I've been looking for more ways to incorporate green tea into my daily life. Not only are teas like matcha and green sencha nourishing antioxidant sources, they are also amazing additions to any skin care routine.

I tend to have dry, sometimes red and irritated skin that’s reactive to the sun as well as synthetic ingredients. I’m a gardening and hiking nut and a general outdoor enthusiast, so you can imagine just how important it is to try to keep my skin in balance. Green tea has been a wonderful way to calm down my skin and offer it some much-needed relief. 

From facial steams, soothing body butters to cooling sprays, the addition of green tea is so refreshing after hours spent in the garden, or a long day of work. When used in a skincare routine, it can help with minor skin irritations and redness as well as rejuvenate and protect the skin.  

Some people even report toning and brightening effects due to the caffeine content found in green teas. These qualities are especially true of matcha tea! I have found that my skin has a glow when I use my matcha green tea body butter regularly. And let’s not forget that matcha, as well as other green teas, contain catechins, a polyphenol that is known for its antioxidant power and which is known to help reduce build-up on the skin. 

How to Use Green Tea for Skin Care: There are many ways you can incorporate green teas into your skin care routine. I often begin by making a strong infusion either in water, carrier oil like jojoba, olive oil or witch hazel. I love how versatile infusions can be and they are always lovely to have on hand.  

Another simple option is to brew a strong blend of green tea with your favorite calming herbs and harness the power of steam. Sometimes I’ll even pour myself a little glass of tea while I prepare my recipe. 

Here are 3 simple skin care recipes that each incorporate green tea for a refreshing and rejuvenating routine. These recipes also include some of my other favorite beneficial plants like  lavender and peppermint for a refreshing and cooling addition to any skin care regimen. 

DIY CLEANSING GRAINS WITH MATCHA & LAVENDER 

Makes approximately 1 cup dry material. 

Facial scrubs exfoliate the skin and cleanse the pores. Some facial scrubs can be rough on the skin, but this recipe contains oats, almonds, and other soothing and nourishing ingredients. 

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. organic oatmeal (be sure to use gluten free oats if you have sensitivities)  

• 1 Tbsp. organic almonds 

• 2 tsp. Organic dried lavender flowers  

• 1 tsp. French green clay  

• 1/4 tsp. Organic matcha tea  

• 2-5 drops organic lavender essential oil  

Directions 

1. Grind oats, almonds, and lavender flowers in a clean coffee grinder until finely powdered. 2. Sift through a mesh screen to remove larger pieces that may be too abrasive for delicate facial skin. 3. Add clay, matcha, and lavender essential oil. Mix thoroughly, and store in a glass jar.

To Use 1. Mix a small amount with water, milk, cream, yogurt, flower water, or tea to create a smooth paste.  2. Apply to slightly damp skin and gently massage with fingertips, avoiding the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips.  3. When finished, rinse off with cool water.

Pro Tip  

You can use this same blend for a facial mask! Simply apply a light layer on the face, making sure to avoid the delicate skin area around the eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 minutes or until the mask feels taught and dry, then rinse off with cool water. For dry or sensitive skin types, leave on for 5 minutes or less.

AGE-FIGHTING GREEN TEA FACIAL TONER 

Makes approximately 3/4 cups. 

This recipe helps to tighten the skin, adjust pH levels, and remove residues left on the skin after cleansing. This recipe is gentle and suitable for all skin types. 

Ingredients  

  • 1/2 tsp. Organic green sencha leaf tea 
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) organic witch hazel extract 
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz) organic rose hydrofoil 
  • 1 + 1/2 Tsp. Non GMO Aloe Vera 
  • 1/4 tsp. Organic Vegetable Glycerin 
  • 1-3 drops organic geranium or rose essential oil 

Directions  

  1. Make an herb-infused witch hazel extract by placing the green sencha tea leaves and witch hazel extract in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Shake the jar daily and allow the mixture to infuse for 2 or more weeks.
  3. Once finished infusing, strain the green tea leaves out and reserve the remaining liquid.
  4. Mix the infused witch hazel extract with the remaining ingredients and pour into dark glass bottles. Spray tops are great sustainable replacements for cotton balls! Just spray and gently press into your skin.
  5. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks.

COOLING FACE AND BODY MIST 

Makes approximately 3/4 cups. 

Use this mist whenever you need a little cooling off. Peppermint can be very refreshing. Incorporating green tea into this blend can help to reduce redness.

Ingredients 

•3/4 cups (3 oz) distilled or purified water 

• 1 Tbsp. Peppermint leaf  

• 1/2 tsp. Green sencha tea leaf 

• 1 drop organic peppermint essential oil (optional! Omit this ingredient if you have sensitive skin)  

Directions 

1. Pour boiling water over the peppermint and green sencha tea leaves and infuse until cool. 2. Strain and pour liquid into a spray bottle. 3. Add the essential oil (if using) and shake to combine all ingredients. 4. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.