On the negative side, potentially toxic chemicals and carcinogens can find their way into your bloodstream through creams, perfumes, and cosmetics. Herbal teas are a wonderful addition to your daily skin care regimen. Teas such as green, black, and peppermint are aromatically uplifting and can help to tighten pores. Chamomile and lavender flowers are calming and can help to reduce inflammation. The next time you steep some herbal tea, keep the used tea bags, open them up, and use them in your face masks and scrubs. Roman chamomile is calming, German chamomile has anti-inflammatory1 and antifungal properties, making it useful for puffy eyes and acne. You should never use ice directly on your skin, though. Wrap a few chamomile ice cubes in a cloth, then apply to eyes for no longer than 10 minutes at a time. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that the antioxidant power in green tea polyphenols inhibit UV damage. Steep 1 cup of green tea in hot water, just before boiling point, and cover for 8 minutes. Remove tea bag and pour water into a spray bottle or glass bottle with lid. Add 1 cup of witch hazel or aloe vera juice. Use daily with a cotton pad after cleansing. Calendula, also known as the pot marigold flower, has been used for centuries for its healing properties4. It’s often infused into an oil and used in ointments and rash creams. Topically, it helps to heal minor abrasions5, wounds, acne, rashes, and inflammatory skin conditions. It’s high in flavonoids, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage. Steep 2 bags of calendula tea for 8 minutes. Remove tea bags from water and squeeze out excess. Open tea bags into ½ cup plain yogurt and ¼ cup rolled oats. Mix well and apply to a clean face. Leave on for 15 minutes. Wipe off with a cloth and rinse well. Peppermint tea is often used for soothing the digestive system6, but it also helps to cool the body internally and externally. It’s naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, making it a perfect herbal remedy to beat the summer heat. Steep a bag of peppermint tea in 1 cup of water for 8 to 10 minutes, covered. Remove bag and pour peppermint tea infusion into a dark glass spray bottle. Spritz face when you need a cool down or are suffering from a headache. Keep refrigerated for extra cooling benefits. You can steep a pot of black tea and pour the infusion directly into your bathwater, or try opening up the tea bag and add it to 2 tablespoons of honey. Gently exfoliate the face with the mixture and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well and follow with moisturizer or plain coconut oil.
