Black tea: Why you should also use it in skin care

Black tea is produced by fermenting tea leaves. It can not only be enjoyed as a hot beverage, but is also a versatile ingredient for skincare:

Black tea (Camellia sinensis) inhibits itching and soothes eczema and hives. The secondary plant compounds it contains strengthen weakened skin, preventing new inflammation from developing.

Even in cases of over-treated skin ( perioral dermatitis ), pure black tea can provide relief and support the healing process, in addition to a zero-treatment regimen .

Black tea is made from the tea plant, just like green and white tea. However, the processing after harvesting results in a different composition of active ingredients compared to other types of tea.

After harvesting, the fresh tea leaves are stored in wicker baskets to wither and are well-ventilated. Then, the tea leaves are placed in a machine between rotating discs, where they are repeatedly rolled up, breaking down the plant's cell walls. In a warm, humid environment of 30°C, the leaves ferment, allowing the oils to develop. Finally, the fermented tea leaves are dried.

Black tea, like green and white tea, contains polyphenols and therefore has an antioxidant effect and a high caffeine content.

White and green teas are not fermented. This fermentation process alters the tea plants, so that in black tea, nutrients such as potassium, manganese, fluoride, and vitamin B, as well as secondary plant compounds, are the focus.