Green tea has been around for hundreds of years and it’s one of the most popular drinks in the world, consumed by billions of people every day. Yet, many don’t realize that green tea also offers incredible benefits for your skin! Read on to learn more about the 10 amazing benefits of green tea to your skin, whether you’re dealing with acne, pigmentation, fine lines, or anti-aging!
1) Green Tea Is Rich In Antioxidants
An antioxidant is a chemical that slows down or prevents damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of everyday living and can lead to many health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. In fact, oxidative stress has been linked to 7 out of every 10 deaths in America today.
2) Green Tea Can Help Clear Blemishes
The polyphenols in green tea have antibacterial properties that can help get rid of existing acne and prevent future blemishes. Just make sure you’re not allergic before jumping in.
3) Green Tea Reduces Inflammation
Reducing inflammation is one of your skin’s best defenses against acne, sagging, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. The antioxidants in green tea—particularly EGCG—can protect your skin from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in just a few weeks. Want to test it out? Drink three cups a day for three weeks and see if you notice a difference.
4) Green Tea Helps Heal Wounds Faster
Recent research has shown that topical applications of green tea extract help heal wounds faster. The study, conducted by Georgetown University Medical Center, found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component in green tea responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, greatly accelerates wound closure in mice. As a result, EGCG is believed to be beneficial in healing burns and other skin ailments like psoriasis as well.
5) Green Tea Soothes Redness
Most anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, etc.) are derived from green tea. Drinking a cup each day has been shown to reduce rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that can be hard to control. Keep in mind that if you have blood pressure issues, caffeine could cause them to flare up—so if you’re using green tea for your redness and aren’t seeing results, talk with your doctor about reducing or eliminating your intake.
6) Keep Your Face Moisturized Naturally With Green Tea
The potent antioxidants in green tea are great for the skin because they fight free radicals, detoxify, and soothe. For an all-natural moisturizer that’s also a great anti-aging treatment, look no further than your kitchen! Mix together a teaspoon of green tea powder and aloe vera gel, then apply to your face or neck after cleansing. Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off with cool water. It’s that easy!
7) Anti-Aging Properties In Green Tea
Green tea contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent wrinkles and slow down aging. Studies have shown that topically applied green tea extract can increase collagen production in the skin by up to 300 percent. Antioxidants like EGCG also protect your skin from UV damage, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
8) Help Sunburned Skin Recover With Antioxidants In Green Tea
When you get a sunburn, it’s usually because your skin was exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV). UV rays can cause damage to skin cells and tissues, and over time can lead to sunspots and other discoloration. A cup of green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that help protect your skin from UV damage. Catechins are easily absorbed into your bloodstream, so they travel right through your body and reach deep into damaged skin cells.
9) Treat Acne With Antioxidants In Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is why some skincare experts recommend applying tea bags to acne-prone areas. The tannins in green tea are also beneficial; they have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent breakouts. They may even help keep oil production under control, reducing the shine on skin that’s prone to it.
10) Soothe Sunburns With Cold, Refreshing Hydration From Green Tea
Nothing works better to ease pain and irritation from sunburn than fresh, cold green tea. The antioxidants found in green tea work to reduce inflammation and soothe skin affected by UV rays, as well as offer natural protection against more burns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a difference in your skincare regimen, consider switching to green tea. By now you know how beneficial it is in weight loss, but did you know that it can improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation and redness, provide powerful antioxidant protection and even fight off cancer? Sounds too good to be true? Just ask your local Asian woman—she’ll tell you they swear by green tea in their beauty rituals!
