Tea: benefits for the skin

What is the world's best health drink?

If you answered "water", you're almost right. However, there's every reason to believe that tea could be right up there. Tea consumption has long been associated with anti-ageing and anti-cancer effects, and new studies suggest that some teas may have favourable effects on the skin.

Drinking tea is an excellent way to increase water intake and stay hydrated. Tea's benefits for the skin are linked to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of the plant's bioactive ingredients, known as polyphenols. Green tea, in particular, is high in EGCG, a powerful polyphenol. Other polyphenols with protective effects are also found in green and white tea.

Studies show that polyphenol-rich tea, whether taken as a beverage or applied to the skin, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation caused by exposure to UV rays, often responsible for premature wrinkling as collagen breaks down and skin loses elasticity. It's worth noting that, while white tea has been associated with sun protection, nothing can replace sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Now that spring is here and summer is fast approaching, it's a good time to stock up on organic tea at your local health food store. Put an ice cube in it to cool off while adding a new layer of skin protection.

To get even more out of your tea, try one of our make-your-own natural skin care recipes. This refreshing green tea and raw sugar scrub is an excellent exfoliant designed to prepare skin for summer. You can prepare it at home in six easy steps.

Green tea and raw sugar scrub

• 1. Prepare 65 mL (¼ cup) very strong green tea (65 mL [¼ cup] water).
  2. Leave to infuse for half an hour.
  3. Remove the bag and empty the tea leaves into a small bowl.
  4. Mix in 15 ml (1 tbsp.) granulated raw sugar.
  5. Gently massage into skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Rinse gently with lukewarm water.