Green tea is a beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years. It is extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, has an earthy flavor, and appears to be light yellow or pale green. It has bioactive phytochemicals that are known for its diverse activities. Studies indicate that green tea benefits for skin and also effective against a variety of diseases like cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
After conducting several cellulars, animal, and human experiments, it was deciphered that the major component of green tea epigallocatechin3 gallate expresses anti-inflammatory effects. The green tea benefits for skin are no secret. Its richness in antioxidants has an impressive and powerful impact on the skin. Using green tea for skincare is also a natural method to improve the appearance of skin.
Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 2.5 |
| Total Fat | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Vitamin A | 0 % |
| Vitamin C | 1.2 % |
| Calcium | 0% |
| Iron | 0.3 % |
How Green Tea Benefits the Skin?
1. Reduces Dandruff
Dandruff is a result of environmental factors and the oiliness or dryness of the scalp. Using green tea helps to reduce this. It has anti-bacterial nature that cuts down the growth of harmful bacteria in the hair scalp. A recent study has published that EGCG, an antioxidant present in green tea, helps in hair growth. The antioxidants stimulate the hair follicles and increase the growth of hair while the polyphenols speed up cell turnover.
[Read: Essiac Tea Benefits]
2. Reduces premature aging of the skin
Green tea benefits for skin(1) needs a mention of how it works as an anti-aging agent. The free radical damage is a significant cause of premature aging of the skin. The antioxidants that are present in this tea gets rid of the free radicals that cause lines and wrinkles on the face and rejuvenates the dying cells.
3. Rich in Vitamin B and Vitamin E
Green tea benefits skin as it comprises of the two most essential vitamins that promote skin health. As Vitamin B works towards producing collagen that helps to increase the elasticity of the skin, Vitamin E helps to promote cell regeneration.
[Also Read: Linden Tea Benefits]
4. Reduces oiliness in the skin
There are tannins present in Green Tea that bind with the amino acids present in the body. These astringent compounds work as a skin toner and improve the appearance of skin. They also shrink the clog pores. The Bosnian Journal of Medical Sciences studied ten males who had oily skin for over eight weeks. They were made to use a 3 % green tea extract every day. By the end of the study, the participants showed a decrease in the production of sebum, which causes blocked pores and increases breakouts.
[Read: Tomato for Acne Treatment]
5. Help in clearing clogged pores
A study in the Saudi Medical Journal examined the use of green tea lotion for the treatment of acne. It consisted of 60 volunteers between the age of 14-22. The participants used tea lotion twice every day for two months. The participants who used green tea lotion showed a 60 % improvement in the skin conditions, as compared to the other 20% in the placebo group.
6. Exfoliates skin
One of the significant green tea benefits for the skin includes its ability to exfoliate the skin. The leaves gently exfoliate the skin while helping to reduce the dead skin cells that make the skin appear dead and lifeless. It also encourages the production of new cells that gives a glowing appearance to the skin.
[Read: Rose Tea Benefits]
7. Protect the skin from harmful UV rays of the Sun
A study published by the British Journal of Nutrition stated that consumption of green tea orally reduces the inflammation and redness caused due to exposure to the Sun. Consuming Green Tea increases benzoic levels, which is a crucial compound to treat skin irritation caused due to eczema or burns.
How to Use Green Tea Benefits for Skin
Boil water in a pan. Turn off the heat and add 1 tsp green tea leaves. Cover and let it steep for 1 minute. Strain into a cup and add honey as a sweetener. You can add lemon to enhance its taste.
Side-Effects
While there are innumerable green tea benefits for skin, there are also some known side effects of Green Tea that may include symptoms of vomiting, nausea, palpitation, nervousness, and headaches. Do not drink more than 5 cups of green tea every day as people sensitive to caffeine may suffer from anemia and experience the side-effects.
It is a natural and safe choice to use Green Tea to reduce skin related problems like acne, open pores, blemishes, and pigmentation of the skin. It is a pocket-friendly choice that can beat all the expensive skin products available in the cosmetic market and give them a run for their money. This tea has antioxidants, tannins, and caffeine that are incredibly beneficial for skin health. Add it to your skin regime for clearer and healthy skin.
FAQ
1. Can Using Green Tea Whiten My Skin?
Use a face mask using green tea leaves, milk, and rose water. Apply this every day to whiten the skin. Drinking Green Tea every day also promotes skin whitening and reduces pigmentation.
