Have you tried incorporating tea into your beauty routine?

Did you know that tea can provide the same beauty benefits, if not even better results, than commercial beauty products, without any of the harmful chemicals? From a clear complexion to glistening hair, the results from incorporating tea into your beauty routine are significant. Try adding these 5 powerful teas to your skin- and hair-care routine:

HIBISCUS TEA For Skin: Hibiscus tea is a wonderful all-around anti-aging product. It is rich in anthocyanosides and vitamin C, both of which are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from UV damage, reduce pore size, increases skin elasticity, and reduce skin inflammation. Hibiscus also contains natural hydroxy acids that help firm, soften, and brighten the skin. Plus, hibiscus is rich in mucilage polysaccharides, which moisturize the skin and form a protective barrier to keep skin healthy. Use a cotton ball to apply the tea on your face, or pour the tea in a spray bottle and spritz onto your skin morning and night after washing and before moisturizing for the best anti-aging results. Leftover tea can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. For Hair: The natural hydroxy acids in hibiscus tea reduce dandruff and scalp irritation, and the mucilage polysaccharide content moisturizes hair and reduces tangles. This tea has a strong red-purple hue that can add beautiful red highlights to dark hair–however, be aware that it that can stain blonde or gray hair, so fair-haired ladies should be careful. To reap the benefits of hibiscus, pour a cupful of on your hair after washing and conditioning, and rinse out if you don’t want highlights. If you want reddish highlights, make an extra strong cup of tea by using three or four tea bags per cup of water, then leave the tea in your hair and style as usual. It may take several weeks of consistent use for the highlights to appear. CHAMOMILE TEA For Skin: Chamomile tea is perfect for all skin types. It calms the skin, reduces redness, balances the skin’s oils, has antibacterial properties that reduce acne, and it may reduce the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Apply the tea with a cotton ball or spritz onto your face using a spray bottle after cleaning and before moisturizing morning and night. Leftover tea can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. For Hair: Chamomile tea brings out subtle golden blonde highlights in blonde, redand brown hair. To use, make an extra strong tea by using three tea bags per cup of water. Pour a cupful of chamomile tea over your hair after washing and conditioning. Leave the tea in your hair for the best results. It generally takes a few weeks of consistent use to see results. GREEN TEA For Skin: Green tea is a perfect toner for oily skin. It reduces excess oils and helps dissolve blackheads. Another benefit of green tea for all skin types is that it is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can reduce UV damage to the skin. Apply to your skin morning and night if you have oily skin, and in the morning only if you have normal or dry skin. Leftover tea can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. For Hair: If you have oily hair, rinse your hair with a cupful of green tea after washing and conditioning to help reduce the oils on your scalp. Rinse the tea out for the best results. You can also do a green tea hair rinse between washings to freshen your hair and reduce scalp oils, without drying out your hair. ROSE TEA For Skin: Rose tea is wonderful for all skin types, and it is gentle enough for those with extremely sensitive skin. It calms and soothes the skin and reduces redness, and is an excellent moisturizer, making the skin feel soft and smooth. Rose tea also has antibacterial properties, which can be helpful for reducing acne and rosacea. For Hair: Rose makes an excellent clarifying and moisturizing hair rinse. It also smells delightful. Pour a cupful of rose tea in your hair after washing and conditioning to moisturize and detangle, to reduce dandruff, and to add shine and bounce to your hair. For best results, do not rinse the tea out of your hair. BLACK TEA For Skin: Black tea is rich in antioxidants and high in caffeine. The antioxidants help prevent UV damage and the caffeine helps reduce redness in the skin and puffiness under the eyes. Use a cotton ball to apply the tea on your face or pour the tea in a spray bottle and spritz your face after cleansing and before moisturizing for a quick pick-me-up that leaves your face feeling and looking refreshed. For Hair: The caffeine in black tea stimulates the scalp, which can reduce hair loss. Black tea also adds a beautiful shine to hair, and its dark pigmentation make it a natural hair dye. To darken your hair with black tea, make an extra strong brew by adding four tea bags to a cup of water. Pour the tea in your hair after washing and conditioning, and let sit for 45 minutes before rinsing out–or don’t rinse at all. It may take several weeks of continued use to see full results. By Integrative Nutrition