Skin health: How effective is green tea?

Green tea offers a myriad of health benefits, many of which directly enhance the skin’s health.

In recent decades, green tea has garnered the reputation of being one of the most nourishing and beneficial beverages. Its contents are the who’s who of elements responsible for excellent health. And when brewed right, it can very well be the most refreshing hot drink.

Most of the health benefits attained from regularly drinking green tea have been evidenced through legitimate research. The antioxidants found in green tea alone may contribute to:

• Increased fat burning
• Protection against various types of cancer
• Reduced heart disease risks
• Better brain function
• Healthier, younger skin

If you were to do a deep dive into comprehensively exploring all the benefits you could get from it, the internet is, as they have so eloquently phrased, your oyster.

However, for this article, we shall focus only on the benefits the skin can get from drink consumption as well as external use.

What does green tea do for the skin?

While most of the benefits stated here can be attained from regular consumption of the tea, for the best outcomes, we recommend external skin application alongside drinking.

Youthful skin

Vitamins B2 and E are crucial for healthy skin, and both are found in abundance in green tea. Vitamin B2 aids in sustaining optimum levels of collagen to result in a firm and younger-looking skin structure. Vitamin E helps in the development of new skin cells as well as providing concentrated hydration for dry skins.

Reduced dark circles and puffiness around the eyes

Green tea is a natural source of caffeine and tannins. While ingesting these are sure to reduce tiredness, caffeine and tannins can help make blood vessels around the eyes smaller. In short, green tea can be used as a treatment for dark circles and puffy eyes to great effect. Try using face creams that have green tea as an active ingredient.

Fewer acnes and more unclogged pores

Green tea’s highly potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help you attain clearer skin. It is high in catechins, a polyphenol that is primarily responsible for green tea’s skin-cleansing qualities also aids in the body’s fight against bacterial infections. Not will you receive skin bereft of acne, but you can rest assured knowing your skin will suffer much, much less from redness, swelling and irritation.

Preventive measures against skin cancer

Green tea contains a strong antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC). ECGC is a powerful deterrent against damages to the DNA from UV rays. This, in turn, significantly reduces the chances of getting skin cancer. Additionally, ECGC has very effective anti-ageing qualities. Whether it is through drinking or topical application, green tea will prevent the skin from ageing prematurely.

Is it possible to make a green tea face mask at home?

It is.

Although there are plenty of store-bought cosmetic options that are made 100% from green tea, creating one at home has its own charm. Plus, it is quite easy.

You will need:

• Green tea
• Baking soda
• Honey

The steps to follow:

• Make a cup of green tea, like you normally would. Then, leave the teabag in for an hour.
• Once it cools, take the tea leaves out of the teabag.
• Mix the soaked tea leaves with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of honey to form a paste. Add a little water if the mixture comes out too thick.

Once you have the green tea face mask ready, wash your face thoroughly and apply the mask. Massage it in a circular motion; this will help you exfoliate and unclog your pores.

Leave it on for up to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

It is safe to apply this homemade face mask up to three times a week.

While green tea can do much of the work for your skin, even the best of us can always use a little help. VIVO Clinic’s non-surgical HIFU Facelift can help you cover that extra mile to make your skin tighter and looking younger, call us today to book a face-to-face consultation.