Nerd Alert: The Power of Tea
Hello Beauties,
Ahhhh… tea. Who would guess from its delicate flavor and light aroma it’s one of the most powerful drinks in the world? To truly explain the benefits (and impact) of tea, we would be here all day… actually all week. So, let me sum it up: I can’t think of anything more important and interesting to drink.
Rich in antioxidants AND rich in history.
Green and white teas (in our Green Tea Grapefruit and White Tea Ginger SkinTē flavors) both come from the leaves of the same plant: Camellia sinensis, AKA “the tea plant”. The youngest leaves of the tea plant are gathered as white tea. They are lighter in flavor and contain slightly less caffeine than green tea leaves which are more mature when they are harvested. Both green and white tea leaves contain boat loads of antioxidants and provide all the health benefits that Camellia sinensis has long been known for. As a matter of fact, the tea plant was originally used as medicine. Through the centuries, however, tea became more than a potent wellness elixir—it inspired artists, became part of religious ceremonies, and played a pivotal role in the emergence of world trade.[1] It has shaped human history, supported wellbeing, and is now a crucial part of SkinTē’s holistic formulas.
Why is tea so dang good for you?
One word: catechins. You may never have heard that word before, but if you are a tea drinker (I know you are!), your body has reaped the many benefits of it. Catechins are molecules with very potent antioxidant activity. For example, you may have heard of one catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). It is abundantly found in both white and green teas. Studies show this free radical fighter is linked to improved cholesterol, metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, brain health and memory.
What about my skin?
Here’s where things get REALLY exciting. The antioxidants in Camellia sinensis protect our bodies from free radical damage on the inside, including our skin. This is why green and white teas have been shown to help protect skin against photo-aging (sun damage) and increase healing circulation in our skin. In addition, medical research shows white and green teas inhibit the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two key structural compounds in our skin that give it youthful density and elasticity. Based on this research, you can see the importance of incorporating daily tea drinking into your beauty regime. It’s “skincare” from the inside out.
Need another reason?
Tea chills you out. It contains an amino acid called L-theanine that relaxes without sedating. It has been shown to reduce the perception of stress and improve attention and focus in people who are prone to anxiety. It’s what puts the Zen in tea.
It’s counterpart: Hibiscus
I couldn’t send this Nerd Alert without a huge nod to pretty pink (and potent) Hibiscus. It’s an incredible force of nature in its own right. Read more about the petal power in Hibiscus Vanilla SkinTē here.
As always, if you have questions, ideas, or comments don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at amy.bader@skinte.com. I love your feedback and am here for you.
With love (and collagen),
Dr. B
[1] The True History of Tea by Erling Hoh |