10 Surprising Ways Earl Grey Tea Benefits Skin

Earl Grey is made from a blend of black tea and bergamot oil.

Individually, these ingredients are pretty healthy. But together, they pack one helluva punch!

And as it turns out, Earl Grey isn’t just for drinking.

Here are ten ways Earl Grey tea benefits skin – inside and out.

Table of Contents

• 1. Anti-Ageing & Scar Reduction
• 2. Helps Soothe Sunburn
• 3. Natural Tanner
• 4. Minimises Insect Bites
• 5. Reduces Puffy Eyes
• 6. Effective Anti-Inflammatory
• 7. Anti-Bacterial Acne Treatment
• 8. Calms Shaving Burns
• 9. Reduces Anxiety
• 10. Hydration
• So, Is Earl Grey Tea Good For Your Skin?

1. Anti-Ageing & Scar Reduction

Packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, Earl Grey is (not-so-surprisingly) good for your skin. 

And it’s these antioxidant properties that protect against free radical damage (something that’s linked to ageing) for example, loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. 

Add to that, vitamins B1, B2, E, and H and you’re onto a winning combination. 

Bergamot oil is excellent at reducing scarring when used topically (on the skin). 

From stretch marks to chickenpox and acne scars to cold sores, it helps tighten, plump and smooth out skin texture. 

The result? Your scars (and wrinkles) will appear less prominent.

2. Helps Soothe Sunburn

Earl Grey is a miracle worker for sunburn. 

This is due to the tannins in the black tea leaves. And the soothing nature of bergamot (Citrus bergamia). 

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction is also a known suppressor of nitric oxide – a common mediator of sunburn. 

And while there hasn’t been a whole load of research on sunburn and bergamot. Some people swear by bathing in Earl Grey after catching too much sun. 

That includes Australian rugby player Alexis Caught.

After posting a photograph of himself bathing in Earl Grey, Alexis commented: 

It’s a skincare tip that I got from my Irish nan. When you’ve been out in the sun, have a cool bath and pour in Earl Grey tea. Trust me! I do it whenever I’m back in Aus and have got a little too much sun.

Alex Caught

Not only that, but Earl Grey smells incredible!

But if you don’t fancy bathing in it, using an old Earl Grey teabag as a cold compress also works wonders. 

3. Natural Tanner

Want a sun-kissed look without those harmful rays? Good news. Black tea makes a fantastic sunless self-tanner. 

It won’t leave your skin damaged or burnt like traditional tanning. And unlike other self-tanners, there are no harsh chemicals to worry about either. 

Technically you can use any black tea you like. But Earl Grey tea, with its added bergamot oil, makes it the obvious choice. 

Black tea is full of tannins. And it’s this tannic acid that helps tint your skin. 

There are numerous recipes and techniques that pop up after a quick Google search. 

These range from bathing in it to spritzing yourself. 

For an extra moisturising boost, try adding Earl Grey tea to moisturiser. The result will be subtler. But your skin will love you for it!

4. Minimises Insect Bites

Next time you’re the victim of a mosquito or flea bite, brew a bag of Earl Grey! 

And not just to calm your nerves.

Once brewed, put your teabag in the fridge to cool. And by the time you’ve finished drinking that cup of Earl Grey, your (now cold) tea bag can be applied directly to the affected area. 

Not only does this help to minimise insect bites, but you’re recycling too. How eco-conscious of you!

Bonus points if you do so while sipping on a cup of Earl Grey tea.

5. Reduces Puffy Eyes

We get it, you stayed up all night watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and now your eyes are super red and puffy. 

Thankfully, Earl Grey can fix that, too!

After making a cup of Earl Grey, pop your used tea bag in the fridge for 20 minutes (same trick as before). Then, place it on closed eyes for as long as necessary. 

The caffeine in that Earl Grey bag will help to shrink the blood vessels around your eyes. Thus, decreasing puffiness. 

Don’t throw that teabag away yet, though. 

Cold tea bags are also a nifty way to rid yourself of those pesky dark under-eye circles.

6. Effective Anti-Inflammatory

By now, we all know that Earl Grey contains bergamot. But did you know that bergamot is commonly found in skincare products?

That’s because the oil extracted from bergamot is rich in polyphenols. And it’s these anti-inflammatory properties that are proven to repair and even out skin tone.

Bergamot oil is known for increasing autophagy, a process where your body can rid itself of damaged cells. 

Why’s that helpful?

Well, this prevents ailments such as liver disease, infections, diabetes, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. 

And as we’ve already learnt, Earl Grey can promote cell regeneration to enhance skin radiance. 

As a result, when you consume and use it externally, Earl Grey can also assist in treating acne, psoriasis, and other skin issues.

7. Anti-Bacterial Acne Treatment

Bergamot oil can be used as an effective spot treatment for people with acne. It comes with analgesic and antiseptic qualities which makes it effective against pimples and cysts.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Earl Grey will help minimise redness, protect against free radicals, and remove excess oil from pores – without drying out your skin. 

While the black tea will gently tone, moisturise, and soothe irritated skin.

8. Calms Shaving Burns

If you have post-shave razor burns, then Earl Grey can be your friend in need. 

Simply, rub a cooled Earl Grey tea bag onto the burns. 

Not only will the refrigerated tea bag relieve itchy and inflamed skin. But the tannins in Earl Grey have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This reduces the risk of infection and further irritation.

9. Reduces Anxiety

Bergamot oil has been used to treat anxiety and promote relaxation for centuries. 

So if you’re looking for a calming aromatherapy treatment, then look no further than a hot mug of Earl Grey tea. 

If you’re not thirsty, try one of these suggestions:

• Body Lotion: Mix cold Earl Grey tea with a carrier oil or moisturiser to create your own sleep inducing lotion
• Shampoo: Add one to two teaspoons of Earl Grey to your body wash or shampoo to calm your skin
• Air Freshener: Add Earl Grey to vaporisers, dried potpourri, homemade candles, and air fresheners

10. Hydration

Of course, staying hydrated is one of the most important steps in skincare. 

And drinking plenty of Earl Grey is a brilliant way to do this. 

In fact, according to this study, tea is just as good as keeping you hydrated as water.

It’s also a quick and convenient way to top up the antioxidants and amino acids that your body needs.

Plus, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a cuppa.

As if you needed another excuse to pop the kettle on!

So, Is Earl Grey Tea Good For Your Skin?

Yes, Earl Grey tea benefits skin! 

Not only does it help even out skin tone and diminish blemishes. But drinking Earl Grey tea relaxes us from the inside out. 

It’s a fantastic way to destress, which also makes it a fabulous anti-ageing product.

Plus, no one ever said no to a cuppa!