Is Matcha The Next Big Skincare Craze?

It might be the latest coffee shop staple, but beauty buffs say that matcha is much more than a whizzy green drink. But can it actually make a difference to our routine? Here’s everything you need to know about the burgeoning matcha skincare trend.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a green tea powder made from finely ground leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Mainly used in drinks, it’s also known for its bright green colour, smooth flavour and high nutritional content – making it a popular alternative to coffee.

‘Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves,’ explains Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify. ‘Originating in Japan, it has been a central part of Japanese culture and tea ceremonies for centuries.

‘Unlike regular green tea, which uses leaves that are steeped and thrown away, matcha uses the whole leaf that is then ground into a powder,’ she continues, highlighting that this makes it a valuable ingredient both for digestive and skin health. ‘By using the whole leaf, it means the powder has a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants, which have many benefits for the skin.’

‘Introduced into Western culture as a drink, it seems as if only now people are understanding just how versatile matcha is, and how it can enhance your health in many different ways.’

@lailapaul7 You need to try this if you need a skin re-set🍵 #matcha #skincare ♬ MTG CHIHIRO by Mulú – luck

What Are The Supposed Benefits Of Matcha Skincare?

So we know that matcha comes with a plethora of health benefits, but how could those potentially translate into skincare benefits? Franchesca shares her take below:

Rich In Antioxidants

Matcha contains a high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant that combats free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing.

It also helps protect the skin from environmental factors, like pollution and UV rays.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The natural compounds in matcha help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling, making it ideal for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Brightens The Complexion

Matcha’s chlorophyll content detoxifies the skin, helping to achieve a more even complexion. As a result, it can also leave the skin feeling brighter.

(c) Kimzy Nanney, Unsplash

Oil Control

Matcha can help regulate sebum production, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin.

Anti-Ageing Benefits

Its antioxidant properties also support collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Gentle Exfoliation

Many matcha-infused scrubs and masks offer a mild exfoliating effect, removing dead skin cells without irritation that other exfoliants may do.

How To Make A Matcha Mask

If you fancy making your own matcha skincare alternative, try a DIY mask – like this one shared by creator @es.rawan:

Ingredients

• Matcha
• Honey
• Water

Method

1. In equal amounts, combine matcha and honey in a bowl.
2. Add warm water to the mixture, until you’ve achieved your desired consistency.
3. Apply to your face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, before washing off.

@es.rawan How I make Matcha mask💚 Benefits: -Antioxidant Protection -Brightening -Detoxification -Anti-Inflammatory Properties #skincare #skin #matcha #facemask #korean #healthcare ♬ Bed Chem – Sabrina Carpenter

Are There Any Drawbacks With Matcha Skincare?

Since we’re still in the early days of getting to grips with the health benefits of matcha – let alone its perceived uses in skincare – we can’t yet guarantee how well it will perform for each individual.

‘While matcha is widely celebrated for its health benefits, its role in skincare is still being explored,’ confirms Franchesca.’There’s less research on its effectiveness in using it as skincare. And because of the limited number of tests, some individuals may find they experience allergic reactions – such as rashes, acne or inflamed skin – especially if they are prone to reactions.’

She also notes that matcha can often be bound to other ingredients that might not work for sensitive skin. ‘As it could be combined with other active ingredients, it’s important to check the label and perform a patch test before use.’

The quality of the matcha itself can also impact its effectiveness in skincare – which means it can be a more expensive ingredient if you want more visible results. ‘High-quality matcha can be expensive, so products with genuine benefits might come at a higher price,’ adds Franchesca. ‘Bear this in mind and be cautious of lower-quality products with minimal matcha content.’

Featured image: Shayna Douglas, Unsplash