You may already drink kombucha, but did you know that it can also be a great ingredient to use in your skincare?

In this post we’re exploring a few methods of utilizing kombucha for pampering skin and hair.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is fermented tea that’s made using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, or “SCOBY” for short. The SCOBY is a gelatinous disc that serves as a starter culture, and when combined with tea, sugar, and water, slowly ferments the drink, giving it its tartness and bubbly composition. People all over the world have been enjoying kombucha for its probiotic qualities for thousands of years.

Most, if not all, bottled kombucha you buy at the grocery store has been flavored with the addition of fruit juices. Better suited for your DIY skincare purposes are SCOBYs themselves or kombucha vinegar, which is plain kombucha tea that has fermented for an extended amount of time, giving it a higher acidity. Both can be purchased online or from your local brewer.

What are the benefits of using kombucha ingredients?

Kombucha can be a great aid for skin inflammation such as acne or psoriasis. It has a refreshing astringency, and due to its acidity, it can have the same effect as a mild chemical exfoliant. This can help soften skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Additionally, the beneficial bacteria in kombucha helps kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

How can you use it?

One of the simplest ways is to use a SCOBY as a sheet mask. Its thin, round shape gives it a striking resemblance to most store bought sheet masks, and you can even cut out holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth if needed. Simply place over your (clean) face and let sit for 5-15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

SCOBYs can also be mixed into many types of natural emollients like coconut oil or shea butter. This makes them easy to use in DIY skincare recipes such as creams, masks, or body oils.

Kombucha vinegar is a great ingredient to use in toner or hair tonic, diluted with distilled water. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for added benefits and aromas.

Adding a cup or two of kombucha vinegar to your bath or foot soak is another way of garnering its skin-softening benefits. If desired, combine with Epsom salt or your favorite bath oil.

Have you used kombucha in your skincare routine? If not, would you want to try it? Comment below and let us know!

Referenced:

The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented Tea, by Hannah Crum & Alex LaGory

As with all skincare, it’s a good idea to test new ingredients on a small patch of skin before using to check for sensitivity. Always dilute potent ingredients like vinegars and essential oils before applying.

The information provided on flourish is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat any medical condition. Content is based on personal research and experiences and is meant for entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed nutritionists or medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor.

This post has been crafted by the Willow and Sage Team. To learn more, please visit our Who We Are page.