Spilling the Tea

Teas that promise beauty benefits are hot, but they are not new. Teas have been touted for their role in promoting health, wellness, and beauty for centuries. Some promise glowing, dewy skin, while others offer hope for hormonal acne and claim to help fight ultraviolet (UV) damage. David’s Teas just highlighted their top hydrating brews including “Buddha’s Blend,” which is rich in antioxidants.

And with good reason, says Jeanine B. Downie, MD, FAAD, director of image Dermatology PC in Montclair, NJ. In particular, green and black tea are both high in antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, she explains.

“Black tea bags can decrease the puffiness under the eyes, and this is one of the key reasons they are used for beauty,” Dr. Downie says. “The caffeine in black tea shrinks the blood vessels, and the tannins are soothing and help decrease puffiness.”

What’s more, black tea can soothe your skin after shaving your arms, legs, or face. “Black tea is also good to use to soothe sunburn and cold sores because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and finally it also soothes bug bites, especially cold chamomile tea,” she says.

Many of tea’s potent antioxidants find themselves in skincare products, too, from masks and washes to moisturizers and sunscreens and anything in between, but Dr. Downie is on the fence about these. “There are many tea products that boast anti-aging effects, but it is unclear as to what these anti-aging benefits are, because more studies need to be done. “

NEW PRODUCTS

Super Cortisone+, SLMD Skincare

Leave it to Dr. Pimple Popper a.k.a Sandra Lee, MD to put a new spin on an old standby. Super Cortisone+ effectively stops and soothes itch, and is fortified with niacinamide, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter to calm, moisturize and strengthen sensitive or compromised skin. With 1% hydrocortisone, it’s the strongest cortisone available without a prescription. Super Cortisone+ is fast absorbing and leaves little to no white cast. “It’s the Four Seasons of the cortisone space,” she says. Super Cortisone+ is also free from phthalates, parabens, sulfates, animal products, talc, formaldehyde, oils, gluten, and fragrances. slmdskincare.com

Emerage Skin Line, Dr. Jason Emer

Jason Emer, MD has launched a new luxury skincare line. The seven initial products and treatment kit are specifically designed to go to a deeper level “under the skin” to repair and rejuvenate from the inside out. These clinically advanced products are packed with a concentrate of acids, antioxidants, vitamins and brightening botanicals to nourish and resurface the skin. The new line includes Re-Fit Face, Re-Fit Eye, Aox-C, Hyla-B, Enzymatic Polish, Foaming Polish, Fusion Shield SPF 30, Morning Kickstart Routine, Evening Power Down Routine, and Aerify Complexion Revival Peeling Kit. emeragecosmetics.com

LUMIÈRE FIRM, Neocutis

Neocutis, a Merz Aesthetics Company, introduced LUMIÈRE FIRM. The balanced formulation of growth factors and proprietary peptides support the natural processes that maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin, including the production of collagens I, III, and VII, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients work to brighten, soothe, and hydrate delicate skin around the eyes for the ultimate anti-aging care. In a clinical study, users of LUMIÈRE FIRM saw improvements after only 14 days of twice-daily use including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles. Neocutis.com

ITEM Beauty, Madeby Collective and Addison Rae

Brand innovation incubator Madeby Collective has introduced ITEM Beauty in partnership with TikTok star Addison Rae, the brand’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer. ITEM is a dermatologist-tested, clean beauty brand that promises to redefine beauty norms by instilling confidence, self-love and self-expression. EM Beauty products are developed for Gen Z consumers with bold, fuss-free packaging and unexpected product forms. Every formula is packed with clean, science-backed ingredients and is free of parabens, phthalates, talc, and mineral oil. The debut collection will feature six cruelty-free, vegan-friendly essentials including Lash Snack lengthening mascara, Lid Glaze hydrating jelly eyeshadow, Powder Hour brightening powder, Cheek Money bronzer duo, Lip Quip lip oil, and Brow Chow brow definer. ITEMBeauty.com