Sometime ago, nearly 5 years ago, I asked myself a question seemingly inspired by laziness and like most questions born of laziness’ creative prompts, I was led to a great discovery: oral recipes for beautiful skin. After years of using topical products, many of which worked wonderfully, I began to wonder more and more if, in fact, it is possible to get amazing skin from what I might consume?
Now, if you know me, you know that I am one hell of a herb enthusiast. On the other hand, you’d know that I also self-diagnosed myself with fruit and vegetable allergies. (Insert wide mouth emoji). I know, where’s the math here? I just cannot and could not ever, learn to like fruits – vegetables especially. Beginning with my picky-eater toddler self to my now picky-eater 25-year-old self, I just can’t! That said, I have learnt to work with myself in my weaknesses and strengths. The Ghanaian aunty in my head is asking “what strength are you referring to if you are not eating any vegetables?” This to the side, I knew and was very cognizant of the fact that I loved herbs, and teas and that somehow, someway, I would have to find something within that ballpark to reach my goal.
So the search began, and after some two or three years, I both developed & refined my list of the best and most effective skincare teas for beautiful and radiant skin. And side note, I know I really don’t need to convince you all but for the record, let me just say I do like some fruits and vegetables. Three vegetables to be precise – but more on that in another post.
That said, today, we will be exploring three teas that will not only relax and regulate your body but also work wonders for your skin. Remember that list I told you about, well here are 3 teas off of that list for you to start your journey to beautiful skin minus the topical products (a.k.a lazy girl style). Let’s dive in, shall we?
Here are my top 3 skincare tea recommendations for clear and radiant skin.
1. Dandelion Root Tea (Taraxacum Officinale Radix)
The first tea I would like to introduce you guys to is Dandelion root tea. Dandelion root tea isn’t just a common backyard weed; it’s a powerhouse of skin-loving nutrients. Rich in fibre and vitamins A, C, K, E, this herbal elixir boasts a range of benefits for your both liver and skin.
Dandelion root tea boasts the following skincare benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties combat skin irritations and acne
- Minimizes dark spots, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines, thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Acts as a natural diuretic and aids in liver detoxification, promoting overall skin health from the inside out
2. Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus Linearis)
The next tea on my list, and one which I always remember my grandmother drinking with me, is Rooibos tea (also known as “Red Bush Tea”). Made via leaf fermentation. This caffeine-free tea has been used for anything from promoting hair growth, weight loss and skin health.
Here are just a few ways that this vitamin packed tea can contribute to your skin health:
- High vitamin C content promotes a brighter complexion and enhances skin radiance
- Reduces blemishes and dark circles, giving you a more even-toned appearance
- Combats acne and signs of aging, such as wrinkles, thanks to its antioxidant properties
- Supports hair growth and weight loss, contributing to overall wellness and beauty
3. Fenugreek Tea (Trigonella Foenum Graecum)
Now on to my bestest best friend, in the words of my childhood babysitter (insert dancing emoji). You know how they say save the best for last, well, that’s what’s going on here. I would like to introduce you all to my most treasured love in tea form: fenugreek tea. Please do not think that all the love I am giving to this particular tea means that it tastes good as that is the one con of this tea. Fenugreek tea is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine known for its feminine benefits – from aiding estrogen production and regulating sebum production.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, fenugreek tea also:
- Regulates sebum production and aids in estrogen balance, leading to clearer, balanced skin
- Harnesses its natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties combat acne and promote skin health
- Enhances skin radiance, lightens dark circles, and promotes a youthful glow
- Firms the skin and reduces signs of aging, keeping your complexion supple and youthful
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of these top 3 best teas for skincare, we invite you to join the conversation. What’s your favourite skincare tea or drink? Do your ancestral and cultural traditions have teas, elixirs or other drinks that promote health? What are they called? We’d love to hear your thoughts and about any practices you’ve come across.
Let’s continue on our journey to radiant, healthy skin, powered by the goodness of nature’s teas. Cheers to glowing skin and natural beauty!