As the British would say, anything can be solved with a cup of tea. Such is the potent nature of this plant, that it has transcended cultures, civilisations and continents with its benefits. From ancient China to medieval India, modern Britain to millennial America, the journey of tea is long and giving. Today, tea is not only known for its health and immunity benefits but also its skin benefits. The tannins, catechins, and other antioxidants in various varieties of tea help protect and nourish your skin. Curious to know more? Here are some of the best teas for your skin. 

1. Rooibos or Red Tea

Rooibos is a plant that has some of the highest levels of antioxidants in the tea family. Its leaves and extracts are famously used in skincare products like anti-aging serums, moisturisers and creams. It is also made into a beverage, which is known to have a sweet and nutty flavour that has several health benefits. 

Rooibos is one of the best teas for your skin for the following reasons

It has high levels of quercetin, which is a bioflavonoid that helps protect the skin against tissue damage, wrinkles, spider veins and age spots.

• It is also high in aspalathin, which helps control blood sugar levels. The subsequent balance of insulin ensures that your skin’s problems like hyperpigmentation, acne and skin tags are also reduced.
• Red tea is free of caffeine, so it can be drunk by everybody, including pregnant and breastfeeding moms, people allergic to caffeine and those who are cutting it down.
• Red tea is also rich in antioxidants that go a long way in anti-aging skincare.

2. Fennel Tea

Fennel is a herb that is consumed widely in oriental countries as a spice, as well as brewed in mild teas. It is a refreshing drink and is very helpful in digestion. Fennel also contains other elements like calcium, zinc, selenium and antioxidants that make it a perfect tea for glowing skin. 

• Fennel tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help in skin healing.
• Vitamins such as A, B, C, E etc have their own skin benefits.
• Vitamin A helps in anti-aging, Vitamin B3 in improving the skin's tone and texture, and Vitamin C builds the skin’s protection from any damage.

3. Chicory Tea

Back in the day, when American was fighting its war of independence, people often substituted chicory for European teas and coffees because the latter were difficult to come by. The chicory root is prebiotic, which feeds and nourishes the good bacteria of the human gut, hence aiding in digestion. A healthy gut means better absorption of minerals, stable blood sugar levels and good blood circulation — all of which help the skin’s appearance. 

• Chicory coffee is made from the chicory root that is roasted and ground.
• It is caffeine-free and has a flavour that reminds one of coffee. 
• The lack of caffeine will not dehydrate your skin, while the essential nutrients in chicory like beta carotene will help with anti-aging, sun protection and skin health.
• •4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs used in relaxation, stress relief and sleep inducement. For ages now, people have brewed this floral herb into a tea and enjoyed its delicate flavour, usually just before bed.

• Chamomile is also very beneficial for the skin as it has several antioxidants that prevent UVB sun damage. 
• Another ingredient named apigenin found abundantly in chamomile aids the skin in preventing, as well as reversing skin wounds and abnormal formations. 
• Chamomile tea bags can also be frozen overnight and applied to the eyes to work on water retention, puffy eyes and fatigue.

5. Burdock Root Tea

A herbal tea, which has been brewed since time immemorial, Burdock Root Tea has been forgotten by the modern lot. But it is a wonderful herb that works on the urinary tract, digestive system as well as lymphatic systems. 

• Burdock Root Tea has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it a good beverage for people suffering from skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, acne or chronic dry skin. 
• It promotes an even skin texture and natural glow. 
• Burdock also promotes healthy blood circulation and hence makes your skin appear more vibrant.

How to Brew the Best Teas for Your Skin?

-     Use a tea infuser to steep about 8-10 ounces of hot water with 1-2 teaspoons of the dried tea leaves.

-     Alternatively, you can also use ready tea bags and steep them to your taste. 

-     If you are steeping tea leaves then only a couple of minutes is enough, while roots take longer to spread their flavour and nutrients in hot water.

-     For iced tea, use more herbs as the chilled beverage may taste bland due to the drop in temperature.

So love your skin and start experimenting with your daily beverage. It does get boring with the same cup of green tea and lemon water all the time. These teas will give you a break, as well as make your week interesting. And at the end of it all, you will be nourishing your skin!