Beautiful skin starts from within. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, always in a dynamic state of self-renewal, its cells constantly moving and differentiating. When hydration and antioxidant processes are functioning well on a cellular level, the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is better equipped to help to keep your skin smooth and supple.
Let’s examine how hydrating with tea can help mitigate both internal and external skin damage and aging. Although skin undergoes an aging process like any other human organ, lifestyle and genetics play a huge role in how skin looks and works. [1]
Bioactive polyphenols in tea can help suppress enzymes called elastase and collagenase, which accelerate the internal skin aging process. The ability of catechin polyphenols in tea to inhibit the action of these two enzymes slows the aging process by supporting important components for the skin. [2]
Naturally-occurring antioxidants are considered to be one of the most important factors in preventing oxidative stress, the mechanism by which skin is damaged from the sun. Photo-aging is a complex series of events which takes place when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is classified as a "complete carcinogen" because it has the properties of both a mutagen (aka a tumor initiator) and a tumor promoter. Chronic exposure to UV radiation will also result in the degradation of the elastin and collagen fibers of the skin’s connective tissue. Tea polyphenols are the most abundant natural source of antioxidants that can help counteract damaging oxidative effects inside the body, thereby diminishing the impact of photo-aging. [3] [4]
Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of collagen, which is a main protein in blood vessels and skin. Tea polyphenols indirectly contribute to the strength of these blood vessels, by preventing the oxygenation of Vitamin C.
Moreover, staying well hydrated and keeping inflammation at a minimum is also key to maintaining the elasticity and strength of micro blood vessels - which are additional benefits of hydrating with tea polyphenols. [5] [6]
Bottom line: Don’t let age determine your skin type. When hydration and antioxidant processes are functioning well on a cellular level, the skin is better equipped to help to keep regenerative mechanisms going, helping to keep your skin smooth and supple. Natural skincare teas traditionally include white teas, rooibos, and matcha — recognized for its EGCg content.
Learn more about white tea in Everything You Need To Know About White Tea!
REFERENCES
1: Koch W, et al. Applications of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Active Constituents in Cosmetics. Molecules. 2019;24(23):4277. Published 2019 Nov 24.
2: Tamsyn SA Thring et al. Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2009, 9:27.
3: Pandel, R.et al, Skin photoaging and the role of antioxidants in its prevention. ISRN Dermatol. 2013, 2013, 930164.
4: Puglia, C. et al, Protective effect of red orange extract supplementation against UV-induced skin damages: Photoaging and solar lentigines. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2014, 13, 151–157.
5: Cracowski, Jean-Luc, et al. Human Skin Microcirculation. Comprehensive Physiology, July 2020. 10(3):1105-1154.
6: Koch, W. Dietary polyphenols-important non-nutrients in the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases. A systematic review. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1039.