We all want to look and feel our best. This was the goal when three women (a doctor, a chef, and a business brain) came together to formulate SkinTe Wellness Sodas. It began with a desire for an easy, effective, and fun way to consume collagen to support skin, hair, nails, and joints. Afterall, 70% of our skin and 30% of our total body protein is made of collagen. It’s the protein that literally holds us together—and research shows orally consuming collagen increases skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal density while also supporting joints. But why stop there when we can have it all with each delightful sip?

A Wellness Soda made of tea? Yes, please.

We set out to create delicious, sparkling self-care in a can with countless benefits. That’s where the other key ingredient comes in… tea. Who would guess from its delicate flavor and aroma tea is one of the most powerful drinks in the world? To truly explain the benefits (and impact) of tea, we would be here all day… actually, all week. So, let us sum it up: we can’t think of anything more important and interesting to drink.

Let’s start with the basics.

Green, black and white teas come from the leaves of the same plant: Camellia sinensis, AKA “the tea plant”. The youngest leaves of the tea plant are gathered as white tea. They are lighter in flavor and contain slightly less caffeine than green and black tea leaves which are more mature when they are harvested. But green, black and white tea leaves all contain boat loads of antioxidants and provide all the health benefits that Camellia sinensis has long been known for. As a matter of fact, the tea plant was originally used as medicine. Through the centuries, however, tea became more than a potent wellness elixir—it inspired artists, became part of religious ceremonies, and played a pivotal role in the emergence of world trade. It has shaped human history, supported wellbeing, and is now a crucial part of SkinTe’s holistic formulas.

Why are these teas so good for you? One word: catechins. You may never have heard that word before, but if you are a tea drinker (we know you are!), your body has reaped the many benefits of it. Catechins are molecules with very potent antioxidant activity. For example, you may have heard of one catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). It is abundantly found in these teas, especially green tea. Studies show this free radical fighter is linked to improved cholesterol, metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, brain health and memory.

What about radiant skin? Here’s where things get REALLY exciting. The antioxidants in Camellia sinensis protect our bodies from free radical damage on the inside, including our skin. This is why teas have been shown to help protect skin against photo-aging (sun damage) and increase healing circulation in our skin. In addition, medical research shows white and green teas inhibit the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two key structural compounds in our skin that give it youthful density and elasticity. Based on this research, you can see the importance of incorporating daily tea drinking into your beauty regime. It’s “skincare” from the inside out.

Need another reason? Tea chills you out. It contains an amino acid called L-theanine that relaxes without sedating. It has been shown to reduce the perception of stress and improve attention and focus in people who are prone to anxiety. It’s what puts the Zen in tea.

Add in herbal powerhouses.

In addition to teas from the Camellia sinensis plant, SkinTe contains delicious herbal teas selected by a doctor for their many wellness benefits: Hibiscus, with its rosy, pink tone and subtly sweet flavor, is power packed with antioxidants. Real ginger spices things up while aiding digestion and soothing achy joints and muscles. The herb elderflower has been used for eons (seriously, back to the ancient Egyptians) as a medicinal plant to support wellbeing and immunity. Horsetail, an ancient vanity herb, is packed with loads of beautifying properties, especially silica (the “Beauty Mineral”). And, last but certainly not least, hawthorn berry has been used historically to soothe the emotional heart after loss or grief, while modern research shows it can create a feeling of calm and elevate mood… It’s like a hug from the inside out.

Let this also soak in.

Teas seem complex, and they biochemically are. But would you believe one of the most important keys to the universal goal of looking and feeling our best is also one of the simplest things about teas? What is this oh-so-important key to the Fountain of Youth, you ask? HYDRATION.

Almost every chemical reaction in your body—everything your body needs to do to take care of business—requires water. It’s our most important nutrient. Staying hydrated helps your heart, gut, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, joints, muscles, and (of course) skin. So hydrating is a no brainer, right? Unfortunately, most of the people you see walking around in the world are dehydrated.

Boring water doesn’t have to be the answer.

Let us explain. Recent studies have shown that consuming beverages containing water along with proteins and electrolytes will keep you even more hydrated than plain water—and for longer, too. This is because they help slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period of time. Plus, newer studies have indicated that drinking tea can be just as hydrating as drinking plain water. With our tea-based SkinTe formulas brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and collagen protein, you can sip confidently knowing you’re hydrating your body in more ways than one.

A refreshing change.

Now you CAN have it all—“sipport” (see what we did there?) for radiant skin, improved mood, aided digestion, soothed joints, boosted immunity, and enhanced hydration. With six delicious flavors to fit every mood, SkinTe is perfect with your lunch, for an afternoon pick-me-up, after a workout, as a cocktail mixer, and anytime you want to treat yourself to delicious self-care in a can. Cheers to that!