Help Your Skin with a Rooibos Tea Bath? Here’s How

Although scientific studies on the topical use of rooibos for skincare is limited, the presence of both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds in rooibos is well-established.

Both these properties of rooibos may assist in alleviating skin conditions, such as eczema, sunburn, and acne, via a bath soak where the properties can gently enter and soothe the outer skin.

Open sores and broken skin, like in weeping eczema or scratched skin, will benefit from the anti-bacterial nature of rooibos.

In this article, we cover a simple way to prepare a bath using organic rooibos tea, with the intention of skin benefit. This remedy is safe for children.

What are the benefits of rooibos tea for skincare?

There are limited scientific studies investigating the specific role of topical rooibos in treating skin conditions. These two are noteworthy:

• Anti-wrinkle effect in humans. Extracts of rooibos and white tea were combined into a formula and applied topically over a 28 day period. An almost 10% reduction of wrinkles was noted. In comparison, the formulation containing ginkgo reduced wrinkles by about 5%. Notably, rooibos was used in conjunction with tea in this study, so the anti-wrinkle effect may not be attributed solely to rooibos until further studies are performed.
• Reducing cancerous skin tumours in mice. Several studies have indicated the successful use of using topical rooibos extracts in inhibiting the growth tumours in mice skin. Red rooibos performed slightly better than green, unfermented rooibos.

The lack of formal science, most notably, does NOT discredit the benefits of the rooibos tea. There is significant reports in the personal experience of people in treating skin conditions, for themselves and their children (including babies), with rooibos tea baths and dabbing onto the skin.

Dr. Josh Matambo on Rooibos Baths for Babies

Dr. Josh Matambo is a South African medical doctor specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He holds clinical training from international institutions including the American Aesthetic Association Dubai and the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology Turkey.

Dr Matambo advises adding rooibos tea to baby bath water for soothing skin conditions and itching in cases of dry skin rashes, chicken pox, and measles. Read the full advice of Dr Matambo.

How often should I have a rooibos tea bath?

There is no fixed recommendation on how often one should bath in rooibos for skin benefits. Try rooibos baths at least weekly for three months. Continue if you notice any improvement.

In general, it is best to avoid soaking in a bath tub more than 2-3 times a week. Excessive exposure to hot water and soaks will harm skin PH levels and strip the body of natural oils, which can worsen skin conditions over time.

You are likely to see some improvement after the first bath, as the rooibos and warmth of the water may reduce itchiness and dryness. Open lesions will also benefit from a single soak. That said, do not expect instant cure. All natural remedies generally show their benefits gradually.

Notes & Precautions:

• Ensure the tea is strained before adding to your tub. Otherwise the rooibos and oats may clog your drain.
• A very hot bath may worsen skin although relief is felt temporarily. Reduce the heat of the water.
• Consider moisturizing after the bath with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, sesame, or coconut.
• Choose a rooibos brand which does not contain pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, etc.
• Red or green rooibos can be used.
• Rooibos is unlikely to stain to your tub.

How to Prepare an Easy Tea Bath with Rooibos

Ingredients:

• 6 rooibos teabags
• 1/2 cup of table salt or Epsom salt (Optional)
• 1/2 cup of oats (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Add about 1 litre of water to a pot.
2. Place on the stove and set to medium-high heat.
3. Tear six rooibos teabags. Add the contents to the water and mix. Some of the rooibos will stay afloat, which is okay.
4. Rinse the oats, then add to the water (Optional).
5. Cover and leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In the meantime, start filling the bathtub with water.
7. After the 15 minutes, remove from heat and strain into another utensil.
8. Add the salt and mix well (Optional).
9. Pour the rooibos tea into the bath water.
10. Soak in the bathtub for no longer than 15-20 minutes.