Topical Ways to Use Kombucha

Popular for hundreds of years in China and other parts of the Far East, Kombucha is known primarily as a beverage. Consisting of a liquid medium (tea) and a fungus, Kombucha is touted as an extremely beneficial health product, and has gained significant global popularity in the last 50 years. While many of the purported internal benefits of Kombucha are still disputed in the medical community, there are many topical uses of Kombucha that present very few risks.

Cleansing Uses

• Kombucha generally boosts the vitality and health of the skin, and can be used externally in a variety of ways. When faced with skin problems such as rashes, itches or external yeast problems, Kombucha can be used during a bath or shower. Simply use an unflavored, unsweetened Kombucha beverage as you would a skin cleanser or body rinse. Adding a half cup of Kombucha tea and 3 tbsp. of sage to warm water leads to a soothing bath that also promotes clear skin. Additionally, if you have irritated skin, try using Kombucha vinegar instead of soap. It is a gentler cleanser, and can help alleviate irritation caused by harsher soaps.

  Kombucha is also known to boost the healthy appearance of hair. If you've permed your hair recently, a quick final rinse with Kombucha tea helps calm flyaway, frizzy strands. Final rinses with Kombucha can also lead to shinier hair.

Promoting Healthy Skin

• Kombucha can also help create fresh-looking feet. To create a Kombucha foot soak, dilute well-aged Kombucha with room temperature water. The foot soak should be at least half water to Kombucha. If this feels uncomfortable, simply add more water. If you've made your own Kombucha, ensure that it has aged for at least 14 days. The presence of sugar in inadequately-aged Kombucha minimizes the benefits to the skin, as sugar can create a sticky film on the skin.

  To encourage softer skin, mix an egg white with a tbsp. each of honey and Kombucha tea. Beat the egg white until frothy before slowly stirring in the honey and Kombucha tea to create an even mixture. Dab the mixture onto your skin, and let it dry completely before gently sponging off the mask with cool water.

  Kombucha tea can also be used as a prophylactic against blemishes and as a way to even skin tone. Dab the tea directly on the face using a cotton ball. If any irritation or discomfort arises, dilute the tea with room temperature water. Kombucha is mildly acidic, so it generally helps slough dead skin cells for a fresher look.