According to recent statistics, Americans spend an average ranging from $897 to $3,756 per year on beauty products and services, with many spending more than they could afford. If you are spending more than you like on cosmetics, there may be a better way.
Instead of buying lots of products to make you look great on the outside, simplify your routine by working from within. Time-honored traditions such as keeping a healthy diet and a wholesome lifestyle can do a great deal for your appearance, and have a lasting effect. Even your morning tea can make a difference.
Most of us enjoy a steaming beverage at least once a day; many, much more frequently. By being conscientious about what we are consuming, we can reap the benefits of natural skin-saving and hair-helping elements — effortlessly.
Herbal teas for healthy skin and hair
Herbal teas have long been a top choice for promoting naturally healthy skin and hair. Depending on the herb, you could be looking at a daily dose of antioxidants, important minerals, hormone regulators, collagen protectors, immune boosters or digestive support. Several specific herbs stand out for their beauty benefits. Let’s explore which ones might work for you.
1. Chamomile
Widely known as the go-to tea for relaxation, chamomile not only helps you sleep, it relieves stress — an all-too-common factor in accelerated aging. By soothing the nervous and digestive systems to promote general wellness, and providing essential antioxidants to prevent cellular damage from free radicals, a cup a day of chamomile tea can help you maintain a glowing, youthful appearance.
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Try a cooled infusion of chamomile as a weekly rinse to give your hair natural highlights and improved shine.
2. Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a well-known detoxifier. This natural diuretic helps flush toxins from the body, supporting the liver and promoting a clear complexion. Rich in A, C, E and B-complex vitamins, as well as zinc and other essential minerals, dandelion root tea also supports cellular growth and repair for soft and smooth skin and hair.
3. Green tea
If you’re struggling with hair loss, oily skin, or acne problems, green tea is here to help. A popular choice among health enthusiasts, this mild stimulant is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oil production, fight the bacteria that cause acne, protect against UV damage, and stimulate hair follicles to encourage new growth.
Whether you sip it warm or apply it externally, green tea acts as a healing and stimulating toner for glowing skin and beautiful hair.
4. Hibiscus Tea
Tired, sagging skin or dull, thinning hair may be hoping for hibiscus. This beautiful, tropical flower is loaded with vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen production) and myricetin (an antioxidant that suppresses the enzyme that degrades collagen). Myricetin is also believed to suppress the enzyme that degrades elastin — a protein that allows your body tissues stretch and shrink back again.
In concert, all these activities help promote supple, youthful skin and healthy hair. Hibiscus tea’s tart flavor and vibrant color can liven up the blander herbs in a blend, while enhancing the brew’s benefits.
5. Rooibos Tea
Red rooibos tea relieves red, irritated skin. This South African shrub boasts abundant flavonoids like nothofagin and aspalathin — a unique flavonoid only found in rooibos — both of which soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. This naturally caffeine-free tea is also recommended for promoting elasticity and collagen production for youthful-looking skin.
Rooibos tea boosts hair health as well: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) promote a healthy scalp with gentle exfoliation, encouraging new hair growth; anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants soothe and protect hair follicles to reduce hair loss; and natural minerals and oils leave the hair silky soft when used as a rinse.
6. Spearmint tea
If hormones are messing with your skin, spearmint tea can keep them in check. Hormonal acne and unwanted facial hair can result from excess androgens, or “male” hormones. Actually, everyone has both male and female hormones to varying degrees — problems arise when there is an imbalance.
Spearmint has demonstrated significant anti-androgenic effects that reduce testosterone levels in the circulatory system. Such hormonal modulation can promote a more consistently clear complexion and the reduction in coarse hair growth. Spearmint also offers powerful antibacterial properties to minimize acne flair-ups.
As an added bonus, spearmint’s anti-androgenic effects extend to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to hair loss. Consuming spearmint tea or using it as a hair rinse are both beneficial to the hair and scalp.
7. Rose tea
Rose petals have been at the heart of beauty secrets for thousands of years, and are especially suited for sensitive skin. Ancient royalty, including the renowned beauty Cleopatra, relied on rose infusions to hydrate, rejuvenate, and perfume their skin.
While rose water acts as a toner, and rose milk acts as a moisturizer, rose tea pampers your skin from the inside. Vitamins A, C and E in rose petal tea promote collagen production and protect the skin from oxidative stress, while anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated and puffy skin. Rose oil released in the infusion helps lock in moisture, while astringent properties help tighten pores for a fresh, smooth complexion.
These same properties help the hair by promoting a healthy scalp. Rinsing regularly with rose tea can potentially reduce hair loss, remove excess oil, eliminate dandruff, and nourish and moisturize hair strands.
8. Tulsi tea
Last but not least, tulsi (holy basil) is a powerful herb with numerous benefits. Like dandelion root, it helps flush out toxins and purify the blood. Like spearmint, tulsi offers antibacterial protection. Like rooibos, it has anti-inflammatory properties; and like many other herbs, it contains powerful antioxidants.
Drinking tulsi regularly can help fight acne, reduce the signs of aging, soothe sensitive and irritated skin and prevent hair loss.
Final Tips
When introducing a new herbal tea to your routine, take your time and observe how your body reacts to it. One or two cups a day should be sufficient to see some results. Gradually work in other herbal teas to suit your needs, either separately or mixed together for your own personal blend.
Just remember, teas alone aren’t going to transform your appearance. A nutritious diet and regular exercise will help you radiate physical health. Likewise, nourishing your mind with positive thoughts and wholesome entertainment will be reflected in your demeanor, ensuring ageless beauty that goes beyond skin deep.
