Even before I moved to England, I loved tea. It’s probably because my family loves tea, so I grew up with it. Just like the allure of bookstores, I find myself always being pulled toward the tea aisle at a grocery store. All of the pretty packaging and the different herbal concoctions. In the past, I have introduced teas to try and ease my breakouts and aid in healthy liver function – dandelion root, nettle leaf, milk thistle. But I can never seem to stick to drinking them because I can’t stand the taste. I wanted to share some herbal tea recommendations to help you achieve clearer and more radiant skin – but I wanted them to be teas that actually taste good (and that you’ll enjoy and keep drinking). So, here they are.

Spearmint

The reason that I say spearmint tea is because, out of the other mint variations, this is the most potent. Spearmint tea is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, and is also very high in antioxidants. For those of us with oily and acne-prone skin, this tea is great for helping ease breakouts. The reason for this is that spearmint has anti-androgenic properties – it works to reduce sebum production (less sebum means less clogged pores and a clearer complexion). You also can’t really go wrong with a good mint tea.

Jasmine Green

Jasmine green tea has always been a favourite of mine (when I drink it, I feel like an Asian goddess). Although I don’t mind the taste of green tea on its own, there is something beautiful about the notes of floral jasmine. It also makes for a bangin’ bubble tea order. Jasmine green tea is full of polyphenols – antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. The main polyphenol present is called epigallocatechin 3-gallatte (EGCG), known for reducing inflammation, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun damage. Unlike the other teas I will mention, green tea does contain caffeine.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea tastes similarly to cranberry juice (it’s tart). But, damn, it looks gorgeous. This tea is rich in an antioxidant called myricetin that works to reduce the breakdown of collagen. It also contains a plant pigment called anthocyanin (another antioxidant) that can slow down signs of ageing due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. Hibiscus tea is loaded with vitamin C, which we all know creates a brightening effect on the skin. I love adding some honey to this tart tea to make it a bit sweeter.

Rooibos

Like all the teas I have mentioned above, rooibos is another antioxidant powerhouse. The antioxidants that concern us this time are aspalathin and quercetin. Rooibos is also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial to combat redness, irritation, and breakouts in the skin. As well as this, this tea also has soothing, calming, and hydrating benefits. What more could you ask of it? It has an interesting flavour, so you may love it or hate it. The best way to describe it is earthy, a bit sweet, and vanilla-y. But you’ll never know unless you try it.

There you have four herbal teas that can help you achieve clearer, brighter, and younger-looking skin. To ensure that the tea is having any effect, you want to be drinking about two cups a day. So, go get out that blue patterned teapot and start brewing.

Yours,

Kait x

Cover photo by Minan