Matcha has risen to popularity over the years and has become quite the sensation among foodies. From matcha lattes to homemade matcha energy bites, this green tea powder is revered as a superfood. What many people don’t know is that matcha’s numerous antioxidant properties do wonders for the skin.
The skin care market is oversaturated with chemical serums, animal-tested products, and creams that promise to make you look 20 years younger. Skip the chemical products and get on board with matcha and the DIY anti-aging slave in this article.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha has been a part of Japanese culture since the 12th century. It is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is used to produce all types of teas. What sets matcha apart from green tea, white tea, or oolong tea is the fact that it is never heated. Additionally, matcha is minimally processed, which helps it retain the nutrients and antioxidants.
Skin Benefits Of Matcha
In case you aren’t familiar with matcha, it is a dark green powder. The color indicates that it has a high amount of chlorophyll, which has been known to protect the skin from sun damage and reduce photo-aging (fewer wrinkles and sun spots). Chlorophyll helps to shield the skin from impurities or bacteria that can easily clog pores.
Another benefit of matcha is that it contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant that has antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that EGCG helps to reduce blemishes, and it works to promote supple and smoother skin because of how it rejuvenates skin cells.
While the matcha is the star of this anti-aging salve recipe, we can’t neglect the healing properties of the other ingredients. Beeswax and coconut oil provide a beautiful moisturizing base, and the essential oils in this salve have been known to keep the skin clear and balanced. Frankincense and myrrh oils are known for benefiting the skin, but geranium oil is lesser known, even though it enhances skin health.
Matcha Green Tea Salve
Ingredients:
- 2-4 salve containers (2-ounce tin containers work great)
- 2 ounces beeswax pastilles
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon organic unrefined coconut oil
- 12 drops frankincense essential oil
- 8 drops geranium essential oil
- 7 drops myrrh essential oil
- ½ teaspoon matcha green tea powder
Instructions:
- Pour water into the bottom pan of a double boiler and place it on the stove over medium heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, pour a few inches of water into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Add the beeswax to the top of the double boiler and stir until melted. If you are using the saucepan method, add the beeswax to a heat-safe bowl and place it on top of the saucepan. Stir until melted.
- Once the beeswax is melted and there are no lumps, pour the coconut and sweet almond oils into the boil and stir to combine.
- Remove the bowl with the melted oils from the heat and turn the stove off. Once the oils have cooled slightly, add the essential oils and stir well.
- Finally, pour the matcha powder in and stir slowly. It tends to clump so make sure that it is fully mixed in, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Pour the mixture into the containers, but don’t fill to the brim. You want a little room on top. Leave the salve on the counter until it is fully cooled (about 30-40min), and then put the lids on.
- Store the containers in a cool dry place. When you want to use it, apply a pea-sized amount to the desired areas.
