Beauty Benefits of Black Tea Skinning

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Black tea skinning mask.

Benefits of Black Tea Skinning? Before we dive into the secrets of a beautiful complexion. Let's start from scratch:

What is Black Tea Skinning?

Simply put, it refers to using black tea as a topical application for your skin: It's tea time not only for your taste buds but also for your face!

Black tea, the most potent variety that comes from Camellia sinensis plant, has been used for centuries, not only as a refreshing beverage but also as a healing agent.

The concept of Black Tea Skinning comes from both ancient and modern practices, a unique blend of past wisdom and current trends.

Cup of black tea.Photo Source: Pixaby

What does black tea do to your skin

There are a number of great reasons why you might want to include this facial into your anti-aging routine. Here are a few potential benefits of applying it topically:

  • Brighter complexion
  • Fading of dark spots and uneven skin tone
  • Gentle natural exfoliation
  • Calming and soothing for sensitive skin
  • Reduction of under-eye puffiness
  • Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Black tea for skin lightening

Many people ask about it's use for getting rid of brown spots and lightening the skin. While it won't work like a skin bleaching chemical, according to studies, it can help lighten your complexion, over time.

Here's how it works to lighten skin:

Black tea helps block Melanin. It does this by stopping an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is used to make melanin, the stuff that colors our skin.

When we have less melanin, our skin looks lighter because there's less of the stuff that makes it dark.

This is based on a study in Toxicology Research1, where brown guinea pigs were used to check what black tea does to skin. They found it makes skin lighter by reducing the number of cells (melanocytes) and structures (melanosomes) that make and store melanin in the skin.

This makes the skin look lighter and more even in tone.😊

How to use black tea for your face

Woman applying black tea on her face.

Let’s brew some beauty!

Preparing this brew for topical use is much like making your morning cuppa. We cover some basics here and then provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the tea for your face in the section below.

Just a few notes before we get started:

Make it Strong: You want to make sure you brew a very strong cup. It's best to seep it for at least 1/2 hour.

Why is this important?

The stronger, the more potent the antioxidants, resulting in more effective results! Remember, antioxidants are like little soldiers, fighting off harmful molecules, called free radicals, that can harm our skin and make it age faster.

Test if You're Sensitive: If your complexion is sensitive, test a small area first. Do this by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow. Give it a few hours to see how it goes.

Important: And always allow it to cool before putting it on your face! 

Black tea skinning: Step by Step Guide

Black tea skinning for your face is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials You'll Need:

  • Black tea bags or loose tea leaves (organic and unflavored is best)
  • A cup of hot water
  • A clean washcloth, cotton pads, or cotton rounds
  • Optional: Honey or aloe vera gel for added benefits

Steps:

1. Prepare: Place one or two black tea bags into a cup of hot boiled water.

2. Let it Steep: Let it sit in the hot water for about 30 minutes. You want it to be strong, so it extracts as many beneficial compounds as possible.

3. Cool Down: After steeping, remove the bags and let the brew cool down. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Reserve the bags, you can use them for other purposes, like puffy eyes. More on that below…  

4. Optional Additives: You can add a teaspoon of honey or aloe vera gel. Honey can provide additional hydration, while aloe vera has soothing properties.

5. Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup.

6. Application: Soak a clean cotton ball or pad in the cooled brew and squeeze out any excess. Then apply to your face. Use a gentle patting or circular motion, ensuring even coverage from your forehead to your neck.

7. Relax: Let the tea sit on your face for about 10-15 minutes. 

8. Rinse Off: After the allotted time, rinse your face thoroughly with water. Make sure there's no residue left behind.

9. Moisturize: Finish the process by applying your favorite moisturizer.

10. Frequency: Use this treatment once or twice a week, depending on your needs.

Other uses of black tea skinning

Under-Eye Treatment

The caffeine and tannins help constrict the blood vessels and capillaries under the skin. This can help reduces puffiness and might help brighten the area over time.

How to use it:

  • Soak two bags in hot water only for a few minutes.
  • Allow them to cool in the refrigerator. I like to freeze mine! 😘
  • Place one bag over each closed eye for 10-15 minutes and relax.

Black Tea Peel:

I have to caution you, this peel is sticky! But, it does help get the "gunk" out of your pores.

How To Use:

  • In a microwave safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cooled tea and 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder. Mix well.
  • Heat in microwave for about 10–15 seconds. You want the mixture to be warm but not too hot. Check to make sure it's not too hot before applying.
  • Using your fingertips (I use an old makeup brush, it's easier), apply the warm mixture evenly to your face. Avoid the eye and mouth areas.
  • Let it dry for about 15–20 minutes, or until it's firm.
  • Once the mask is dry, gently peel it off starting from the edges. You might have to roll it off. It should come off easily, removing dead skin cells and impurities with it.
  • After peeling off the mask, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Apply moisturizer.

You can use this mask once a week for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.

Exfoliating Scrub:

Tea leaves are slight abrasive, which makes it a good, yet gentle scrub. It won't damage or scratch your complexion.

How to Use:

  • Cut open a cooled and brewed bag and empty the leaves into a bowl.
  • Add some sugar or baking soda. If your face is dry, add your favorite face oil.
  • Mix it into a paste and lightly scrub your face and neck.
  • Rinse well and moisturize.

Facial Steam:

How to use:

  • Pour 2 cups of hot brew into a large glass bowl.
  • Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam.
  • Steam your face for 10-15 minutes.

Black Tea Face Mask:

This mask can help increase hydration and clean pores.

How To Use:

  • Make a 1/4 cup of tea and let it cool.
  • Add just enough honey or yogurt to make a thick paste.
  • Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area.
  • Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.

Toner:

A toner can help restore pH balance and remove excess oils and dirt.

How to Use:

  • Make a strong cup of tea and let it cool.
  • Pour it into a spray bottle.
  • Spray it on your face after each cleaning.

Final thoughts: Benefits of black tea skinning

black tea leaves.

There are so many benefits of black tea skinning. From natural masks and peels that eliminate dead skin cells and impurities for a brighter complexion.

From natural masks to peels to remove dead skin cells and impurities, to improved skin tone, and a brighter complexion.

I love to use botanicals like tea extracts. They're a natural and gentle way to combat aging skin, reduce inflammation, redness, and puffiness. 2

Plus, it's a "cheap way" to promote a healthy complexion while add an anti-aging routine to your skincare. 

Also, don't forget to drink a cup or two while you're making your anti-aging complexion brew. That’s a win-win! 😊

Not interested in making your own tea masks? There are some excellent and inexpensive masks and peels on Amazon.



References:

1. Whitening Effect of Black Tea Water Extract on Brown Guinea Pig Skin

2. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care




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