You’ve most likely heard about kombucha tea or seen a few of your friends or relatives post about it on their social media. But what is it even?
Probiotics in tea, that’s what kombucha is. Good bacteria and yeast are combined with tea and left to ferment for a few days. This is similar to fermented food, like kimchi, yogurt and sauerkraut. It’s a health elixir that’s been consumed by people for millennia, and it continues to provide various health benefits today.
The probiotics found in tea are what separates kombucha from your average tea and the reason for its growing popularity.
Not only is it good for your gut, but it’s also beneficial for your skin.
Here are the 5 main benefits of kombucha for skin care.
1. Helps clear skin of inflammation and acne
Many skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema have been directly linked to the gut. Disruptions in the gut aren’t the only cause of skin inflammations, but research done on the subject has observed that digestive issues tend to be experienced more often by those with acne compared to those without.
An imbalance in the microbiome in your gut may influence acne as issues with good and bad bacteria can lead to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals, among other things.
Kombucha helps rebalance your gut microbiome as the probiotics activate the good bacteria found in your body. What’s more, it flushes the bad bacteria out of your gut, leaving you with a healthier digestive system and clearer skin.
Can you drink kombucha every day? Also, how much kombucha should you drink?
You can consume kombucha every day, but be careful not to drink too much. All things are best taken in moderation after all. The CDC recommends drinking not more than 12 ounces of kombucha daily.
2. Makes your skin look younger
Aside from probiotics, kombucha is rich in antioxidants. It’s made of tea, so it has the ability to defend your cells from free radicals that harm them and trigger the formation of wrinkles.
3. Kombucha helps keep harmful bacteria from irritating your skin
Kombucha as a skin care ingredient has been a rising trend for a couple of years now. When applied topically, it can improve inflammation and reduce signs of aging.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the topical application of probiotics for better skin. A lot has yet to be learned about fermented beauty, but the antimicrobial properties found in drinks like kombucha have been effective in treating conditions like acne.
When applied topically, the skin can better absorb the broken down molecular structure of ingredients caused by fermentation. It’s more concentrated and potent, which is why more skincare products are using kombucha as their main ingredient.
A set of acids, namely acetic, gluconic, and glucuronic acid, are what make kombucha such an effective exfoliator and disinfectant.
You can start by doing a kombucha face mask at home. Here’s how to do it.
What you’ll need:
- DIY cotton facial mask sheets
- Kombucha tea (You can make your own kombucha from live cultures or you can buy kombucha tea bags)
Directions
- Brew your kombucha tea
- Soak your cotton facial mask sheet in the liquid
- Apply to your face for 15 to 20 minutes
You can do this with warm tea or cold tea. Warm kombucha masks tend to open up the pores which is good for dull or congested skin. Meanwhile, cool kombucha face masks are good for calming, skin clarity, and anti-inflammation.
4. Better skin, hair, and nails
Kombucha contains B vitamins, which help the body produce healthy cells. It’s a power drink if you want to strengthen your nails, hair and skin.
5. Healthy weight-loss alternative
Probiotics affect the hormones that are connected to obesity and appetite. On top of that, these healthy bacteria help reduce the number of calories your body absorbs.
Kombucha also helps keep you fuller for longer as it contains acetic acid, which helps curb hunger and keeps you from feeling bloated.
Enhance the power of your drink with this kombucha with chia seeds recipe.
What you’ll need:
- Chia seeds x 4 Tbsp.
- Kombucha x 200 – 250 ml.
Directions:
- Mix the chia seeds and kombucha in your chosen container.
- Mix well and stir every 10 minutes for 3 sets.
- Once the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid, you can consume or store in your fridge.
This recipe is a healthy snack that can keep you full for a long time. You can make it by batch so you can just grab it from the fridge whenever you’re feeling hungry.
Kombucha Benefits Skin
Drinking kombucha helps your body heal and your skin rejuvenate. You can have it as an alternative to soda or sugary drinks. With kombucha, you’ll both have a drink that tastes good and is beneficial to your health. That you’ll look fab after is a bonus.
