What is Matcha?
If you’re not familiar with matcha, it’s a Japanese green tea powder made from finely powdered dried tea leaves. It has a slightly bitter, vegetal taste and a vibrant green color that results from the leaves’ high chlorophyll levels. It’s been the cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but it recently became popular in the western cultures because of its health benefits.
Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than typically found in green tea.
"Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of benefits, showing that it can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss."
Matcha has skyrocketed in popularity lately, with matcha shots, lattes, teas, and even desserts appearing everywhere from health stores to coffee shops.
Like green tea, matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, it’s grown differently and has a unique nutrient profile.
Farmers grow matcha by covering their tea plants 20–30 days before harvest to avoid direct sunlight. This increases chlorophyll production, boosts the amino acid content, and gives the plant a darker green tone.
Once the tea leaves are harvested, the stems and veins are removed and the leaves are ground up into a fine powder known as matcha.
Why is matcha better than loose leaf tea?
Every day, countless people throw away valuable antioxidants and minerals. While seemingly unimaginable, that’s exactly what happens when you brew a cup of green tea because water can only extract a fraction of green teas benefits. The majority actually remains unused, trapped in the tea leaves. In reality, the only way to truly take advantage of green teas full potential is to consume the entire leaf. But that doesn’t mean you need to start eating tea leaves. The simplest solution is to just enjoy a bowl of matcha. Because matcha is straight, stoneground tea leaves, matcha provides you with green teas powerful arsenal of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids in a way no other green tea can.
Including matcha in your skincare routine
For a powder with such immense benefits for your skin, matcha is incredibly easy to use, and making it part of your beauty regimen is a breeze, no matter what purpose you give it. Here’s a list of five ways to use matcha to benefit your skin:
1. Try using matcha as a toner — simply mix the powder with some water and an essential oil of your choice in a spray bottle — or using it as a mask or face scrub.
2. Exfoliator: Try mixing one tablespoon of matcha, one quarter cup of coconut oil, and around three quarters of a cup of organic white sugar to make a natural face scrub that will help you get rid of impurities.
3. For a quick pore cleansing mask, we suggest mixing one and a half tablespoon of clay, a half to a quarter of a teaspoon of matcha powder with a tablespoon of rose water or a mist of your choice.
4. Face mask: If you’re suffering from dry and irritated skin, simply mixing equal parts matcha powder with an oil that you love and some honey will create an easy mask that is sure to soothe and revitalize your complexion.
OUR FAVORITE MATCHA MASK
The ultimate facial mask to exfoliate, renew and moisturize the skin. Premium shade-grown matcha sourced from Uji, Japan yields incredible antioxidants and is rich in potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya and pumpkin extracts gently exfoliate while a blend of botanical oils soften and preserve the skin. Breathe in the calming benefits of vanilla and experience a moment of deep relaxation.
Why you’ll love it: for its incredible ability to lightly exfoliate & deeply moisturize. Your skin will feel extremely soft and renewed.
Smells like: a vanilla matcha latte.
Feels like: a light, creamy texture that glides on smoothly.
What it does: lightly exfoliates and delivers maximum moisture & antioxidants to the skin.
Cover Photo Credit of Neokama
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