White Tea for Beautiful Younger-Looking Skin

The health benefits of drinking tea have been all over the news for the last few years; recent research shows that white tea has even more health benefits than black or green tea. White tea is less processed that either black or green tea. To make black tea, tea leaves go through a complicated fermentation process; tea leaves meant for green tea are withered in hot air, steamed, then gently rolled. For white tea, full tea leaves aren't used at all. Instead, young tea leaves that are just beginning to open, still wearing a fuzzy silver coat, are gently plucked and then lightly steamed.

Less processing and young leaf buds means that white tea contains more anti-oxidants - wonderful substances that fight free radicals, which can cause aging, illness, and even cancer. New evidence indicates that white tea helps support the immune system, kills bacteria and viruses, lowers high blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol. So while you're drinking a cup, read on and find out what it can do for your skin.

In a recent blog, Dr. Andrew Weil, a physician, herbalist, and holistic health practitioner, wrote about the findings of a British study. The researchers found that white tea worked better than 20 other herbs and plants in protecting your skin's own elastin and collagen, the two substances that keep skin young, soft, and supple. It also helps skin recover from injuries, and inhibits wrinkles from forming. Science Daily reported on the findings of a study at Case Western Reserve University, showing that the anti-oxidants in white tea can help your skin's immune system, acting to prevent and even repair sun damage. It seems that it can also fight skin cancer, wrinkles, and skin discoloration.

All the white tea extract needs is a medium to reach your skin cells. I recently made a purchase from Origins, a natural and cruelty-free line of skin and body care. Along with my purchase I received free samples of four of their white tea products, a line they call "A Perfect World." The products I received are the intensely hydrating body cream, the deep cleanser (for face) with white tea, a small jar of cream anti-oxidant moisturizer, and a little bottle of liquid moisture, a moisturizing toner that contains no alcohol. I love all of these products, although the cost is at least $$ (where $ is drug-store brands and $$$$ come from high-end spas and dermatologists). The creams leave your skin feeling immediately hydrated and smooth. The cleanser cleans without stripping all the natural oils, so your skin feels clean but not tight or dry. The toner is refreshing with a fresh light scent that is part of the tea, not an added perfume. Origins products are available at Origins stores, counters in department stores, on-line at www.Origins.com, and even at some Target stores (but don't expect a bargain).

If you're looking for other white tea skin care products, look here for some products, prices, and reviews. Make sure you're actually getting what you want when you're buying white tea moisturizers and cleansers, and that the products don't contain parabens, petro-chemicals, alcohol, or any other ingredients that could dry or irritate your skin. White tea works on all skin types, from the most dry and sensitive skin to oily acne-prone skin. And if you drink it, you can use the wet tea bags to reduce under-eye puffiness!