Tea Bags for the Beau-Tea-Ful You!

Tea is one of the most popularly consumed beverages after water. Processed and unprocessed tea leaves are sold as bags, sachets or loose leaves. Tea bags contain a standard amount of tea leaves to provide optimum taste and flavor. Cosmetic markets have shed light on skincare products that are free of chemical and toxic substances for better skin health.

Looking natural and using natural products is the new trend in beauty and skincare. Tea plant extracts have been used for centuries in the cosmetic market. Scientific studies have also zoomed in to reveal the magical properties and uses of tea bags in skincare. Green, black and white teas are generally used in skincare products (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>1^✔, ✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>2^✔).

Uses of used tea bags for the face and skin are plenty. From making natural, chemical-free exfoliating scrubs or face masks to hair packs, tea bags are of great use.

Have a used tea bag? Don’t throw them away, try the following beauty products with tea bags.

Exfoliating Scrub: Empty the contents from a green tea bag and let them dry. Wash the face clean and then use dried green tea leaves with little water as a facial scrub. The tea can also be mixed with granulated sugar and water. Scrubbing green tea on the face gets the skin glowing, fresh and healthy (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>7^✔

).

Face mask: Mix equal amounts of green tea, baking soda and honey and apply as a facial mask. This will also act as an exfoliator, tighten and rejuvenate the skin. To make an instant mask, just rub the used tea bag over the face for a few minutes and wash (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>6^✔).

Cleanser: Applying the paste from damp tea leaves will purify and nourish the skin. White tea can be used for this as it is less processed and has more nutrients (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>8^✔).

Toner: Rubbing Chamomile tea bags on the face can tone and brighten the skin. Refrigerate the tea bags and apply them cold on a clean face (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>7^✔).

Treat Sunburns: Tannins from black tea and the polyphenols from green tea shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties both of which are great tools in treating sunburns. Cool the tea bags in the refrigerator before use (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>7^✔).

Tea extracts have a spectrum of powerful biological properties making them a beautiful ingredient for cosmetic applications. They improve skin and hair health with their antioxidant, anti-cellulite, photo-protective and microcirculation properties. The beauty benefits of tea bags are discussed in detail below.

Antioxidant Activity: Free radicals or oxidative damage causes damage to biological compounds like nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. Free radicals can be very harmful to the skin and may also lead to skin aging. When tea extracts are applied to the skin they improve microcirculation resulting in better oxygenation and skin health. The antioxidants in tea extracts like polyphenols protect Vitamin C from getting oxidized to promote the synthesis of Collagen (the primary protein of the skin) (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>1^✔

).

Acne-effective: The polyphenols present in tea extracts have shown to portray promising effects against acne vulgaris. Increased sebum production regulated due to hormones in the skin can lead to skin disorders like acne. The polyphenols reduce the production of sebum in the skin and also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>1^✔, ✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>2^✔).

Photo-protective Activity: UV radiations are harmful to the skin. EpiGalloCatechin Gallate (EGCG) in green tea prevents collagenases and aids in protection against UV radiation (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>1^✔).

Treats Puffed Eyes and Dark Circles: Tea bags for the eyes are used for a long time to reduce puffiness. The caffeine content in tea is responsible for dilating the capillaries around the eye, thereby reducing the swollen or puffed appearance of the eyes. Tea bags can also reduce dark circles around the eyes. Cooling tea bags before placing on eyelids can be more effective.

Skin Soothing: Antioxidants in tea help improve skin appearance and skin texture. Chamomile tea can be your go-to remedy to soothe the skin from irritation and inflammation. Applying Chamomile tea bags on the face regularly can alleviate dryness, itchiness and redness of the
skin (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>8^✔).

Hair Growth: Compounds in tea extracts play a promising role in hair and scalp health too. High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can shrink hair follicles, shorten the growth phase, and reduce hair roots. Tea polyphenols have been shown to stimulate the hair roots and extend the hair growing phase (✔Trusted Source

Go to source” data-original-title=”” title=””>1^✔).

Tea is the world’s second most popularly consumed beverage and is known for the several health benefits it exhibits. But recently, light has been shed on
their usage in cosmetics and skincare. The powerful compounds in tea like antioxidants and caffeine are the root cause of its role in beauty products. Tea bags can be a magical, cheap and easy-to-use skincare product. Here on, your tea time calls for some self-care with the used tea bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are tea bags good for your face?

Yes, they are very good for the face. It cleanses, exfoliates and brightens the face.

2. Does tea make you beautiful?

Tea contains powerful antioxidants that can slow down aging and promote skin health.

3. Do tea bags work for pimples?

Yes. The polyphenol content in tea extracts reduces sebum production and is effective in acne treatment.

4. Is it good to put tea bags on your eyes?

Tea bags are a great remedy for puffy eyes and dark circles around the eyes.

5. How long should I keep tea bags on my eyes?

The tea bags, preferably cold, can be kept up to 15 minutes on the eyes.

6. How do you use tea bags for dark circles?

Refrigerate the tea bags for a cold compress, or steam in hot water for a hot compress and press out the excess liquid. Place the bags over the eyes for up to 15 minutes.

7. How to reuse green tea bags for skin?

The used green tea bags can be refrigerated and used on the face. To make a face pack, empty contents in the bag, mix with honey and water and apply on the skin, Or use as a scrubber with little water.

8. Which tea is good for skin whitening?

Chamomile tea can be used as a toner. It also helps brighten the face and make it look fresh.

References:

1. Koch, W., Zagórska, J., Marzec, Z., & Kukula-Koch, W. (2019). Applications of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Active Constituents in Cosmetics. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(23), 4277. – (https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24234277)
2. Tea – (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/tea/)
3. Saric, S., Notay, M., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 6(1), 2. – (https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6010002)
4. Hsu, Stephen. (2005). Green tea and the skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 52. 1049-59. (10.1016/j.jaad.2004.12.044.)
5. Amnuaikit, T., Maneenuan, D., & Boonme, P. (2011). Evaluation of caffeine gels on physicochemical characteristics and in vivo efficacy in reducing puffy eyes. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 1(2), 56.
6. Quick hair care tips – (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/quick-hair-care-tips/articleshow/49114176.cms)
7. Don’t Throw Away Your Tea Bags, They Have These 7 Skin Benefits! – (https://www.idiva.com/beauty/tips/used-tea-bags-have-skin-benefits-so-dont-throw-them-away/18008352#:~:text=All%20you%20need%20to%20do%20is%20set%20aside%20your%20used,it%20will%20also%20reduce%20acne.)
8. How To Use Tea Bags And Tea Leaves For Beauty And Hair – (https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/how-to-use-tea-bags-and-tea-leaves-for-beauty-and-hair-1863302)

Author: Soundharya

Editor: Hannah Joy

Technically Checked by: Lingaraj