Green Tea for Your Skin
Rich with antioxidants and nutrients, green tea is considered by many to have benefits for a variety of health issues.
A 2018 study showed the major polyphenolic compound present in green tea, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), was found to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including:
- anti-oxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-atherosclerosis
- anti-myocardial infarction
- anti-diabetes
In a 2012 study, these plant polyphenols were shown to also offer cancer-prevention effects when used to protect the skin and immune system support.
According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, the EGCG in green tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They have shown improvement in treating acne and oily skin.
Oily skin
Acne is the result of excess sebum clogging pores and stimulating bacterial growth.
EGCG is anti-androgenic and lowers lipid levels. This makes it effective at reducing sebum excretions in the skin. By reducing sebum, EGCG can slow or stop the development of acne.
- Sebum is an oily substance that your sebaceous glands secrete to moisturize your skin and hair.
- Androgens are hormones that your body produces. If you have high or fluctuating levels of androgen, it can cause your sebaceous glands to produce greater amounts of sebum.
According to a 2003 studyTrusted Source, the polyphenols in green tea can be used as pharmacological agents for the prevention of solar UVB light-induced skin disorders in animals and humans, including:
- melanoma skin cancer
- nonmelanoma skin cancers
- photoaging
A 2012 reviewTrusted Source of 20 studies indicated that green tea extract has been shown to be potentially effective when applied to the skin and taken as a supplement for:
- acne
- androgenetic alopecia
- atopic dermatitis
- candidiasis
- genital warts
- keloids
- rosacea
Acne
Consider green tea extract as part of your acne regimen.
In a 2016 study, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract for 4 weeks. At the conclusion of the study, participants showed a significant reduction in the red skin bumps acne causes.
Aging
Drinking green tea and applying it to your skin can help your skin handle the aging process better.
- A small 2005 studyTrusted Source of 80 women showed an improvement of skin elasticity in participants treated with a combination regimen of topical and oral green tea.
- A long-term 2013 studyTrusted Source of 24 people showed that skin damage caused by sun exposure was reduced with the topical application of cosmetics containing green tea extract. Researchers suggested cosmetic formulations including green tea extract have improved skin microrelief and have pronounced moisturizing effects.
If you’re experiencing swelling around your eyes, this green tea home remedy for puffy eyes may provide relief. It’s a simple method.
Here are the steps:
- Steep or soak two green tea bags for tea to drink.
- Squeeze the bags to remove excess liquid.
- Put the tea bags in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Place the tea bags on your closed eyes for up to 30 minutes.
Advocates for this treatment suggest that the combination of caffeine and a cold compress will help alleviate the puffiness.
Although clinical research does not support this method, the Mayo Clinic recommends using a cool compress (washcloth and cool water).
Also, according a 2010 article in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, the caffeine in green tea can constrict the blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Precautions
The area around your eyes is sensitive, so before attempting this remedy, consider:
- washing your hands and face
- removing makeup
- removing contact lenses
- keeping liquid out of your eyes
- avoiding tea bags with staples
As with any home remedy, talk with your doctor before trying it. Also, stop using it if you experience any pain or irritation.
There are many research studies that show that both drinking green tea and applying it topically can have benefits for your skin.
Not only can green tea and green tea extract help with acne and help your skin look younger, but it also has the potential for helping to prevent melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
References
- Amnuaikit T, et al. (2011). Evaluation of caffeine gels on physicochemical characteristics and in vivo efficacy in reducing puffy eyes.
https://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/20_pdf.pdf - Chacko SM, et al. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. DOI:
https://cmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1749-8546-5-13 - Chatterjee P, et al. (2012). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea: A comparative in vitro study. DOI:
http://www.japtr.org/article.asp?issn=2231-4040;year=2012;volume=3;issue=2;spage=136;epage=138;aulast=Chatterjee - Chiu AE, et al. (2005). Double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of green tea extracts in the clinical and histologic appearance of photoaging skin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029678 - Eng QY, et al. (2018). Molecular understanding of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. DOI:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874117309893?via%3Dihub - Gianeti MD, et al. (2013). The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: Not only an antioxidant active ingredient. DOI:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23742288 - Katiyar SK. (2003). Skin photoprotection by green tea: Antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12871030 - Lu PH, et al. (2016). Does supplementation with green tea extract improve acne in post-adolescent women? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. DOI:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229916300280?via%3Dihub - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Bags under eyes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369931 - OyetakinWhite P, et al. (2012). Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin. DOI:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2012/560682/ - Pazyar N, et al. (2012). Green tea in dermatology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23346663 - Saric S, et al. (2017). Green tea and other tea polyphenols: Effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. DOI:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/6/1/2
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