Black tea actually comes from the same plant as green tea, but the tea leaves are exposed to oxygen—and this oxidization turns the leaves black. Black tea is known for its larger amounts of caffeine and antioxidants. The benefits of drinking black tea include lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encouraging a healthy immune system, and regulating blood sugar levels. Whether you enjoy drinking black tea or not, you can take advantage of its skin-soothing benefits and natural color effects for skin and hair. Here are four recipes to get you started.
Black Tea Steam Treatment for Oily Skin
Steam is a wonderful way to loosen dirt and open pores. If you have oily skin, a black tea steam will tighten and clean your face. It should be done once a week for optimum benefits.
Ingredients
Ingredients- Hot water
- 1 tea bag or loose leaf black tea
Directions
In a mug, prepare a cup of hot tea using a black tea bag or loose-leaf tea. Let steep for several minutes, then remove the tea. Once the tea has cooled to the touch, soak a washcloth in the steeped tea and squeeze out any excess water. Lay the washcloth over your (clean) face for about 10 minutes, letting the steam work its magic. After, rinse with warm water and follow with moisturizer.
Black Tea Tan Spray
For an all-natural looking tan, try brewing up strong black tea and applying it to your skin (or add it to a bath) for temporary color.
Ingredients
Ingredients- 8 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
- Spray bottle
Directions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 30 minutes and discard the bags. Let the water cool completely and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply to skin as desired. You can create a darker color by spraying the skin and letting it dry, then spraying again. Store your tea in the refrigerator.
Black Tea Hair Rinse
If you're a brunette, rinsing your hair with black tea can add temporary color and shine to your hair. While the antioxidants in black tea strengthen hair, the caffeine also stimulates hair growth. If you have light-colored hair, try a chamomile tea rinse for the same effect.
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 2 cups water
Directions
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add tea bags. Let the tea steep until the water cools off. Apply the tea to your scalp and leave in for at least 5 minutes.
Black Tea Eye De-puffer
After you try one of the above treatments, don't toss your tea bags. A cool, damp tea bag is perfect for perking up tired eyes.
Ingredients
Ingredients- 2 cooled black tea bags
Directions
Place a cool, damp tea bag over each eye and leave on for 10 minutes. The caffeine and tannins will reduce the excess fluid in puffy eyes.
129
