With skin care being a daily ritual in all our lives, it can get real pricey and sometimes we don’t always feel like forking out a fortune on new creams and serums. Whether you are wanting to try something natural, plan to alternate between your skin products, or otherwise want to prolong that dreaded day of spending money on quality skincare, then why not give tea a try. We all know that drinking tea has many health benefits, including for our skin. Yet, the benefit goes beyond just drinking, where we can now DIY our own skincare from using tea bags. And if you want to wear the tea bag on your face, by all means, do that too.
How to DIY your Skincare with Tea
Eye Mask: Matcha and Parsley
What you need: 1 Tablespoon Matcha Powder*, ¼ Cup Parsley, ¼ Cup Water, Blender
Method: Chop and blend parsley with a ¼ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of matcha powder; Mix into paste, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour; On clean skin, apply under your eyes using a brush or your fingers; Leave on for 30 minutes; Remove with damp cotton pad or cloth.
Notes: Use as often as you need. Leftover mask can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. As parsley contains high levels of vitamin K and vitamin C, it makes for the perfect skin rejuvenation.
Tea Face Scrub
What you need: 2 Tea Bags* or 2 Tablespoons Loose Leaf Tea*, 1 Cup Hot Water, 1 Tablespoon Honey, 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
Method: Steep your tea in a cup of hot water for 1 hour; Allow bags to cool before opening and taking out the leaves; Combine tea leaves, honey, and baking soda in a mixing bowl to make a paste; Add a few drops of water if the paste is too thick; Apply to clean face, gently rubbing in circular motions to remove dead skin cells; Leave on for 15 minutes; Wash face with warm water.
Notes: Use 3 times per week for optimum results. Honey adds extra hydration to our skin and provides antioxidants which help to fight free radicals, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles that look visibly less noticeable.
Tea Face Toner
What you need: 2-3 Tea Bags* or 2-3 Tablespoons Loose Leaf Tea*, 1 Cup Hot Water, 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, 6 Drops Tea Tree Oil, Empty Toner Bottle
Method: Steep 2-3 tea bags in a cup of hot water for 1 hour; Make sure tea is cooled and remove tea bags or loose leaves; Mix in coconut oil and tea tree oil; Place liquid into toner bottle and shake to ensure it is well mixed; Apply toner to clean face; Do not wash off.
Notes: Use daily. Coconut oil cleanses and moisturises the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. The fatty acids in coconut oil give it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, clearing away dirt from our pores, and aiding in the reduction of acne. Tea tree oil works in the same way with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, clearing skin, and leaving skin smooth.
Green Tea Steam
What you need: 2-3 Green Tea Bags* or 2-3 Tablespoons Loose Leaf Green Tea*, Bowl of Steaming Hot Water, Towel
Method: Take a bowl of steaming hot water and add tea inside; Bend your head down into the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap in steam; Feel the steam on your face; Steam for up to 10 minutes (depending on how your skin feels).
Notes: Keep an eye on how your skin responds to the steam bath. If you begin to feel discomfort or notice irritation, remove your face from the steam. Set a timer to avoid over steaming.
*Can be replaced with tea of your choice
**Like any skincare, patch test before use as some people may experience sensitivity
