The Beauty Drinks Asians Swear By for Glowing Skin

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There are rituals we inherit and others we return to when modern life leaves us tired, dull, or disconnected. From Asia, time-honoured recipes are re-emerging as go-to remedies for radiant, resilient skin. They weren’t made for trends, but they’re quietly outlasting them.

In Korea, jujube and ginger tea soothes the body while brightening the complexion. Japan’s matcha floods the system with chlorophyll-rich energy. China’s snow fungus soup rivals any serum with its deep, cellular hydration. And India’s golden milk glows with anti-inflammatory power, thanks to turmeric’s ancient potency.

Steeped in tradition and increasingly backed by science, each one brings a unique blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and nutrients that treat the skin not as surface—but as system. Here’s what to sip, simmer, and savour for beauty that begins beneath the surface.

1. Korea: Jujube & Ginger Tea For Glow and Circulation

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Daechu-saenggangcha, a traditional Korean tea, it blends dried jujubes (red dates) with fresh slices of ginger, often simmered with cinnamon and lightly sweetened with honey. Beyond its soothing warmth, this ritual carries impressive skin benefits: jujubes, packed with vitamin C and polyphenols, support collagen production and brighten the complexion, while ginger boosts circulation and calms inflammation.

Research backs this up, showing that jujube extract enhances fibroblast activity (the skin cells responsible for collagen), while ginger improves microcirculation and antioxidant defenses. The result is a brighter tone, better elasticity, and that coveted lit-from-within glow.

2. Japan: Matcha — For Antioxidant Power and Age Defense

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Matcha, the finely ground green tea powder central to Japanese tea ceremonies, is traditionally whisked into warm water or milk and has become a daily ritual for many. Unlike regular steeped tea, matcha provides the whole tea leaf, delivering a concentrated dose of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from ageing and UV damage.

Research shows that EGCG can prevent collagen breakdown, promote DNA repair in skin cells, and reduce inflammation, making it particularly helpful for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The result is a smoother, more even tone, fewer fine lines, and stronger protection against environmental stress.

3. China: Snow Fungus Soup — For Hydration and Collagen

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This delicately sweet soup, once reserved for Chinese empresses, features Tremella fuciformis (snow fungus) simmered with red dates, goji berries, and lotus seeds—a recipe now cherished as a wellness staple. Snow fungus works much like a plant-based hyaluronic acid, holding up to 500 times its weight in water to deeply hydrate the skin while boosting collagen and elastin production.

Studies show that Tremella extract can increase hyaluronic acid synthesis in skin cells, and when paired with the antioxidant and vitamin C richness of goji berries, it helps skin stay firm and plump. The payoff is supple texture, lasting moisture, and the luminous “glass skin” glow.

4. India: Golden Milk — For Inflammation and Clarity

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Haldi doodh, or golden milk, is a traditional blend made by simmering turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper in milk, then finishing with a drizzle of honey. At its core is curcumin, turmeric’s powerhouse compound celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying effects. Black pepper enhances curcumin’s absorption, while ginger and cinnamon add digestive and metabolic support.

Research highlights curcumin’s ability to reduce oxidative stress, aid healing, and strengthen the gut-skin axis, a reminder that a healthier gut often shows up on the skin. The result is less redness, fewer flare-ups, and a clearer, calmer complexion.

Beyond the Cup: Other Recipes Worth Pouring Into

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• Miso Soup (Japan): Rich in fermented soy isoflavones, which help retain moisture and support skin elasticity.

• Amla-Beetroot Shot (India): High in vitamin C and natural nitrates that promote collagen production and healthy blood flow.

• Barley Tea (Korea): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, this tea supports digestion and may help soothe acne-prone skin.

  
  

Final Pour: A Ritual of Radiance

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These aren't just drinks. They’re age-old rituals disguised as daily comforts, simple recipes with complex benefits, steeped in culture and now supported by science. In a world of ten-step skincare routines and fleeting trends, there’s something quietly luxurious about returning to a warm mug, a slow simmer, and ingredients that have nourished generations.