Green tea, like any other tea, is rich in antioxidants and nutrients and offers various health benefits to people. EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a core polyphenolic compound that is present in green tea. This polyphenolic compound of green tea is known to have a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the polyphenols extracted from green tea also help to reduce cancer-producing effects when used on the skin.
Here we will explore the benefits green tea has for the skin. But, before jumping to the green tea benefits for skin, let’s understand green tea in detail.
What is Green Tea?
Made from the plant, Camellia Sinensis, green tea is a tea type that belongs to the same category of plant as black tea. Though originally green tea was taken as medicine, it is now used in various other forms for different health issues. The difference between green tea and black tea is that the latter is fermented before steeping and drying, and green tea doesn’t go through any fermentation process.
Benefits of Green Tes For Skin
There are several green tea benefits for skin. Let’s dive into the common types of benefits:
1. Brightens Skin
Green tea is a natural source of antioxidants. These compounds are known to neutralize the free radicals on your skin, making it look clear and supple. Using green tea on your skin in any form would protect your skin from UV radiation. Also, green tea can help your skin look smoother and brighter.
2. Protects Skin From Premature Ageing
The antioxidant-rich green tea along with other active ingredients, fights different signs of aging. This includes wrinkles and fine lines. The polyphenols present in green tea calm skin and protect it from environmental stress. By doing so, it makes the skin look younger.
3. Reduces Redness & Skin Irritation
If you have sensitive skin that gets allergic reactions literally to anything, then using green tea-based skincare products will be a good choice. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce redness and irritation when you topically apply it on the skin or the areas where redness occurs.
4. Reduces Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Puffy eyes and dark circles are a constant in this hustling world. Often lack of sleep and stress can cause dark circles and puffy eyes. To reduce these flaws, you can incorporate green tea-containing skin products. Green tea contains tannins which help reduce under-eye puffiness. Furthermore, it lightens the dark circles under your eyes.
5. Minimises Acne
Green tea has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that help to treat people with acne and other skin problems. In many cases, acne occurs on the skin because the bacteria get clogged in the skin. The activated polyphenols of green tea fight the bacterial membranes which reduces acne.
How Can You Use Green Tea on Your Skin?
If you want to achieve supple and radiant-looking skin, start using green tea in your skincare routine. There are many ways you can use green tea on your skin:
1. Toner
People with oily and sensitive skin can opt for skin toner which has green tea as an active component. Green tea as a toner can maintain your skin’s PH balance while removing excess oil and dirt.
How to Apply:
- Brew green tea and let it cool.
- Pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spritz onto clean skin or apply with a cotton pad.
2. Facial Steam
You can add green tea to your skincare routine to achieve brighter and clearer skin. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties present in green tea can make your skin look clear, rejuvenated, and more glowing.
How to Apply:
- Add green tea leaves to a bowl of hot water.
- Cover your head with a towel and steam your face for 5 minutes.
- Pat your face dry and follow with a moisturizer.
3. Face Scrub
To maintain healthy-looking skin, you need to exfoliate your skin once in a while. The process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells and opens up clogged pores, giving glowing and supple skin.
How to Apply:
- Mix 1 tsp green tea leaves with honey and sugar.
- Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
4. Moisturizer
Green tea-infused moisturizer offers hydration to your skin and also boosts skin elasticity. The active ingredients in green tea also reduce the signs of premature aging. To get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, you can use a moisturizer with green tea as an active component.
How to Apply:
- Mix green tea extract with aloe vera gel.
- Apply a thin layer to your face before bed.
- Wake up with refreshed, hydrated skin.
Conclusion
From offering skin hydration to fighting cancerous cells entering your skin barrier, green tea has many skin benefits. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-microbial properties, green tea also reduces skin irritation and acne. To get flawless and younger-looking skin, you can incorporate the goodness of green tea into your skincare routine. Use green tea as a face scrub, toner, facial steam, and moisturizer, and see the difference gradually.
