T-House

Matcha is a special type of finely powdered green tea prized for its bright green hue, distinct cultivation practices, ceremonial preparation, and transformative health benefits. The tea is linked with many health benefits, from improving mental alertness, fighting free radicals thanks to the potent antioxidants, and boosting numerous cognitive functions.  Additionally, matcha is also proven to be wonderfully beneficial for reducing blemishes when applied topically, an impressive fact proven by numerous clinical studies.

Foaming cleansers can be effective for all, but the secret to using them correctly is discovering a formula that is ideal for your skin type. A creamy foaming cleanser, which imparts a soft hydration onto the skin as cleansing, is more ideal for dry skin, while a refreshing foaming cleanser that includes oil-balancing ingredients is more ideal for combination and oily skin tones. Some formulas work by allowing the dense bubbles to grasp onto debris, sebum, and makeup, washing away in a single step. While other formulas might need an oil cleanser first to break down these trickier long-lasting ingredients. 

Blemishes can be caused by a variety of things, and are a fact of life. But choosing the right skincare products can help you keep breakouts at arm’s length. Blemishes happen to all of us. But to some of us, they happen more often than not. We call ourselves blemish-prone. And in addition to our usual skincare routines for morning and night, we make active choices about the products we use to make sure blemishes stay away. The word blemish, from the French blessmiss—to make angry—might be the most polite way to refer to many types of skin blemishes like acne, pimples, zits, and all of the other names we ascribe to those skin reactions that cause small unusual bumps. A bit ironique, considering that the word we now associate with acne connotes an imperfection or something else wrong. And while acne can be caused by imbalances in the skin, it’s common enough for all of us not to make it such a big deal. These are not mountains. They’re even much smaller than molehills. Still, those who deal with blemish- or acne-prone skin know that not all skincare products are created for the same skin type. All of us need to choose the right cleanser and moisturizer for our skin, but how we do so is up to us—and, usually, to the specifics of our skin’s behavior. A dermatologist should be your first stop on your skincare journey, but the following guide can help shed a little light on the acne-prone skin type, and some of the common skincare choices (and the optimal acne skincare routine!) made by those who have it. What is blemish-prone skin? Blemish-prone skin is another term for oily skin, which is one of the major skin types. Oily skin is usually categorized by skin that produces more sebum than so-called “normal” skin, but there are a few ways to glean more information about how your skin behaves at baseline. “Oil” is a poetic name for sebum, the waxy substance made of lipids like cholesterol, squalane, and glycerides that is secreted from sebaceous glands that sit within pores and hair follicles. Sebaceous glands are an important mechanism that our skin uses to moisturize and protect itself. Many of our sebaceous glands can be found on our faces and scalps, though there are a few places we don’t have sebaceous glands—like on our lips, or the bottoms of our feet. Sebum is a protective substance that helps to seal moisture by shoring up our skin barrier. In other words, it’s a good thing to have. But those with oily skin can have too much of it, and too much can lead to a higher incidence of breakouts. While oily skin can be a genetic trait, it can also be influenced by the environment around us—the climate, for instance—and our own behaviors—like how we take care of our skin. How do blemishes occur? You’re unlikely to find the term “blemish” in dermatology coursework. Generally, when we’re talking about a blemish, we’re talking about a form of acne, which is described most concisely as a blocked hair follicle. The pores that dot our skin are small channels that house sebaceous glands and hair follicles; they help traffic sebum up and out of skin. When sebum and dead skin clogs a pore, it may become what is called “common acne”, though there are a few types. Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by sebum buildup, and are distinguished by whether or not they’re open (and black) or closed (and white). When an infectious bacteria is introduced, it can cause a more robust infection, resulting in other forms of acne like papules and pustules that are painful to the touch. If you need help identifying what kind of blemish has popped up on you, head to your nearest dermatologist’s office to find out. What are the most important blemish skincare steps? Perhaps the most important thing to do in the face of acne is: Not panic! Breakouts happen to all of us, and usually fix themselves on their own. But if you identify with the oily skin type, and find yourself devoting more time to quelling breakouts than you’d like, you might want to consider some of the skincare products for oily skin, which are popular among those with acne-prone skin. A few common switches include: Cleansing with a gel. Dermatologists at the University of Florida Health once proclaimed that “the most important thing you can do for oily skin is to keep your skin clean.” Those with oily skin may want a cleansing formula with more reach than surface-level face washes—something that can cleanse pores deeply, ensuring they remain clear of acne-causing buildup. Gel cleansers are usually the ones for the job. Water-based gel cleansers are slippery, clear, and tend to foam up. Tatcha’s brand new Matcha Cleanse is a soapless gel that deeply decongests pores— thanks to a unique gel-to-foam texture—to reduce oil, and visibly calm skin without stripping. The Matcha Foam Cleanser takes on oiliness with a gentle touch: balancing the microbiome, soothing, and calming. Exfoliating with acids. There’s a reason that the inventors of alpha hydroxy acids have been honored all over the world. Their contribution to skincare includes one of the most popular exfoliating acids of all time—and it’s a boon for those with oily skin. AHAs, as they’re known, help to “peel” the skin by breaking down the bonds between old and new skin cells. Exfoliation is essential for all skin types, but the ease of AHAs and their efficacy in removing dead skin makes them great for oily skin. They’re commonly recommended to those with oily and acne-prone skin, especially in the form of a daily treatment. A product like the Texture Tonic, which takes the form of a lightweight daily toner, allows you to fit gentle exfoliation into your regular skincare routine—right between cleansing and moisturizing. Its AHAs come from a cornucopia of fruit sources proven to resurface uneven and dull skin—leaving it smooth and radiant. Moisturizing with water Sure, the idea of moisturizing with nothing but water may sound counterintuitive, or downright impossible. And yet it's the animating idea behind the Water Cream, Tatcha’s best-selling moisturizer for oily skin. This lightweight, oil-free cream has a bursting effect when applied, flooding the skin with vital and necessary hydration. It’s also beloved for its powerful superplant ingredients that address traits commonly found in oily skin, like antioxidant-rich wild rose (which has the benefit of smoothing the appearance of large pores) and anti-inflammatory heartleaf extract (a natural azelaic acid alternative). Masking with clay When it comes to natural ingredients that help oily skin, you can’t beat clay. Clay helps absorb excess oil, and is said to also draw impurities out of the skin. Anyone who has used a clay mask can attest to its drying powers, which is why it’s not usually a daily ingredient. Instead, it's suited for more irregular use, like in a face mask. The Clarifying Clay Mask, formulated as a treatment for oily skin, uses marine mineral-rich kucha clay sourced from the islands of Okinawa. For centuries prior, Okinawan women have cherished kucha clay for its superb oil-absorbing properties, using it as a hair powder or face mask. When mixed with volcanic ash and exfoliating Japanese konjac, it makes for smoother, clearer skin in no more than three minutes. 180 seconds per week may not alone calm oily or blemish-prone skin, but good holistic skincare habits will.

There are many factors that can contribute to an oily complexion, from what you eat to where you are. This guide will help you figure out what causes could be contributing to your oily skin. Oily skin can happen to anyone. In fact, it does: Oil production is a natural biological mechanism that helps lubricate and protect the skin barrier, and it occurs across every unique type of skin. Some faces make a little more oil than others, and if your skin is characterized by frequent slickness and shininess, it’s a sign that you might have oily skin. Maybe you had oily skin in your teens, as a result of surging hormones; maybe you have oily skin when you’re feeling acutely stressed but not when you’re feeling calm. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, these reasons and more (humidity, genetics) can be at the root of oily skin. At its best, our skin looks dewy and hydrated; at its less-than-best, oiliness can be bothersome, and doesn’t always mix well with elements of daily life, like makeup and flash photography. The keys to unlocking oily skin are everywhere, and many can be found in the skincare section. Certain formulations and ingredients have been shown, when applied topically, to keep skin’s oil levels in check. But the first step in wielding these tools is to learn about the causes behind oily skin, and why you might have oily skin in the first place. What is oily skin? The derm term for oil is sebum, a waxy substance made up of lipids like cholesterol, squalane, and glycerides. The Cleveland Clinic tells us that sebum comes from sebaceous glands, microscopic pockets within our hair follicles. Sebum secretes from a pore, or rises up and out of a follicle along a hair. We can see sebum on the surface of our faces—it’s colorless but catches light. There are sebaceous glands all over the body, but most of them are on the face and scalp. (Humans don’t have sebaceous glands on only four skin surfaces—the bottoms of the feet and palms of the hands.) Their main function is as a protective sealant against friction and moisture loss. Sebum also contributes to body odor. Some people are born with larger pores, containing larger sebaceous glands, and have oily skin as a result. But there are plenty of other reasons why your skin might be oily. Understanding the causes of your oily skin can point you toward a solution. What causes oily skin? A better question might be: What doesn’t cause oily skin? The reasons one might have oily skin are as variable as the reasons one might become a famous athlete, or like the taste of pickles. Some contexts for oily skin depend on genetics, while others are purely circumstantial. But if you have oily skin, it’s possible that one or a few of these causes will jump out as particularly true to you. Oily skin caused by genetics If you have oily skin and are looking for the cause of it, a good first place to look is at your family tree. The size of one’s sebaceous glands is ultimately a hereditary trait, as one dermatologist explained to Women’s Health, meaning oily skin can be passed down like an heirloom. Asking your parents or relatives if they deal with oily skin—or find their skin to be slick more often than not—can help you decide if genetics might play a role in your skin type. If not, you may be looking at your lifestyle or current phase of life for context clues. Oily skin caused by hormones Hormones, those messenger molecules that travel throughout the body, have an impact on many of our organ systems, and skin is no exception. Estrogen, for example, is known to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin—these structural proteins give skin its plumpness and bounce. Progesterone and testosterone, by contrast, affect oil; both activate the sebaceous glands and signal the skin to produce oil. If your skin is only over-oily at certain times, pay attention to the possibility of increased hormonal activity. Are you close to your period? Do you take any medications that may affect your hormones? These questions can help you figure out if your oily skin is related to hormones. Oily skin caused by stress Maybe your skin is temporarily oily, but you are sure it’s not related to hormones. Is it possible you’re under stress? If it is, well, it still may be related to a hormone of a different kind: Cortisol. This fight-or-flight hormone is released in times of acute stress to help us manage whatever situation we find ourselves in. But when it’s constantly deployed due to ongoing stress, it creates “chronic stress,” and puts the body in a vulnerable state. A 2020 New York Times story called “This is Your Skin On Stress” elucidated the connection. Cortisol depletes our skin’s water levels, which could lead to dryness, but it also sends sebum production into overdrive. “So for many of us, our skin seems more oily when we’re under stress, and it’s more acne prone,” as one dermatologist put it. If you’re suffering from stress, your skin may be one more reason to slow things down. Oily skin caused by diet It seems like a schoolyard myth, that eating greasy foods like pizza could lead to an overabundance of grease on one’s face. But according to science, there may be truth to the rumor. A report published in Dermatoendocrinology noted evidence that low-glycemic foods like fruits, veggies and lean proteins could contribute to oiliness. A more recent study from Korea also supported that thesis, and found that meats, dairy, and alcohol consumption correlated to higher sebum content. Oily skin caused by climate Skin is kind of like the weather: It’s found all over the world in many different varieties, and its unique characteristics sometimes depend on specific locations. The skincare needs of somebody living in the deserts of the western United States will differ from those of somebody living in the rainforests of eastern India. This has to do with humidity, the water content of the air, interacting with skin. According to dermatologists, high humidity can cause sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which is why you may be more prone to oily skin in wet climates or during rainy seasons. Some skincare guides are tailored to eliminating oily skin specifically during India’s monsoons. Keep your local weather report in mind when you’re thinking of your skin — and when you’re traveling, pack products accordingly. Oily skin caused by skincare Certain skincare can be hugely beneficial for oily faces, but product misuse can actually contribute to an even oilier complexion if you’re not careful. To understand why this happens, we need to go back to the root of oily skin (sebum) and what it does (protect the skin barrier). One of the most important layers of the skin system is this outermost barrier, composed of dead skin cells, lipids, proteins, and fats. Sound familiar? They should, because sebum is also composed of lipids and fats. You can think of sebum as a kind of caulk that helps reinforce the skin barrier. Taking away too much necessary sebum can affect the integrity of the skin barrier. Skincare products are effective at rebalancing the water and oil levels in our skin, but using too many of them can throw that balance out of whack. It’s a good idea to run your routine by an expert like a licensed aesthetician or board-certified dermatologist for feedback on what your skin specifically needs. When you’re ready, we’ve got suggestions. What skincare products help oily skin? Taking care of oily skin isn’t about using a magic product, but about understanding the mechanisms by which skin gets oily. Once you know the cause of your oily skin, it’s not difficult to chart a path forward toward a more balanced complexion. A few product swaps might also help you get there. A deeper clean. It can be tempting to want to powerwash one’s own face, especially if it’s oily, but you’ll want to be careful about choosing efficacious ingredients that won’t irritate the skin (or send oil production into overdrive). The Matcha Cleanse was developed for oily faces in mind; this gel cleanser lathers into a luxurious ultra-fine foam that deeply decongests pores, reduces oil, and visibly calms skin without stripping. Rich in antioxidants, matcha calms while offering powerful clarifying and oil controlling benefits thanks to prebiotic inulin and pore-refining green clay, perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin. A weekly treatment. You could probably use a little break. Why not turn it into a weekly skin ritual? Some skincare products that benefit oily skin contain powerful ingredients that allow for more infrequent application, providing excellent (and easy) options for boosting your daily skincare routine. Masks are famous for this use-case, usually requiring a few minutes of application once or twice a week. Look for one that is based in clay, like The Clarifying Clay Mask. It’s a time-tested ingredient known to balance oil. Or, if you’re looking for something more exfoliating, you could try The Rice Polish: Deep, a powder made of finely-milled rice bran. It’s gentle enough to use on every skin type, but oily faces in particular will love the addition of Japanese wild rose, with its pore-tightening powers. A daily paper. It’s the product that helped inspire Tatcha’s philosophy of bringing Japanese botanicals into the contemporary beauty conversation: Abaca leaf blotting papers, or aburatorigami. The soft leaflets absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup for petal fresh skin anytime, anywhere—and a dusting of gold flakes adds a little glow. When skin is on the oilier side, a single sheet can help you mattify without needing to reach for powder or a tissue. And, because oily skin happens to everyone, they’re nice to give to a friend in need, too.

Sunscreen used to be considered thick, pore-clogging, and opaque white — but today’s iterations are impressively different. Modern sunscreen is lightweight, nearly invisible, and can actually improve the look and feel of skin. A lightweight feel is not only sensorially important, but it also helps to make the experience of wearing it more enjoyable, while encouraging you to use it daily. It’s a pleasure to use, rather than a chore.

While oily skin and glowy skin can seem similar, they are distinctively different. Oily skin is from an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands, while glowing skin gives off a natural radiance from a balanced, hydrated, and healthy skin barrier. There’s nothing wrong with oily skin, and, with a few specific products, you can take excessive oiliness and transform it into glowing, dewy skin. Utilize balancing cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and oil-absorbing primers to help look more glowy than oily.

An ancient staple in Japan, essences are finally gaining popularity in the US. An essence is a watery liquid infused with skin-benefiting active ingredients that can hydrate, brighten, firm, and more. An essence is pressed into the skin after cleansing and before serums and moisturizers, and is designed for daily use. Some of the best essences for the face have dramatic benefits, including hydrating, plumping, reducing the appearance of wrinkles (as effectively as a retinol), and making the rest of your skincare products work better.

Bouncy skin refers to the skin’s ability to ‘bounce’ or spring back into place when gently pressed. Bouncy skin is healthy skin that has plenty of hydration, elasticity, and collagen — things we naturally lose as we age. However, we can replenish the skin with hydration, elastin, and collagen with thoughtful skincare products and lifestyle choices. Exfoliation, hydration, antioxidants, and sunscreen are all steps that help skin achieve a ‘bouncy’ quality.