Why is matcha such an incredible hype now?
You wouldn't see me ordering a matcha so quickly at a coffee shop; a delicious cappuccino with (yes, yes) cow's milk is for me. Sounds very old school all of a sudden, but I personally find that the tastiest. Yet I have suddenly changed my mind. Partly due to my bff, who calls drinking her matcha a moment of happiness in the day. Well, I had to try that.
I'm even participating in a kind of challenge: two weeks without coffee, but matcha. Because what turns out? You get a lot more energy from it, without those familiar coffee peaks and valleys that make you drink even more coffee. But what is matcha actually? We know it's super healthy and that there are huge quality differences – yes, really, one is much tastier than the other (this brand is one of my favorites for home). So if you drink it for the first time and you don't like the taste: don't give up. Just try it again somewhere else. But why is matcha such an incredible hype now?
So matcha not only gives you energy, it also contains a lot of ingredients that make me very happy as a beauty editor. Due to the high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this green powerhouse also affects your skin and hair. Here are the six best beauty benefits of matcha that you might not have known:
1. Anti-aging
Matcha is packed with powerful antioxidants that combat skin aging. They protect the skin, reduce fine lines, and ensure that your skin remains elastic. It's actually a kind of natural anti-aging booster.
2. Prevents impurities
Do you suffer from pimples or an impure skin? Matcha has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help against redness and acne. For everyone with oily skin: matcha is your best friend. Drinking (or eating) it ensures that your skin becomes less oily and prevents clogged pores.
3. Gives a natural glow
Thanks to the ingredient chlorophyll, matcha helps detoxify the skin and reduce dullness. Chlorophyll promotes cell renewal and supports your liver. As a result, your skin looks healthier and you get a beautiful natural glow – and that makes us happy.
4. Hydration
Matcha also contains L-theanine. You probably know this from other types of tea; it provides a calming effect without making you sluggish. Additionally, it calms an irritated or sensitive skin. So matcha is not only good for oily skin, but also for anyone who – just like me – has dry skin.
5. Strengthens your hair and stimulates hair growth
Not only your skin, but also your hair benefits from matcha. The antioxidants and caffeine in matcha ensure good blood circulation to the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth and can reduce hair loss. It also makes your hair look healthier and fuller.
6. Protects your skin from harmful influences
That we come into contact with UV radiation daily is nothing new. Matcha protects the skin from harmful external influences, such as air pollution and radiation. Not that you should suddenly skip your SPF – applying it 365 days a year remains a must! The powerful antioxidants in matcha also help reduce stress and prevent premature skin aging. Also nice.
Matcha in your beauty routine
You can drink matcha, eat it in a cookie or other snack, and nowadays also wear it as perfume (like this one from Le Labo or MarieJeanne), but you can also use it in your beauty routine.
Face mask
Mix matcha with real honey (tip: turn the jar upside down; if a bubble forms, you have pure bee honey) and yogurt for a delicious soothing mask.
Hair rinse
Let a few scoops of matcha steep in water and rinse your hair with it for extra shine.
Eye mask
Mix matcha with aloe vera gel to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Let it sit for a while and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Check beforehand if you are not allergic to aloe vera by testing it on the inside of your arm first.
Scrub
Mix matcha with coconut oil and sugar for a gentle exfoliation – let that summer come!
Bet that after reading this article you'll order another matcha this afternoon at your favorite coffee shop? A matcha a day keeps the doctor away.
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