I’ll have Another! Teas & Botanicals for the Prettiest Skin
Here are some “no sweat” and delicious ways to make your skin even more beau-tea-ful while having a refreshing glass of iced tea.
For brewing instructions, head to our post here!
9. Rooibos
Rooibos is chock-full of antioxidants, as well as zinc. The antioxidants nothofagin, aspalathin, and superoxide dismutase all protect against free radicals. Plus, rooibos is rich in AHAs - so feel free to brew it up or even use it as a gently exfoliating toner.
8. Rhodiola Rosea
We’ve written about adaptogens before — and of course there’s nothing that makes the skin prettier than less stress! This plant is also rich in polyphenols and proanthocyanidans, which help fight premature aging.
7. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea supports the liver function and its mild diuretic properties keep toxins flowing out of your body, which benefits your entire system, including your skin. Used topically, Dandelion can help speed up the healing process (lessening the likelihood of scarring). Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a perfect decoction for any skin conditions.
6. Burdock
Burdock root supports multiple systems of detoxification, as well as the circulatory system — which has a direct impact on the skin. Sipping this root helps the body fight acne and exczema and improves skin texture. Burdock also has a storied medical history — for thousands of years, Burdock root has been a traditional cure for rashes, excema, and psoriasis. Burdock is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids like quercitin.
5. Green Tea OR Matcha
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that can fight free radicals and reduce skin damage. Green tea also reduces inflammation and can help maintain healthy skin cells. Want to double down on green tea? Try sipping matcha, which instead of being brewed is actually pulverized green tea leaves. Matcha contains oodles of chlorophyll and the amount of catechins in matcha has been shown to be way higher than what is in regular green tea.
4. White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all teas, and is believed to have even more catechins and antioxidants than green tea. Catechins help slow the aging process. Skin contains an enzyme, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) which increases with age. Increased levels of MMP lead to a decrease in collagen and elastin levels. White Tea inhibits MMP activity, helping slow the aging process.
3. Hibiscus.
Hibiscus is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins C, A, B1, B2, and iron. Hibiscus is also a source of anthrocyanocides, an antioxidant that protects against environmental damage. Used topically, hibiscus is a natural source of AHA, and can gently exfoliate the skin, while adding moisture and plumpness.
2. Rose Petals
Roses are rich in antioxidants and also have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. You can even use rose tea as a toner. Rose petals contains vitamins A and E, working from the inside out to improve the skin and hydrate the body. Just be sure you are drinking organic rose petals (no pesticides here!).
1. Blue Butterfly Pea Flower.
A beautiful indigo color, Butterfly Pea contains health promoting antioxidants, flavonoids and peptides. It contains the flavonoid quercetin which supports the skin and hair. It’s particularly rich in anthocyanin, an antioxidant also found in blueberries that is known for flighting inflammation. This blue flower has also been shown to have anti-glycation properties, meaning it stops the process of sugar molecules breaking down proteins in the body — making our number one choice an anti-aging superhero!
Sip Pretty,
The Owl's Brew Crew