Green beauty: Cosmetic uses for kombucha

You’ve probably noticed kombucha popping up everywhere lately. It’s been enjoying a rise in popularity within the green-living communities, and especially within the raw food movement, thanks to kombucha lover, Ani Phyo. Many small business owners are taking advantage of this trend and are producing kombucha in local communities, like Oregon’s Kombucha Mama.

This fermented tea has been lauded for its health benefits. Many claim that its power to boost the immune system help prevent people from succumbing to mild illnesses. Some, like GT Kombucha founder, G.T. Dave, have even claimed that it has helped people (like his mother) heal from cancer by giving the immune system a “turbo boost.” Still other kombucha lovers believe that this drink has helped them keep digestive issues under control, as well as taming fatigue, intestinal problems, pulmonary ailments, joint problems, and insomnia.*

But did you know that kombucha can be used in your beauty treatments, as well? Here’s a quick list of ways you can use kombucha to look your best on the outside.

Drink it.

It is believed that kombucha aids the body in digestion and detox, which gets the impurities out of your body. Many also believe that kombucha makes the skin healthier, and tighter, and the hair thicker and shinier. Some even claim it has anti-aging effects on the body.

Splash it.

Try washing your face with kombucha rather than with soap and water. Those who have tried it claim it tightens and brightens the skin.

Cream it.

Mix a small amount of kombucha with a bit of your moisturizer and apply as usual. It would be prudent to mix only what you will use at any given time, as you want to avoid leaving a mix of kombucha and moisturizer out for long periods of time. To keep this treatment genuinely green, use only organic oils, or truly natural moisturizers (read the labels to make sure there aren’t any chemicals in your moisturizers).

Mask it.

Mix a bit of kombucha with Rhassoul, green, or kaolin clay until you have a paste. Apply this to the face and leave it on until it begins to dry. Rinse with warm water and finish with a bit of light, natural moisturizer.

Tone it.

If you absolutely feel you need a toner for your skin during the hotter months of year, mix 1 part kombucha with 4 parts of rose or lavender water. Apply as needed with a small piece of cotton (avoid disposable cotton balls, if you can), or put into a spray bottle for a rejuvenating facial mist.

Soak it.

Warm kombucha and put it in a pan or bucket. Soak your hands or feet in the undiluted kombucha to refresh them.

*Please note that the health claims about kombucha are based on personal reports. Only lab and animal studies have been performed on this beverage – there have been no human tests, and no studies published in medical journals. Because of this, many doctors caution kombucha drinkers to do their research before deciding whether or not to add this beverage to their diets. It should be noted, as well, that pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss kombucha with their healthcare providers before drinking it.

For delicious, local kombucha, check out Kombucha Mama.

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