What Is Green Tea?
All types of tea come from the same Camellia Sinensis plant, but whereas black tea is fermented and changes its colour – Green Tea remains unprocessed and keeps its natural green colour.
Green Tea originated in China and has been used in both traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. It has been used to:
- Control bleeding
- Heal wounds
- Aid digestion
- Improve heart health
- Improve mental health
- Regulate body temperature
How Does Green Tea Work?
Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients and believed to have a variety of health benefits.
This is all due to the polyphenolic compound found in Green Tea (EGCG) which houses a number of properties including anti-inflammatories alongside antioxidants and even antimicrobials.
It has all these added properties compared to typical black tea because it hasn’t been processed and remains more natural.
Benefits of Green Tea for Skin
As it has all of these amazing properties to share, Green Tea works well at targeting a range of specific skin concerns.
Green Tea can help acne and oily skin. Acne is often caused by sebum (excess oil) blocking the skin’s pores. Due to Green Tea’s EGCG properties being effective in lowering lipid levels, it makes it good for reducing sebum in the skin – therefore reducing the development of acne.
Green Tea extract (a concentrated capsule form of the tea) taken orally is also great if you’re struggling with acne. In 2016 a study was carried out which proved the success of green tea extract in helping acne. Participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract for 4 weeks which concluded in participants showing a reduction in red skin bumps which acne causes.
Another benefit of Green Tea is its ability to fight ageing. Again, this is thanks to its EGCG properties. The antioxidant EGCG has the ability to rejuvenate dying skin cells, by protecting and repairing your skin cells this can help dull skin look brighter and combat signs of ageing.
Which Skin Types is Green Tea Suitable For?
Due to the amount of amazing properties Green Tea holds it is suitable for every skin type.
However, it does work particularly well for dry and oily skin types. This may sound strange because dry and oily are the two opposing skin types but the varying benefits of the tea means it can help both.
How Does It Help: Oily Skin
Green Tea is great for oily skin as it helps to balance out the oil levels in the skin with its EGCG properties. This means that it is a great natural alternative to achieve a clear, balanced complexion.
How Does It Help: Dry Skin
If you have dry skin then you are probably also used to itchy, red and irritable skin too. Due to it’s high content of polyphenols, Green Tea has anti-inflammatory properties meaning that it can help reduce skin irritation and redness. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin E – known for its ability to nourish and moisturise the skin.
How Does Green Tea Compare to Similar Products?
Tea is used a lot in skincare, with the varying types being great for different concerns and skin types.
Black tea is used a lot when it comes to oily skin. As it is high in caffeine it can soak up moisture and tighten your skin. This means that it is great for those with oily skin – but it is not as versatile when it comes to dry skin types.
Another type of tea used in skincare is Rooibos. This is a red tea that also carries amazing antioxidant capabilities. This tea can help to increase cell turnover so is recommended for those concerned with ageing skin, or those with dry skin.