Matcha has become the powerhouse drink for glowing, youthful skin thanks to its incredible nutritional profile. The high concentrations of antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins in matcha form a heck of a skin-supporting synergy that helps you achieve smooth, healthy, and vibrant skin.
Article jumplinks:
Is matcha beneficial for skin?
How to use matcha for better skin
Does matcha have side effects?
What is the best matcha for skin?
We’re investigating all the mechanisms behind matcha’s benefits for skin health: from reducing inflammation and clearing up acne to protecting against sun damage and slowing signs of aging.
Buy a jar of our matcha tea with mushrooms to get all the benefits of matcha and cordyceps.
Curious what matcha can do for you. Check out these 17 awesome benefits of matcha.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea powder made from the shade-grown Camellia sinensis plant. Growing matcha in the shade enhances its flavor and increases the concentration of amino acids and chlorophyll, giving it that nice, vibrant green color and a unique flavor profile. The tea leaves are steamed, dried, and made into a finely ground powder to release more antioxidants, L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds.
This meticulous process of making matcha powder goes all the way back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), when tea leaves were finely ground and whisked with hot water to create an energizing beverage.
Today, matcha is skyrocketing in popularity thanks to its incredibly high antioxidant levels and scientifically-proven abilities to fight inflammation, slow aging, improve complexion, and so much more. Because it contains the whole leaf of Camellia sinensis, matcha provides a more concentrated source of nutrients with excellent benefits for your skin.
How Nutritious Is Matcha?
If you were wondering what makes matcha so beneficial, we’re about to lift the veil of mystery and reveal the secret behind its status as a superfood for skin.
- Matcha is rich in antioxidants. A large antioxidant group called polyphenol, which includes catechins, flavonoids, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, UV radiation, premature aging, and skin problems like acne.
- Amino acids like L-theanine, arginine, and proline may enhance circulation and collagen production. L-theanine is also believed to have potent anti-anxiety effects on the mind and body.
- Matcha also contains high concentration of caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee and many energy drinks. But don’t worry—caffeine in matcha does not produce the typical jittery feelings because of its synergy with relaxing L-theanine. Instead, caffeine can benefit the skin by constricting blood vessels and giving it that tight, youthful appearance.
- Chlorophyll is responsible for matcha’s vibrant green color. This natural pigment also helps detoxify and oxygenate the skin.
- Matcha contains dietary fibers that are great for your gut. A healthy gut is linked to healthy skin, as imbalances in gut flora can sometimes lead to skin problems.
- Vitamin C boosts collagen production, evens skin tone, and provides protection against sun damage.
- Vitamin E absorbs free radicals that damage the skin, provides hydration, and promotes elasticity that smooth fine lines on your face.
- Vitamin A, or retinol, is matcha’s way to improve texture and brightness of your skin. It can also help acne-prone skin.
Okay, matcha packs some serious combo of skin-promoting compounds. Good thing all of them can be found in our delicious matcha tea powder. Just one serving delivers a potent dose of catechins like EGCG, amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamin C—everything your skin needs to stay smooth, youthful, and glowing from within.
What’s even more beneficial for your skin is the combination of matcha and organic cordyceps mushrooms. Cordyceps is a type of ancient fungi hailed for a plethora of health benefits for the skin like increasing collagen production, reducing inflammation, and neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals. Together, these two superfoods pack a one-two punch when it comes to nourishing your complexion.
Learn more about why cordyceps mushrooms can be a total game changer for your skin.
Benefits of Matcha for the Skin
The potent phytonutrients in matcha green tea make it an exceptional drink for enhancing skin health and beauty. With both internal and external beautifying effects for the skin, matcha is one of the most effective natural solutions for maintaining a clear, youthful complexion.
Source: https://www.quenchbotanics.com/blog/matcha-benefits-for-your-skin
Here’s why you should add matcha to your daily skincare routine.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Matcha
Catechins in matcha, particularly EGCG, are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that fight free radicals and lower oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to increased inflammatory responses in the body.
While some inflammation is good—like protecting against infection and injury by activating the immune system—chronic inflammation is bad and can be extremely bad for the skin because it:
- Causes redness, irritation, swelling, and discomfort.
- Accelerates aging by breaking down collagen and elastin.
- Exacerbates many skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Damages the skin barrier, causing increased water loss and dryness.
- Promotes blood vessel growth, leading to pronounced redness and visible capillaries.
Matcha is known to reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation also reduces skin redness and breakouts and gives you healthy, glowing skin. Matcha combats inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins called cytokines in the blood.
Ingestion of matcha was able to ameliorate this inflammatory response in obese mice, as multiple animal studies reported a suppression in the release of the major inflammatory cytokines in the blood. (Sokary, et. al.)
Out of all polyphenolic antioxidants, EGCG is the most helpful in lowering inflammation. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, EGCG counteracts oxidative damage and helps suppress chronic inflammation.
The polyphenolic compounds from green tea were tested against chemical carcinogenesis and photocarcinogenesis in murine skin…. The outcome of the several experimental studies suggests that green tea possess anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic potential, which can be exploited against a variety of skin disorders. (Katiyar, et. al.)
While Katiyar, et. al. conclude that more studies are needed to investigate the exact benefits of matcha for the skin, they say that “supplementation of skin care products with green tea may have a profound impact on various skin disorders.”
Matcha Protects Your Skin Against Sun Damage
A terrible enemy to skin health is UV radiation, or ultraviolet radiation. It generates free radicals that can cause long-term skin damage and increase the risk of cancer. UV damage from the sun can also lead to premature aging, which is why dermatologists recommend never leaving your house without an SPF cream.
Matcha’s antioxidants are powerful UV radiation killers: polyphenols can protect the skin against UV damage and reduce the risk of sunburn, which can lead to many types of skin conditions.
…stress signals created by UVR trigger protective signaling responses in the cell membrane, nucleus, and mitochondria that lead to cell cycle arrest or [cell death]. Chronic and excessive UVR exposure overwhelms and depletes these cutaneous defense mechanisms. Therefore, compounds with antioxidant and cell repair potential are promising additions to our sun protection armamentarium. (OyetakinWhite, et. al.)
Effects of green tea polyphenols on skin. Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390139/
Exposing your skin to UV rays from the sun can create harmful molecules like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxides (LPO). OyetakinWhite, et. al. confirms that EGCG helps prevent the production of these harmful molecules when your skin is exposed to UV rays.
…confirmed what is already known about EGCG inhibition of UV-induced H2O2, NO and LPO production. They also demonstrated blockage of UV-induced infiltration of ROS-producing CD11b+ cells and restoration of epidermal antioxidant enzymes reduced glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
UV exposure can also weaken your defense enzymes (glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase). Antioxidants from the polyphenolic group can strengthen these defense enzymes after UV exposure. Their study doesn’t only confirm that antioxidants like EGCG can shield your skin from UV radiation but also suggests that they support your skin’s ability to protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun.
Aiding antioxidants in their fight against skin damage, vitamins A, C, and E in matcha help neutralize free radicals. This protects the skin at the cellular level.
Hydrate Your Skin with Matcha
Dry, dehydrated skin is no fun. It gets all tight, itchy, and sensitive, showing off every tiny wrinkle. That's why giving your skin a regular hydration boost is a must.
Matcha promotes healthy skin by enhancing hydration and moisture retention. Matcha’s antioxidants seem to inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down the hydrating proteins collagen and elastin in the skin. This helps maintain the skin's moisture.
There are plenty of ways matcha helps hydrate your skin:
- It increases the presence of aquaporins, proteins that facilitate water transport into deeper layers of the skin. This allows for better hydration of the dermis.
- It reinforces the skin's barrier function to prevent transepidermal water loss. It helps skin better hold onto moisture for longer periods.
- Drinking matcha daily leads to significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration levels, and water holding capacity.
- Amino acids like glutamic acid, L-theanine, and glycine boost hydration by helping to bind moisture to the skin.
- Vitamins A, C, and E in matcha strengthen the lipid barriers in the epidermis that prevent moisture evaporation.
Incorporating matcha into your skincare routine or diet can provide these skin hydration benefits. You can enjoy matcha in different forms: sipping it as a beverage, using it in face masks, or seeking skincare products containing matcha extracts.
Say Goodbye to Toxins with Matcha
Matcha is great for skin detoxification. The unique combination of catechins, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients helps you protect your complexion from external pollutants and internal toxins.
Matcha contains chlorophyll. This phytonutrient has awesome detoxifying properties. It binds to toxins and heavy metals and flushes them from the body. Less toxins in the skin prevent toxin buildup, which can cause some serious damage to the skin.
Did you know that matcha is a diuretic? It means it’s great at increasing urine output, which is one of the best ways to get rid of toxins. According to Nao Medical, matcha can:
- Increase urine flow.
- Support kidney function.
- Reduce water retention. Matcha's diuretic properties can help flush out excess water weight under the skin. (This means bye-bye to that swollen, puffy complexion.)
Matcha also supports liver detoxification. The liver metabolizes toxins and removes them from the body. Do you know what else is a fantastic liver detoxifier? Cordyceps mushrooms! Cordyceps contains unique bioactive compounds that strengthen, protect, and stimulate cleansing processes in the liver.
This makes our mushroom matcha tea a double threat: it protects the skin AND keeps your liver running smoothly, so all those nasty toxins can exit your body. Matcha and cordyceps together provide the necessary support for deeper detoxification, leading to clearer, healthier looking skin.
Don’t take our word for it—explore all the benefits of cordyceps mushrooms for the liver.
Matcha Can Slow Skin Aging
All kinds of things can cause premature skin aging: sun exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, stress, dehydration, and many others. The good news is that matcha has your skin's back when it comes to fighting off these aging triggers.
With everything we’ve said so far about the skin benefits of matcha, it comes as no surprise that matcha can help ward off the signs of aging with its wealth of antioxidants and other helpful molecules.
The antioxidants in matcha help prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals lead to oxidative stress, and oxidative stress is equally bad for the skin as for the rest of our body. Harmful free radicals can degrade collagen and accelerate wrinkles, and that’s the last thing you want if you’re after youthful, glowing skin.
Matcha May Help Fight Skin Cancer
Rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, matcha has powerful anticancer properties.
A2010 study found that, due to UV radiation, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. It seems that green tea polyphenols have the potential to prevent nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Topical application or oral administration of green tea through drinking water of mice prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development, and this prevention is mediated, at least in part, through rapid repair of DNA.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3077767/
Polyphenolic antioxidants might help shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. By aiding DNA repair and protecting against damage, green tea could play a role in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Let’s bring out matcha’s big guns one more time: EGCG has major anticancer properties. It appears to combat skin cancer by employing a variety of different mechanisms, as another study on green tea and cancer confirmed.
The oral administration of [green tea polyphenols] in drinking water or the topical application of EGCG prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice, and this prevention is mediated through: (a) the induction of immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 12; (b) IL-12-dependent DNA repair following nucleotide excision repair mechanism; (c) the inhibition of UV-induced immunosuppression through IL-12-dependent DNA repair; (d) the inhibition of angiogenic factors; and (e) the stimulation of cytotoxic T cells in a tumor microenvironment.
These big scientific words basically mean that:
- EGCG boosts protective proteins
- Repairs DNA
- Counters immune suppression
- Halts blood vessel growth in tumors (angiogenesis)
- Activates special tumor-fighting immune cells
If you thought there was no way we could top these powerful anticancer properties of matcha, you couldn’t be more wrong. That’s why our tea combines matcha with another superfood with extraordinary antitumor effects: cordyceps mushrooms.
Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds like cordycepin and adenosine that may help prevent UV damage to skin cells that can lead to cancer. Cordyceps extracts can inhibit the growth and spread of malignant melanoma cells.
With matcha and cordyceps working together, you get amplified protection against one of the most dangerous consequences of sun exposure in one delicious beverage. Order our 30-serving jar of matcha mushroom tea and enjoy the cancer-fighting perks today.
How to Use Matcha to Improve Skin Health
Incorporating matcha into your skincare regimen doesn't have to be complicated. Whether sipping a cup, creating DIY matcha masks, or exploring store-bought options, matcha offers a range of possibilities to promote skin health.
Remember, consistency is key, so find the methods that suit your lifestyle and preferences and enjoy the journey to radiant, revitalized skin.
- Sip matcha for glowing skin. There’s nothing easier than making a delicious matcha tea with cordyceps. Just pour hot water over our matcha powder and stir it up. To make it quicker and more fun, use our magic beverage wand and stir until frothy and creamy. Drinking matcha tea supplies your body with the necessary antioxidants and other nutrients that fight free radicals and promote skin vitality from the inside out.
- Turn matcha into a topical delight and make a DIY matcha mask. Mix matcha powder with yogurt, honey, or aloe vera to create a face mask. Apply to clean skin, leave for 15–20 minutes, and rinse off. Topical application can soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote a fresh complexion.
- Add matcha to your moisturizer to boost skin hydration. This helps turn your sensitive skin into healthy, radiant skin.
- Another great way to use matcha to improve skin conditions is to exfoliate your skin with matcha to remove dead skin cells. Combine matcha powder with a gentle exfoliant like sugar or oats. Gently massage into damp skin, then rinse off.
With consistent and creative use, matcha's antioxidant power and phytonutrient profile will leave you on the glowing path to clear, youthful skin. Aim for regular use for amplified effects.
Side Effects of Matcha
Matcha is generally considered safe to drink every day, with no known long-term negative effects. It does contain high amounts of caffeine, so if you drink more than the recommended dose, you may experience temporary issues like headaches, diarrhea, or difficulty sleeping. These typically fade once the caffeine wears off.
To harness all of its therapeutic benefits, we recommend you drink matcha tea in the morning, providing you with a positive kickstart to the day.
For those new to matcha, start with smaller quantities. One to two cups per day can allow you to experience the benefits without overwhelming your system. As your body adapts, you can gradually increase the intake, reaping its advantages while maintaining balance.
The Best Matcha Powder for Skin
The healthiest way to reap all the skincare benefits of matcha is by drinking our cordyceps matcha tea. This nourishing blend combines premium ceremonial grade matcha powder and skin-enhancing cordyceps mushrooms.
Simply add hot water to our organic matcha cordyceps powder and whisk or froth it up into a skin-purifying beverage. Our matcha is sourced from a family-owned organic farm in Japan. It's grown using traditional processes optimized over centuries to yield the highest quality tea.
When combined with cordyceps, known for boosting collagen and soothing inflammation, you get the ultimate pairing for glowing skin in one cup. We offer CordyMatcha in convenient 10 and 30-serving sizes, making it easy to drink daily.
Sip your way to a clearer, more radiant complexion and overall skin vitality with our specially formulated 10-serving mushroom matcha box or a 30-serving mushroom matcha jar. With potent compounds working synergistically to hydrate, protect, and repair your skin, there's no better matcha drink for maintaining flawless skin.
Matcha for Skin FAQ
Does matcha improve skin?
Matcha can indeed improve skin because of the abundance of antioxidants. These potent compounds, like catechins and EGCG, can actively fight free radicals and lower oxidative stress, which contributes to the aging process.
By neutralizing these harmful molecules, these antioxidants also assist in slowing down the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties further support the skin by reducing redness, which can arise from conditions like acne or irritation.
Matcha also has the ability to regulate sebum production and helps balance excessive oil, a common concern for those with oily skin.
Is drinking matcha every day good for your skin?
Embracing a daily matcha habit can certainly nurture your skin. The remarkable polyphenols in matcha extend their benefits to the skin, potentially contributing to the reduction of aging signs, acne scars, and the appearance of dark spots. The green tea leaves used in matcha are rich in vitamin B2, which plays a significant role in maintaining skin health.
How do I drink matcha for clear skin?
Matcha can help you achieve clearer skin if you incorporate it into your daily routine. Drinking matcha tea or a matcha latte consistently can provide your body with the antioxidants necessary for supporting skin health.
Making the most delicious matcha tea has never been easier with our matcha mushroom powder. Mix a teaspoon from our mushroom matcha jar or dump one packet of our mushroom matcha box into a mug and pour in hot water.
Does matcha have collagen?
Matcha itself doesn't contain collagen. However, its role in aiding collagen production is extraordinary. Through its impressive antioxidant content, matcha supports the body's ability to create collagen. Collagen, a structural protein, is pivotal for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Does matcha tea help hormonal acne?
Matcha's potential to assist with hormonal acne is linked to its anti-inflammatory properties. Hormonal acne is almost always caused by inflammation beneath the skin's surface. By reducing it, matcha may aid in managing hormonal acne.
Consuming matcha several times per week, as part of a balanced diet, can potentially contribute to improved skin health in individuals prone to hormonal acne.
Does matcha help hair growth?
While matcha doesn't guarantee direct hair growth, its rich antioxidant content can contribute to overall scalp health. A well-nourished scalp is essential for maintaining healthy hair. By incorporating matcha into your diet as part of a well-rounded approach to self-care, you can potentially support the health of your hair and scalp.
Can drinking matcha cause acne?
Matcha has the potential to regulate oil production and lower inflammation, which can be advantageous for acne-prone skin. While some individuals may find matcha beneficial for managing excessive oil and acne, others might experience different outcomes.
Does matcha tea make you look younger?
Matcha's antioxidants and anti aging properties can contribute to a more youthful appearance by combating oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the aging process. By reducing the impact of free radicals on the skin, matcha may help maintain the skin's elasticity, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall health.
What skin type is matcha good for?
Matcha's versatility makes it suitable for all skin types. Its potential to regulate oil production is particularly beneficial for those with oily or combination skin. Matcha's properties, such as reducing inflammation and the appearance of acne scars, make it appealing to those concerned about premature aging, dull skin, and uneven skin tone.
Resources
Sokary, S., Al-Asmakh, M., Zakaria, Z., & Bawadi, H. (2022, November 23).The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015
Green tea and skin - PubMed. (2000, August 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.136.8.989
OyetakinWhite, P., Tribout, H., & Baron, E. (2012, June 26).Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/560682
Is Matcha A Diuretic? Exploring the Effects of Matcha Green Tea on Urination - Nao Medical. (n.d.). Nao Medical. https://naomedical.com/info/is-matcha-a-diuretic.html
Katiyar, S. K. (2010, November 19).Green tea prevents non-melanoma skin cancer by enhancing DNA repair. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2010.11.015
Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair. (2006, October 17). ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2006.08.004
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