgeries. However, there is a convenient and healthy alternative: drinking tea. If you observe regular tea drinkers around you, you’ll notice they often appear younger, more vibrant, and healthier.
Tea is the most natural and healthy skincare product.
Compared to commercial skincare products with potential side effects, tea is entirely natural. The Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty mentions tea’s skin-nourishing properties. Modern research in the Fuding Tea Consensus confirms that tea has significant antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a precious product for beauty and health.
Tea contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which delay aging; tannins and vitamin P combat fat oxidation, while trace elements and amino acids further contribute to anti-aging. Tea polyphenols, with their strong antioxidant properties, neutralize free radicals. Studies show that 1 mg of tea polyphenols is as effective as 9 μg of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in eliminating harmful free radicals, outperforming vitamin E by 18 times. Drinking tea not only enhances beauty but also promotes overall health.
To harness tea’s beauty benefits, choosing the right type is crucial. Here are some teas that can help you glow...
Pu-erh Tea
Known as the "king of antioxidants," Pu-erh tea offers anti-aging, skin-brightening, and deep detoxification benefits. Its high catechin content surpasses other teas, while raw Pu-erh provides the strongest antioxidant effects. Applied topically, its caffeine and tannins reduce puffiness and tighten skin. Additionally, Pu-erh improves blood circulation, addressing dullness and spots caused by poor气血 (qi-blood) flow.
Green Tea
Many skincare products now incorporate green tea due to its proven benefits. As an unfermented tea, green tea retains 85% of its natural polyphenols and caffeine, along with 50% of chlorophyll and abundant vitamins.
Excessive oxidation from rapid metabolism generates free radicals, accelerating skin aging. Green tea polyphenols counteract this by neutralizing free radicals and mitigating UV damage. Its vitamins inhibit melanin activity, while tannins provide natural antibacterial and soothing effects. The amino acid L-theanine also calms nerves, enhancing relaxation alongside skincare.
Black Tea
"Dark hues signify nourishment." Black tea boasts potent antioxidants that strengthen skin resilience. Its polyphenols suppress free radicals, improving detoxification and defense mechanisms. Research highlights black tea yeast’s ability to replenish subcutaneous lipids and repair collagen, restoring skin elasticity.
Rose Tea:
Fragrant and rich in vitamins A, C, B, E, K, and tannins, rose tea alleviates facial pigmentation and is ideal for middle-aged women seeking wrinkle prevention and natural radiance.
Beauty-Enhancing Tea Recipes:
Coix Seed Tea: Lightens dark spots, whitens skin
Method: Stir-fry 10g coix seeds, add 5g fresh lotus leaves and 5g hawthorn, steep in hot water.
Silver Ear & Wolfberry Tea: Hydrates, brightens, and replenishes moisture
Method: Simmer 3g soaked silver fungus, add 5g wolfberries and rock sugar.
Mung Bean & Chrysanthemum Tea: Detoxifies, prevents acne
Method: Boil 10g chrysanthemums, blend with 30g mung bean paste, 10g lemon juice, and honey.
Beyond drinking, tea can be used topically:
Tea Leaf Mask:
Mix 1 tbsp flour, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tbsp tea powder; apply for 20 minutes to reduce acne and oil. Alternatively, combine tea broth with flour for a 15–20 minute mask.
Tea Rinse:
Pat brewed tea on skin or apply with a cotton pad, then rinse. Overnight, it fades pigmentation; green tea yields superior brightening effects.
Tea Bag Eye Treatment:
Place cooled tea bags over closed eyes for 10–15 minutes to reduce dark circles and inflammation.
Tea offers a natural, side-effect-free path to beauty at a fraction of the cost of luxury skincare. Coupled with its health benefits, it’s a wise choice for anyone seeking radiance. Embrace tea and let your beauty shine!