According to an ancient Chinese legend, a long time ago, in a small village, there lived two boys, a brother and a sister. One day the boy became very ill and there seemed to be no cure. But the wise old woman of the village explained that it was necessary to ask for help from the dragon, who lived in the cave on the slopes of the mountain overlooking the village. The girl wasted no time and set off in search of the dragon. She found the cave which was surrounded by fragrant jasmine bushes and entered. The dragon was in front of her, puffs of smoke billowing from his nostrils. The girl, however, not at all intimidated by the beast, came forward explaining the reason for her visit. The dragon, who was kind-hearted, was silent, then let out a cry so loud that the girl had to cover her ears with her hands and the walls of the cave shook. From that cry a wonderful pearl formed at the girl's feet. The pearl entered the ground and a sapling immediately sprouted. The girl didn't know it but tea plant Camellia sinensis had just been born! The dragon had disappeared with a flutter of wings but now a plant with tender leaves was growing in its place. The girl picked them up and rolled them up one by one, so that they could all fit in the saddlebag she had brought. Inside each leaf, however, she hid a jasmine flower, whose aroma had conquered her. When she arrived home she prepared a tea with these leaves, she gave it to her brother to drink and he recovered completely. This is a legend but it hides, like any myth, a fund of truth. Indeed, jasmine tea combines the properties of jasmine and those of green tea for a powerful synergy. We will use this elixir for the health and beauty of the skin, for all skin types, both mature with wrinkles and young acne-prone but also irritated and inflamed skin. But first, let's look at the cosmetic properties of jasmine tea.
Jasmine and green tea, the synergy for healthy and luminous skin
Jasmine is a plant characterized by very fragrant small white flowers, used in aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for their relaxing, soothing, antidepressant and rejuvenating properties (Brimson et al, Nutrients, 2021). The features relax and the complexion lights up thanks to the jasmine! Not only that, jasmine helps to make the complexion homogeneous, contrasts free radicals, skin inflammation and bacteria (Wu et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2021 - Kaviani et al, Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res, 2014). However, the perfect synergy of the cosmetic we are talking about today is given by the union of jasmine and tea, both green and white, whose properties are enhanced by creating an anti-aging but also anti-acne and anti-irritation mix. In fact, both types of tea, if applied externally on the face, bring precious beauty properties. Green and white tea is rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from photoaging caused by damage from UV rays, counteract dry and dehydrated skin, giving it softness, smoothness and hydration, improve microcirculation, thus oxygenating the tissues, stimulate the production of collagen, preventing and reducing wrinkles, and help regulate the production of sebum, also being helpful in case of acne (Koch et al, Molecules, 2019 - Prasanth et al, Nutrients, 2019 - Camouse et al, Exp Dermatol, 2009). Not only that, aqueous extracts of green and white tea have shown a lightening action, useful for preventing dark spots on the skin (Kim et al, J Vet Sci, 2015).
Jasmine tea, how to make it a precious tonic
The antioxidant, anti-acne and relaxing properties of tea and jasmine blend together in this deliciously scented drink, excellent for sipping but also for making powerful DIY cosmetics. To make your own facial toner, start by making jasmine tea. Jasmine tea can be found in specialized shops and can be made from green or white tea. Heat a cup of water until boiling, remove from the heat and let it cool down to 70° C, add a teaspoon of tea and let it rest for ten minutes. Then filter and let cool. This herbal tea can also be drunk, but first dip a cotton pad and apply the infusion on your face. No need to wash.
Jasmine tea, how to prepare face masks
You can also make face masks using jasmine tea, here are some ideas. In case of acne-prone skin, prepare jasmine tea as we saw in the previous paragraph. Mix, in a small bowl, two tablespoons of rice flour and jasmine tea as needed for a creamy texture. You can also add the tea leaves you steeped. Apply to face and leave on for ten minutes. For mature skin, you can mix 3 tablespoons of thick yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, with half a teaspoon of honey and the jasmine tea leaves used for the infusion, coarsely chopped. Yogurt and honey help counteract aging processes, rejuvenate the complexion and leave the skin softer and more elastic. Apply to face and leave on for ten minutes, then rinse and continue with your usual treatment.
