Green tea is often called ‘liquid jade’ because of its beautiful color.
But that’s not all…
It’s also because of its powerful benefits for your skin and health.
Used as a beauty remedy for many centuries, it can detoxify the body and protect the skin.
But what exactly does it do?
In this article, I’ll show you the many benefits of green tea for skin.
And the best ways to start using it in your skincare routine today.
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Unlike black and oolong tea in which the leaves are fermented, green tea leaves are steamed.
This is key to its health benefits. And it’s the reason why there’s no point putting black tea on your skin.
You see, steaming prevents important antioxidants, called polyphenolic catechins, from oxidizing and losing their powers.
Six different types of these catechins exist in green tea. Of which, the most active is epigallocatechin gallate. Also called EGCG (1).
These compounds are powerful antioxidants.
Capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals and limiting the damage they can cause.
The antioxidant properties of the polyphenols in green tea are considered to be even stronger than vitamin C.
Why is this important?
Well, free radicals are often caused by exposure to sunlight. Or pollutants in the environment.
And they’re one of the things that lead to aging of your skin.
The Benefits Of Green Tea For Skin
You can take green tea as a supplement, or consume it as a drink.
But the greatest benefits occur when you apply it directly to your skin.
Let’s take a look at what it can do:
Photoprotection – Prevents Lines, Wrinkles And Skin Aging
Because of the antioxidant properties of its polyphenols, green tea helps to prevent lines and wrinkles on your skin.
In particular, it helps to protect you from the damage that is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Scientific studies have shown that green tea can protect against UVB radiation.
In one study using a topical green tea preparation on human volunteers, UVB associated damage was significantly reduced after exposure (2).
Natural Sunscreen
Its antioxidant content makes it great to use as part of a natural sunscreen.
When applied to the skin over a period of weeks it shows significant photoprotective effects (3).
It can be found in many natural sunscreens that can be bought online. And you can also use it as a key ingredient in your own DIY sunblock.
Soothes Sunburn
You can apply green tea extracts directly to sunburns.
Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the burnt skin.
And its antioxidant properties prevent the damage that free radicals continue to cause for several hours after sun exposure.
Treats Acne And Pimples
The polyphenolic catechins in green tea can kill acne-causing bacteria.
And because they reduce inflammation, they can also soothe the painful spots.
And that’s not all.
Excessive sebum production is one of the main causes of acne.
And studies have shown that EGCG can reduce the amount produced by the skin (4).
Reduces Psoriasis
Green tea can also help with the irritation and redness of psoriasis.
Research suggests it can slow down the overproduction of skin cells. Tackling the root cause of the problem (5).
Reduces Rosacea Redness
Are you struggling with rosacea?
If so, green tea could help you improve your appearance.
Studies have shown that green tea extract can reduce the inflammation of the condition (6).
Treats Dermatitis
The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea catechins come in useful again for treating dermatitis.
Green tea extracts have been shown in studies to create a significant improvement in atopic dermatitis (7).
Prevents Skin Cancer
Preventing free radical damage to DNA is one way to prevent skin cancer.
But green tea also has other ways of protecting you.
It does this by inhibiting the growth of tumors and killing cancer cells (8).
It can also activate biological pathways that repair damaged DNA (9).
Soothes Razor Burn And Heals Cuts
If you suffer from red, sore skin after shaving, then consider green tea for immediate relief.
Applied to your razor burn, it can soothe the burning sensation. And it improves the healing of any nicks or cuts.
Soothes Bug Bites
It’s nice to relax outside. But unfortunately, insect bites are an unavoidable hazard.
If their bites cause itchy bumps on your skin then apply some green tea. It will help to soothe and take the inflammation away.
Reduces Eye Puffiness And Dark Circles
You can use green tea bags as an effective home remedy for reducing puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles.
When the cool tea bags are placed over your eyes, caffeine and tannins constrict the blood capillaries under your skin’s surface. Reducing swelling and lightening dark areas.
How To Use Green Tea
There are many ways to get the benefits of green tea for your skin. These are some of the methods you can try:
Green Tea Toner
Using this green tea toner can cleanse your skin. And provide the antioxidant benefits that green tea is well known for. This is great for your complexion.
Directions:
- Open a green tea bag and place the tea in a cup.
- Boil a kettle of water.
- Pour the boiling water into the cup.
- Allow the tea to steep until it has cooled with occasional stirring.
- Pour the tea into a clean container with a lid.
- Dip a cotton ball into the tea and use it to apply it to your face.
- Keep the container containing the green tea toner in a fridge with its lid on when not in use.
Green Tea Facial Scrub
Green tea can be combined with other ingredients to make a face scrub to exfoliate the dead skin from your face.
Directions:
- Take a green tea bag and allow to steep in half a cup of boiling water.
- Allow it to cool.
- Pour 1 cup of granulated sugar into a bowl. And mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Take another unused green tea bag, open it, and mix the leaves with the sugar and olive oil.
- Add the brewed tea to the mixture and mix together well.
- Wash your face and then apply the scrub with your fingers. Gently massage it into the skin.
- When not using the scrub, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge.
Tea Bags For Eyes
To reduce puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles try this simple home remedy.
Directions:
- Take 2 green tea bags and place them in a cup.
- Add boiling water and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags from the cup and place them in a clean bowl.
- Put the bowl containing the tea bags in the fridge and cool them for 30 minutes.
- Sit back or lie down and place the cold tea bags over your eyelids for 15 minutes.
- Repeat each day for best results.
Green Tea Steam Facial
Use this steam facial to really open and clean your pores. Great for oily skin.
Directions:
- Take 5 cups of boiled water and pour them into a large bowl.
- Add 5 teaspoons of green tea leaves.
- Cover the bowl and allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes.
- Wash your face and pat dry.
- Place your head over the bowl and cover with a towel to trap the steam for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The impressive benefits of green tea for skin are scientifically proven.
It protects your skin from free radical damage and slows the signs of aging.
That’s reason enough to consider adding it to your daily skin care regime.
And it also provides relief for a range of skin conditions. Including acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Have you experienced the benefits of green tea for skin? Let us know in the comments.
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