Best Herbs and Teas for Healthy Skin

Teas and herbs offer countless benefits for your body and mind. Some teas help you relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep, while others support healthy immunity, weight loss or natural energy levels. But did you know tea can also help you achieve glowing, radiant skin?*

Many teas and herbs are rich in antioxidants such as EGCG — a potent antioxidant that is highly regarded for its ability to fight off free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, dullness and other signs of skin aging.* They are also packed with vitamins, amino acids and other compounds that may help to support a healthy complexion.*

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and everything you ingest eventually impacts it — perhaps even more so than the products you apply externally. Supplementing your current skincare routine with the right teas and herbs can work wonders for your complexion. Keep reading for The Republic of Tea’s recommendations for the best teas for skin health.

For a Youthful Glow: Rooibos

Rooibos is among the best herbal teas for anti-aging.* Also known as red tea, rooibos is native to South Africa and has long been used by traditional healers to treat a wide range of skin conditions. It is naturally high in the antioxidants aspalathin, nothofagin and superoxide dismutase, as well as zinc, vitamin D and alpha-hydroxy acids. 

All of these compounds may support the body in its fight against oxidative stress — the major culprit that causes fine lines, dryness and dullness, as well as skin inflammation.* This makes rooibos one of the all-around best teas for supporting glowing, gorgeous skin.*

For Reducing Inflammation: Green Tea

Acne, redness, rosacea — all of these common skin conditions are associated with inflammation. Not only do they pose a cosmetic concern, but they can also cause physical discomfort. When it comes to soothing inflammation, green tea is among the best varieties.*

An eight-ounce cup of steeped green tea contains between 50 and 100 milligrams of the antioxidant EGCG, which is thought to reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.* The potential benefits of green tea for skin include soothing redness and irritation, reducing damage caused by UV radiation and maintaining overall healthy skin cells.* 

For Soothed Skin: Chamomile

Chamomile has a reputation for being one of the planet’s most soothing herbs, and for a very good reason. It contains the polyphenols apigenin, quercetin and patuletin, as well as the compound coumarin. All of these naturally occurring compounds support chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.*

Chamomile earns bonus points thanks to its ability to support relaxation and sleep* — a process that naturally allows the skin to heal. Beauty sleep is imperative for maintaining a youthful, natural glow, as well as for healing breakouts, eczema and other types of inflammation.*

For Banishing Breakouts: Spearmint

Searching for tea for acne? Give spearmint tea a try. Not only does spearmint boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties due to its concentration of polyphenols, but it also has an anti-androgenic effect.* Androgens are a category of hormones that include testosterone. In excess, these hormones can cause an overproduction of sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. 

While studies are still being conducted, many individuals with hormonal acne advocate spearmint tea for clear skin.* Sipping a cup of invigorating spearmint tea on a regular basis may help to slow oil production and support cell turnover for a clearer complexion.*

While we have chosen to highlight these four herbs and teas for glowing skin, the reality is that almost every variety of tea helps to support skin health. From black teas to white teas to herbal teas, every cup offers a hydration boost as well as a dose of nutrients that work holistically to support overall wellness.