The Japanese are obsessed with matcha. Matcha tea, matcha ice-cream, matcha pancakes, matcha cupcake frosting, matcha latte, matcha chia pudding, matcha brownies–it’s one of the most loved ingredients in Japan! However, why is matcha so popular in Japan? And why have people around the globe suddenly started to celebrate its flavour too? The reason is probably because of matcha’s health and beauty benefits. A cup of bittersweet matcha tea has the power to instantly make you feel energised and calmer. It improves cardiovascular health, aids concentration and strengthens the immune system. Plus, it’s a powerful antioxidant that keeps you in a good mood all day long!
In the last few years, matcha powder has also started to make its way into skincare too. If you do a quick google search, you will find a variety of products such as matcha facewashes, face packs, lip balms, sheet masks and undereye pads. Since this ingredient isn’t native to India, matcha beauty products are fairly more expensive compared to the local ones we get here. However, if you really don’t want to spend a bomb on them and you have extra matcha powder lying around at home, you can make your own matcha skincare products! I’m sharing a few DIY recipes with you below. Happy experimenting!
5 Ways To Make Your Own Matcha Products
Many people confuse matcha with green tea. Are they the same thing? Not really. Sure, matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, but matcha is a more powerful form of green tea. The green tea leaves are grounded into a powder form and are believed to be rich in antioxidants and plant compounds. Think of it as consuming the whole leaf! Let’s learn how to include it into our skincare routine too.
1. Basic Matcha Face Pack
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When you apply matcha paste on your skin, expect your complexion to improve drastically post-cleansing. Your skin is going to feel soft and look radiant. The best part is that you need only two ingredients to make this face pack–water and matcha powder.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of matcha powder and 1 tsp of water.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients well with a spoon.
Step 3: Apply the mask all over your face with a spatula and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Wipe your face with a washcloth.
No of times: Once in two weeks.
2. Hydrating Facial Toner Spray
If your skin is dry, you gotta do something about it. If you don’t, you’ll have to deal with redness, inflammation and cracking. A homemade hydrating toner spray made from matcha can make life easier. It will hydrate your skin, restore its pH balance and even out your complexion.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 1 tsp of matcha powder and a quarter cup of cucumber juice.
Step 2: Add a tsp of aloe vera and mix all the ingredients with a spoon.
Step 3: Pour the mix into a spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place.
No of times: Once in the morning and once at night.
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3. Moisturising Body Lotion
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A body lotion made from matcha is definitely going to make a treat for your skin. It’s going to keep your skin smooth, soft and supple! The final product will smell so lovely that you’ll be tempted to eat it.
Step 1: In a bowl, add 4 tbsps of coconut oil.
Step 2: Add 1 tbsp of matcha powder and a 1 tbsp of milk.
Step 3: Blend with a hand mixer till you’re left with a creamy, green texture
Step 4: Empty into a mason jar and keep in the fridge to cool down.
Step 5: After 3 hours, it’s ready to use!
No of times: Every day.
4. Ice Cubes To De-Puff
We’ve all been dealing with a lot of stress lately owing to Covid-19. Many of us are losing sleep because of this and the stress takes a toll on our skin. Constantly worrying about the future keeps us up at night. We wake up with puffy eyes and dark circles in the morning. There’s a solution to this!
Step 1: In a bowl, pour 1 tbsp of matcha powder and half a cup of water.
Step 2: Mix well using a toothpick
Step 3: Pour the liquid into an ice tray and leave it in the freezer.
Step 4: Once frozen, you can use the ice cube to de-puff your undereye area.
No of times: once every night before going to sleep
5. Yummy Face Srub
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Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and improve the skin’s texture. When made from matcha, it’s going to nourish your skin and leave a soft glow.
Step 1: Cut open one green tea bag and pour the crushed leaves into a bowl.
Step 2: Add 4 tbsps of white sugar, 1 tsp of matcha powder and 1 tbsp on coconut oil.
Step 3: Mix well using a spoon and apply the product to face.
Step 4: Gently exfoliate in circular motions for 8 minutes.
Step 5: Wash the scrub off with lukewarm water.
No of times: Twice a week.
Weren’t these DIY matcha recipes super easy? The best part is that you can find most of the ingredients mentioned here in your pantry at home. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Images: Pexels
