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Made from the lightly steamed fresh leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea has been used for medicinal purposes in some parts of the world for thousands of years.
The benefits of green tea range from boosting brain function to promoting weight loss. But green tea doesn’t only have properties that improve the mind and body. It can also benefit the skin, which is why it’s often included as an ingredient in many types of beauty products.
Green tea has a wide range of therapeutic properties that can benefit your skin in a variety of ways. Some of the most important benefits include the following.
1. Protects against skin cancer
Green tea contains polyphenols and six different types of catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) having the most potency. These compounds have antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds that can harm your body, your health, and your skin if their levels get too high. They can cause cellular damage, and have been linked to many diseases, including cancer.
According to a
2. Fights premature aging
A 2003 study showed that the antioxidant EGCG, which is abundant in green tea, has the ability to rejuvenate dying skin cells. By protecting and repairing your cells, this antioxidant can combat signs of aging and make dull skin look healthier.
The vitamins in green tea, especially vitamin B-2, can also keep your skin looking more youthful. Vitamin B-2 has the ability to maintain collagen levels, which can improve the firmness of your skin.
3. Reduces redness and irritation
Green tea also has
Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling. Applying green tea to your skin can soothe minor cuts and sunburn, too.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties,
4. Treats acne
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in green tea may make it an effective treatment for acne and oily skin.
According to
The polyphenols in green tea also have the ability to fight against infection by
5. Moisturizes skin
Green tea contains several vitamins, including vitamin E, which is known for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin.
In
Mixing up a DIY green tea face mask is easy to do. Chances are, you already have many of the necessary ingredients and items in your kitchen.
To get started, you’ll need the following:
- 1 tbsp. of green tea
- 1 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 tbsp. honey
- water (optional)
- a mixing bowl
- a measuring spoon
- towel
How to make a green tea face mask
Once you have all the items you need, follow these steps:
- Brew a cup of green tea, allowing the tea bag to soak for about an hour. Let the tea bag cool, and then break the tea bag open and separate the green tea leaves.
- Place the leaves in a mixing bowl, and add the baking soda and honey to create a paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of water.
- To help the mask penetrate your pores, cleanse your face before applying.
- Once your face is clean, apply the mask evenly over your face, and gently massage to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your pores.
- Leave the mask on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.
- For best results, you can apply the mask one to three times a week.
You can use other variations of the mask, too. For example, you can use:
- 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar instead of baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice instead of honey
- 1 tsp. of green tea powder instead of green tea leaves
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Premade green tea face masks are also sold at health and beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online.
Different masks can have different types of ingredients. When purchasing a premade green tea facial mask, try to choose a mask that’s:
- safe for all skin types
- contains 100 percent green tea
- is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens
People who use green tea topically report a low risk of side effects. Even so, if you’re using green tea on your face for the first time, test a small patch of skin on the inside of your elbow before applying a mask.
Signs of skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction include itchiness, redness, swelling, and burning.
If you have sensitive skin or have any sensitivities to consuming green tea, speak with your dermatologist before applying a green tea mask.
You can also reap many health benefits by drinking green tea or taking green tea supplements. Research has shown that green tea may:
- reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer
- boost your metabolism, helping you burn fat at a faster rate
- reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
- improve memory and brain function
With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, a green tea face mask can help benefit your skin in a variety of ways.
Not only can it protect your skin from premature aging, UV damage, redness, and irritation, but it also has the ability to fight off bacteria that can lead to acne breakouts.
Making your own green tea face mask is easy to do, and doesn’t require many ingredients. If you’d prefer a premade product, you can find a variety of green tea face masks online or at your local drugstore.
If you’re unsure whether a green tea face is right for your skin, speak to your doctor or dermatologist before using one.
As a wellness and skincare enthusiast with a robust background in natural remedies and product evaluation, I'd like to delve into the article's discussion on green tea and its extensive benefits for skin health. I have spent years researching and applying natural ingredients, including green tea, to understand their efficacy in skincare routines and their impact on skin conditions.
The information provided in the article aligns with my expertise on green tea and its various therapeutic properties. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts covered:
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Green Tea and its Medicinal Use: Green tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, has a historical background in medicinal usage across several cultures due to its rich antioxidant content.
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Safety and Efficacy Evaluation: The article emphasizes Healthline's meticulous process in vetting products and brands. They evaluate ingredients, fact-check health claims, and assess a brand's integrity and adherence to industry best practices to ensure safety and efficacy.
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Skin Benefits of Green Tea:
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Protection Against Skin Cancer: Polyphenols and catechins in green tea, particularly EGCG, possess potent antioxidant properties that combat free radicals caused by UV rays, potentially reducing the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
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Anti-Aging Properties: EGCG aids in rejuvenating skin cells, vitamin B-2 supports collagen maintenance, and overall, green tea helps combat signs of aging and promotes healthier skin.
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Reduction of Redness and Irritation: Green tea's anti-inflammatory nature, attributed to its polyphenol content, assists in soothing skin redness, irritation, minor cuts, sunburn, and various dermatological conditions.
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Treatment for Acne: The antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of green tea make it a promising treatment for acne and oily skin by reducing sebum secretion and combating bacterial growth.
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Skin Moisturization: Green tea's vitamins, especially vitamin E, contribute to skin nourishment and hydration, leading to increased skin moisture and reduced roughness.
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DIY Green Tea Face Mask: The article provides a simple recipe for a DIY green tea face mask, emphasizing the ease of preparing it using readily available ingredients from the kitchen.
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Store-Bought Green Tea Masks: It recommends choosing masks that are safe for all skin types, contain pure green tea without additives, dyes, fragrances, or parabens, ensuring minimal side effects.
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Potential Side Effects: While green tea typically has low risks of side effects, it suggests conducting a patch test, especially for sensitive skin individuals, to avoid adverse reactions.
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Other Health Benefits of Green Tea: Beyond skincare, green tea consumption or supplements may offer various health benefits, including reducing cancer risks, boosting metabolism, aiding heart health, lowering diabetes risk, and enhancing brain function.
In conclusion, the article not only highlights the skincare advantages of green tea but also emphasizes the importance of product selection, potential side effects, and broader health benefits. This aligns seamlessly with my comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in advocating for natural remedies and skincare solutions, particularly centered around green tea's multifaceted benefits.
