Tea (black, green, and white): Black, green, and white teas all come from the
Camellia sinensis plant but are picked at different times. White tea leaves are
picked early on as young leaf sprouts, green tea is picked midmaturation, and
black tea comes from the mature leaves and is often aged or roasted to deepen
the flavor and aroma. Tea is a powerful antioxidant and may be used topically or
internally as a tea before or after sun exposure. Tea has been shown to help
reduce skin inflammation, calm redness, protect skin cells, and assist with the
adverse effects of UV radiation exposure. It naturally contains tannic acid,
theobromine, and polyphenols—all of which are soothing and healing to
sunburned and environmentally damaged skin.
Tea tree essential oil: Tea tree oil is prized for its powerful antibacterial,
antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. It destroys bacteria and helps heal
acne, psoriasis, eczema, and many other conditions, including bug bites, cuts,
and burns. Tea tree essential oil also benefits the immune and endocrine systems.
Thyme: This antioxidant herb boosts circulation and has antibacterial properties.
It is beneficial for acne-prone skin and helps fade acne scars as well as age spots.
Turbinado sugar: This is a coarse-grained, and unrefined, dark brown sugar
that is less processed—and healthier—than regular sugar. Being less processed
means that turbinado sugar retains more nutrients of the cane juice as well as
naturally occurring glycolic acids (see Sugar for more information).
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and astringent, turmeric
provides texture in exfoliation recipes and helps fight wrinkles for a more
youthful appearance. Beneficial for acneic skin, turmeric works to regulate oil
production and helps fade acne scars. Undiluted turmeric will stain the skin.
Vitamin E: This vitamin protects skin cells and membranes from environmental
damage caused by UV rays, pollutants, and aging. Although vitamin E is a thick