Best Teas and Essential Oils for Glowing, Radiant Skin

Updated on February 19th, 2020
Teas and Essential Oils for Glowing Skin

Have you been noticing a lack of luster to your skin? If so, then you might need to add some of these botanical herbs to your daily routine. Herbal teas and essential oils have powerful healing compounds that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Our skin is the outer barrier of defense against environmental factors like pollution, toxins, UV radiation, and microbes. These stressors can lead to increased inflammation and free radical damage, which cause signs of premature aging.

Our skin is also one of the body’s organs of detoxification, which is why breaking a sweat is so beneficial for bringing toxins to the surface of the skin to be released.

To boost beneficial nutrients and antioxidants for the skin and flush toxins from the body, consider the following herbal teas and essential oils for a vibrant, glowing complexion.

Teas and Essential oils for Glowing Skin:

Herbal Teas for Radiant Skin

1. Green Tea

Green Tea
Image:ShutterStock

Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties, which support and revive the health of the skin. The polyphenol compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) protects against sun damage caused by UV radiation that leads to premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

It repairs DNA, protects against free radical damage, and revives dying skin cells. Green tea helps to decrease inflammation and rejuvenate the skin by promoting a healthy, radiant appearance.

2. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a rich source of vitamin C, as well as vitamin B1, B2, and iron. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently exfoliate the upper layers of the skin and unclog pores, causing a smoother appearance.

AHAs also brighten skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars and age spots. Hibiscus moisturizes and hydrates the skin. It inhibits elastase, which breaks down connective tissue of the skin, to improve skin’s elasticity and firmness.

3. Nettle

Nettle Tea
Image:ShutterStock

Nettle leaf is a nutritive herb, meaning it’s rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamins B, C, K, beta-carotene, and silica. It has diuretic properties, which help to purify the blood and flush toxins out of the body(1).

So while nettle leaf gently removes impurities, it also replenishes the body, especially the skin, with the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy glow.

[ Read: Nettle Tea Benefits ]

4. Jasmine

Jasmine is a great herb for balancing the moisture levels of the skin. It reduces dryness, while also reducing excessive oil production. This helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity and youthfulness.

Its antioxidants properties work to minimize the effects of free radical damage, which evens out skin pigmentation and minimizes fine lines. Jasmine’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects help to protect the skin and boost immunity.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming herb that promotes circulation, bringing nutrients to the skin’s surface giving it a radiant and youthful appearance. Its high antioxidant content including polyphenols and flavonoids protects against oxidative stress and free radical damage.

It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Cinnamon promotes collagen formation, increases skin elasticity, and maintains overall hydration.

[Read: 6 Best Rose-Infused Beauty Products for Glowing Skin]

6. Peppermint

peppermint tea benefits
Image: ShutterStock

Peppermint is a great choice for oily skin. It contains the chemical compound menthol, which lowers oil production from the sebaceous glands and promotes cell turnover. This along with Its antibacterial effects make it a great choice for acne-prone skin.

The antioxidants in peppermint help to soothe skin irritation and reduce the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. It also boosts blood flow, bringing more nutrients to the surface of the skin.

7. Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes including B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and iron. These help to boost production of red blood cells, which carry fresh oxygen to support cellular health and vibrancy of the skin.

Lemongrass reduces inflammation and has powerful antimicrobial effects to prevent and treat skin infections. Its astringent properties help to minimize pores and keep oil levels of the skin balanced.

8. Ginger

Ginger is a great herb for strengthening and supporting the immune system. It calms inflammation that contributes to conditions like acne and psoriasis. Ginger is a vasodilator, which improves circulation, bringing nutrients to the skin and flushing out toxins.

This helps to maintain a healthy, natural glow. It contains vitamin C, trace minerals, and antioxidants called gingerols that protect against inflammation, infection, and skin damage. It promotes collagen formation, improves elasticity, and evens skin tone.

How to Prepare:

  • Add 1 tablespoon dried herb or 1 teabag to 1 cup of hot water.
  • Allow to steep for 10-15min.
  • Strain, drink, and enjoy.
  • For optimal health benefits drink 1-2 cups daily.

Essential Oils for Radiant Skin

1. Rose

rose with oil
Image:ShutterStock

Rose is a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants that stimulate collagen production and encourage skin renewal. As an anti-inflammatory it reduces signs of redness and puffiness.

Rose is has astringent properties, which tighten and tone the skin. Its hydrating qualities help to moisturize dry skin, maintaining a softer, smoother, brighter, and more luminous appearance.

2. Lavender

Lavender has powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing abilities(2). It soothes inflamed skin, reduces discoloration, and prevents infection. Its used to treat acne, eczema, minor burns, and insect bites.

As a calming herb with powerful antioxidants, it protects from free radical damage, and restores the skin’s natural glowing complexion.

3. Geranium

Geranium is a natural toner and astringent that tightens and tones the skin to maintain elasticity. It boosts circulation below the surface of the skin promoting healing, cellular regeneration, and rejuvenation of complexion.

It has antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Geranium is a great herb for all skin types as it balances sebum production, minimized enlarged pores, and evens skin tone.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile Oil
Image:ShutterStock

Chamomile is a calming, gentle, and soothing herb that reduces redness, relieves irritation, and repairs the skin. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant benefits that rid the skin of harmful toxins and provide healing for eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, and acne.

Its flavonoids reduce the activity of melanin that causes hyperpigmentation of acne scars and age spots. This helps to lighten and enhance the glow of dry and dull skin.

How to Use:

  • Aromatherapy Diffuser: Add 10 drops essential oil to diffuser.
  • Detox Bath: Mix 5-10 drops essential oil with 1/2 -1 cup epsom salt or an oil like almond,
    sesame, or coconut.
  • Facial Steam: Add 3-5 drops essential oil to hot pot of water. Cover head with towel to trap
    steam for 5-10 minutes.
  • Facial Toner/Body Spray: Add 7-10 drops essential oils per ounce of distilled water into glass spray bottle. Shake and use daily morning and evening.
  • Massage Oil: Recommended 2.5% dilution blend for adults. Add 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or jojoba.

Precautions:

While botanical herbs have many health promoting benefits, they should all be used in moderation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before starting any new products.

If you are currently taking prescription medication, talk to your doctor about possible drug-herb interactions before starting. If you experience any symptoms of skin irritation or skin rash, consult with your medical provider.


About the Author:

Sierra Padmoroff

Dr. Sierra Padmoroff is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Lifestyle Transformation Coach, and Holistic Healer. She received her medical degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, along with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from University of British Columbia Okanagan. Following graduation, she completed a naturopathic residency program in primary care, utilizing integrative medical approaches.

During her training, she participated in clinical research on Parkinson’s Disease prevention at Bastyr University and was funded through the UBC Faculty of Medicine to participate in women’s health research at Kelowna General Hospital. She is passionate about teaching, inspiring, and empowering others to embrace their unlimited potential and to maintain health and wellbeing of body, mind, and soul. Dr. Sierra holds her naturopathic license in Washington State.

She is a current member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP).

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