Healthy skin starts from within. There is only so much topical treatment can do that can outweigh the power of what you ingest. From soups to supplements, there are so many ways to support your outside from the inside. The most seemingly efficient way, however, is through tea. Not just any tea, however. There are some herbs that can specifically improve the quality of your face card, especially for melanated skin. Research has shown that certain tea extracts can inhibit hyperpigmentation. These effects are attributed to the polyphenols in tea, which decrease tyrosinase activity and protein expression.
Here are some teas that will do wonders for your skin, from collagen-boosting to luminosity.
5 Best Teas for Skin
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is a holy grail for hormonal acne. It has anti-androgenic properties, which means it can help balance hormone levels, particularly testosterone, that often trigger breakouts. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and keep your skin clear and calm.
Dandelion Tea
Don’t sleep on this floral! Dandelion tea supports liver detoxification, which is key to flushing out toxins that can show up on your face as dullness, breakouts or irritation. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C and E, all of which contribute to brighter, more resilient skin.
Butterfly Pea Tea
This gorgeous blue tea is far more than just aesthetics. It’s loaded with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. It’s also known for its anti-glycation effects, which help slow down the skin-aging process and protect against damage from sugar and stress.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea brings the heat and the glow. It may be tougher to swallow, but it’s certainly worth it. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and promotes healthy blood circulation, which can give your complexion a more radiant, even tone. Its antibacterial properties can also help with acne-prone skin by targeting breakouts from the inside.
Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is a skin-soothing powerhouse. It helps reduce redness and hyperpigmentation thanks to its active compound, glabridin, which inhibits melanin production. It also supports gut health and hormone balance, both crucial for long-term skin clarity.
Rooibos Tea
Also known as red bush tea, rooibos tea is a caffeine-free powerhouse rich in alpha hydroxy acids and zinc, both of which promote smoother, clearer skin. Its high antioxidant content helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress and UV damage, which is especially beneficial for preserving melanin-rich skin. Rooibos also has soothing properties, making it ideal for calming redness, irritation, and flare-ups like eczema or acne.
White Tea
White tea is the most delicate and antioxidant-rich teas out there. Plus, it’s delicious. It’s loaded with catechins and polyphenols that help protect skin proteins like collagen and elastin, keeping your skin firm, smooth, and youthful. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a gentle yet effective option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Green Tea
Green tea is basically the demigod for skin health. Its superstar antioxidant EGCG helps reduce oil production, fight inflammation, and prevent acne-causing bacteria from thriving. Regular consumption can improve skin tone, reduce redness, and even protect against sun damage, making it a must-have in any glow-up routine.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea tastes just as good as it smells, plus it’s packed with powerful skin benefits. Typically made with a green tea base, it offers all the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant perks of green tea, with the added bonus of jasmine’s antibacterial and mood-boosting properties. It can help balance hormones, reduce stress-induced breakouts and keep your complexion calm and radiant.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea for Skin
When it comes to the best teas for your skin, hibiscus tea stands as supreme. In fact, it’s most often referred to as the “Botox plant.” It’s rich in AHAs, which naturally exfoliate the skin, revealing a fresher, brighter complexion. Its high antioxidant content helps prevent premature aging by neutralizing free radicals, and it also supports collagen production, keeping your skin smooth and firm. It may also help prevent elastin degradation, another protein that contributes to skin elasticity,
Benefits of Matcha Green Tea for Skin
Matcha is the ultimate glow-up in a cup. Dr. Maryam Zamani, a London-based dermatologist and founder of MZ Skin, highlights matcha green tea powder as a key ingredient in her go-to smoothie for glowing skin. Packed with EGCG, it helps reduce inflammation, fight acne-causing bacteria, and regulate oil production. Matcha is also a gentle detoxifier, rich in chlorophyll, and its concentrated antioxidants help repair skin damage while protecting against UV-related aging.