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A cup of chai tea packs some powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These same properties can boost your immune system, improve blood sugar levels, boost your digestive system, and even prevent cardiovascular disease. But did you know it can also improve your skin? Chai tea benefits for skin include improving circulation, preventing wrinkles, and reducing dark spots and blemishes.
Masala chai means tea with spices. The spices in chai tea vary depending on the region where it’s made. But some of the most common spices used in chai tea include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and ginger. These spices not only give chai tea its distinct flavor, but they also offer a host of potential health benefits.
Chai tea was first introduced to the Western world in the early 1800s by British colonists. At first, it was only popular among the upper class. It also quickly gained popularity among the working class as a way to stay energized during long work hours. Nowadays, chai tea is enjoyed by people all over the world. And while you can find it pre-made at most grocery stores, nothing beats a homemade cup of chai tea.
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Chai lattes are usually praised for their low-calorie counts, but that’s not the only reason to love them. In fact, the benefits of chai tea go well beyond weight loss. Studies show that different chai tea blends can affect:
- cold symptoms like sore throat
- weight loss, digestion
- heart health, heart disease
- chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders
- chronic pain, muscle soreness, menstrual cramps
- lower blood pressure
This is thanks to the chemical compounds of this herbal tea and the robust blend of spices that have a positive effect on overall health. Tea in particular has been linked contains catechins, which are a type of flavonoid. These work as antioxidants in the body to scavenge harmful free radicals that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. These compounds can be found in other teas not just traditional chai.
- Green tea – A cup of green tea has about 24-40 mg of catechins and is best for treating skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.
- White tea – This tea has the most catechins with 30-50 mg per cup.
- Oolong tea – This tea has about 37 mg of catechins.
- Black tea – This includes chai tea and has the lowest concentration of catechins. A cup of black tea has about 14-22 mg.
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While all teas offer some health benefits, those that are richest in catechins, like white and green tea, have the most potent effects. While the health benefits of chai tea are impressive its healing properties for skin health are even better!
21 Chai Tea Benefits For Skin
1. Improves skin appearance and tone
One of the most important chai tea benefits for skin is its ability to improve circulation. Poor circulation and blood flow can lead to a variety of skin problems, including a dull complexion, dry skin, and wrinkles. The potent antioxidant properties in chai tea can help to improve blood flow and circulation, giving your skin a healthier appearance.
2. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots
Collagen production decreases as we age, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants in chai tea can help to fight the free radicals that cause collagen to break down, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. The vitamin C in chai tea can also help to stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.
3. Reduces acne
The anti-inflammatory benefits of chai tea can also help to reduce acne. The catechins in chai tea help to fight the bacteria that cause acne, while the antioxidant properties help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Acne can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, and the ginger in chai tea can help to regulate hormone levels.
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4. Soothes eczema and psoriasis
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chai tea can also help to soothe eczema and psoriasis. The catechins in chai tea help to reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions, while the antioxidants help to fight the free radicals that can worsen them.
5. Prevent skin infections
The antibacterial properties of black tea can help to prevent skin infections. This is especially beneficial for those who are prone to acne or other skin conditions. While the increased blood circulation can also help to prevent skin infections by boosting the immune system.
6. Shields skin from UV damage
Chai tea can also help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. The antioxidants in chai tea help to scavenge the free radicals caused by UV exposure, reducing the risk of skin cancer and other conditions.
7. Reduces dark spots and blemishes
Being a great source of antioxidants, one of the chai tea benefits for skin is that it can help to fade dark spots and the appearance of blemishes The catechins in chai tea fight the free radicals that cause these blemishes, while the antioxidant properties help to reduce inflammation.
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8. Exfoliates the skin
The spices in chai tea can also help to exfoliate the skin. Cinnamon, in particular, is a natural exfoliant that can help to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. Dead skin cells can lead to a dull, dry complexion. Exfoliating the skin helps to brighten the complexion and give it a more youthful appearance. Topically, you can also make a chai tea mask to exfoliate your skin.
9. Reduces puffiness and under-eye bags
The caffeine in chai tea can also help to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags. The anti-inflammatory properties of the caffeine helps to reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions, while the diuretic properties help to reduce fluid retention.
10. Moisturizes the skin
The hydrating benefits of chai tea can also help to moisturize the skin. The fatty acids in chai tea help to lock in moisture, while the antioxidant properties help to protect against free radical damage. Internal hydration is also important for healthy skin, drinking tea can help to keep you hydrated from the inside out.
12. Fights free radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. The antioxidants in chai tea help to scavenge these free radicals, reducing the risk of cell damage. Free radical damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. They also contribute to the development of conditions like cancer.
13. Stimulates collagen production
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. The vitamin C in chai tea can help to stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a firmer, more youthful appearance. Aging skin can also benefit from an increase in blood circulation.
14. Reduces inflammation
The anti-inflammatory benefits of chai tea can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. The catechins in chai tea help to fight the free radicals that cause inflammation, while the antioxidant properties help to reduce the swelling associated with it.
15. Fights acne-causing bacteria
The antibacterial properties of black tea can help to fight the bacteria that cause acne. This is especially beneficial for those who are prone to breakouts. Bacteria can also lead to other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
16. Soothes sunburns
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chai tea can also help to soothe sunburns. The catechins in chai tea help to reduce the inflammation associated with sunburn, while the antioxidants help to scavenge the free radicals caused by UV exposure.
17. Reduces redness
The anti-inflammatory benefits of chai tea can also help to reduce redness. The catechins in chai tea help to fight the free radicals that cause inflammation, while the antioxidant properties help to reduce the swelling associated with it.
18. Fights premature aging
One of the most important chai tea benefits for skin is that it can help to fight premature aging. The antioxidants in chai tea help to scavenge the free radicals that cause cell damage, while the increase in collagen production helps to give your skin a more youthful appearance.
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19. Prevents dry skin
The hydrating benefits of chai tea can also help to prevent dry skin. The fatty acids in chai tea help to lock in moisture, while the antioxidant properties help to protect against free radical damage.
20. Improves complexion
The antioxidants in chai tea can also help to improve your complexion by scavenging the free radicals that cause cell damage. The increase in collagen production can also help to give your skin a more youthful appearance.
21. Prevents skin cancer
The antioxidants in chai tea can also help to protect against skin cancer. The catechins in chai tea help to scavenge the free radicals that cause cell damage, while the increase in collagen production helps to support the skin’s natural barrier.
Chai tea benefits for skin can be achieved internally or topically. If you prefer topically, use a tea bag to make a compress. Steep two chai tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let them cool until they are warm. Apply the tea bags to your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you want to drink chai tea for its skin benefits, chai tea is a delicious and healthy beverage that offers many benefits to your skin. It’s a great alternative to a cup of coffee that can often cause too much caffeine intake. The caffeine content in chai tea can help to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The antioxidants present in chai tea also scavenge free radicals that can cause cell damage. Chai tea also helps to improve your complexion and prevent dry skin.
If you want to make the most of this spiced tea, try adding popular spices like:
- Star anise – great for boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity
- Cinnamon – helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation
- Cardamom – full of antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from damage
- Coriander seeds – helps to detoxify your skin and improve your complexion
- Ginger – helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- Cloves – are full of antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from damage
When combined, these spices make for a potent mixture that can improve the overall health of your skin. This fragrant concoction of black tea and spices is not only delicious but also good for you. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy beverage option, reach for a cup of chai tea.
There are many different ways to make chai tea. You can buy pre-made mixes or loose-leaf teas, or you can make it from scratch using fresh ingredients. Chai tea is traditionally made with black tea, but you can also use green or white tea.
When making chai tea from scratch, start by boiling water and milk together. Then add the spices and let them simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add the tea leaves and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Serve over ice or hot, depending on your preference.
Whether you make it from scratch or buy a mix, enjoy your chai tea and appreciate its rich history. With plenty of health-boosting ingredients, it’s a natural way to improve your health and skin with a moderate amount of caffeine for extra energy. If you’re ready to give chai tea latte a try, try some of our favorite blends below:
