Do you like to start your day off with a bit of caffeine every morning? We don’t blame you. However, if you’re reaching for sugar-loaded coffee or energy drinks, your morning beverage could be taking a toll on the health of your skin. Luckily, tea is one great alternative that is not only harmless to your complexion, but can actually be great for it. In fact, there’s one variety in particular that offers tons of incredible health benefits.
To learn about the best type of tea you can drink every day to promote clearer skin, we spoke to registered dietitian Trista Best and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erum N. Ilyas. They both told us that green tea is a fantastic option.
Green tea
As far as healthy beverages go, green tea is about as good as it gets. This drink is loaded with health benefits thanks to its high amount of antioxidants—and it's especially great for your skin. "Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which have widespread health benefits ranging from preventing illness and reducing inflammation to boosting skin health," Best says.
Antioxidants are extremely powerful when it comes to keeping our hearts healthy, protecting against free radical damage, reducing the risk of disease, and more. Best explains that "we take in these antioxidants through plant compounds, phytonutrients and amino acids in the food we eat and the herbal teas we drink, like green tea."
Cellular damage from toxins and free radicals is one major cause of skin issues. "This damage, if not slowed or stopped, causes a host of negative health consequences," Best notes, adding that free radical damage typically leads to "wrinkles, dry patches, uneven skin tone, and acne." Luckily, drinking tea from a regular basis is a great way to protect your body from this damage and keep skin complications at bay.
Additionally, Ilyas points out that green tea has a high concentration of a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. This polyphenol, along with others found in the beverage, offer numerous benefits when it comes to the health of your skin. "The benefit of EGCG is that some studies have demonstrated its ability to potentially inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that contributes to skin pigmentation," she explains, noting that dinking green tea in order to inhibit this enzyme can be one great way to solve the issue of hyperpigmentation.
If you're serious about reaping the benefits of this healthy tea, Ilyas recommends drinking it each morning. "The addition of green tea to your morning routine is a great way to start your skin’s day with the antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and help the skin’s natural repair process," she says. Plus, the caffeine kick can't hurt! You may even want to replace your typical mug of coffee with a few cups of green tea. Sounds perfect!
