Green tea is an elixir of youth, it is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the brain and heart and, as we will see today, it is also a true beauty cosmetic. And its strength is that it helps all skin types. Just prepare a single infusion and the whole family can benefit from it, but let's understand better.
Green tea and acne
Applying green tea extracts to the skin reduced both inflammatory lesions, such as papules and cysts, and non-inflammatory lesions, such as blackheads (Kim et al, Phytotherapy Research, 2020). It was observed that green tea had to be applied for at least 6 weeks in order to have a reduction in lesions of more than 50% (Elsaie et al, J Drugs Dermatol, 2009). Not only that, topically green tea also helps regulate sebum production, thus also helping to reduce the size of skin pores (Mahmood et al, Hippokratia, 2013).
Green tea and photo-aging
Green tea is a precious source of polyphenols that help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays. Studies have observed that applying creams containing green tea in the case of photoaging has significantly improved the elasticity and degree of hydration of the skin (Chiu et al, Dermatol Surg, 2005). Not only that, green tea applied externally on the skin has allowed to reduce inflammation and also the risk of cellular degeneration, as well as mitigate any sunburns (Katiyar et al, Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord, 2003 - Prasanth et al, Nutrients, 2019). This statement, however, does not mean that applying green tea after sun exposure, perhaps without precautions, is enough to protect yourself. We remind you that it is always important not to expose yourself during the central hours of the day and in any case it is always necessary to use protective creams.
Green tea and wrinkles
Thanks to its polyphenols, green tea also fights the formation of wrinkles! In fact, studies have observed that the application of green tea on the face allowed, in two months, to reduce wrinkles and dry and dehydrated skin (Mahmood et al, Rejuvenation Res, 2013).
DIY green tea treatments
Here is a simple, soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging mask. Bring a cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and wait a couple of minutes. Add two tablespoons of green tea or a green tea bag, depending on what you have at home. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then filter and wait for the infusion to cool down. Separately, mix three tablespoons of rice flour or white clay, or even a mixture of both. Add as much green tea as needed to make a creamy mixture. This is the base, then you can customize the mask according to your needs. In case of acne-prone skin you can add half a teaspoon of honey and two drops of eucalyptus essential oil, which are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing (Orchard et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2017). If you also want some extra help in regulating sebum production, you can add a teaspoon of jojoba oil. In case of sunburnt skin, help can be provided by adding two drops of soothing chamomile essential oil (Srivastava et al, Mol Med Report, 2011). In the case of mature skin, you can add a teaspoon of argan oil, with an anti-aging and elasticizing action (Boucetta et al, Clin Interv Aging, 2015). Apply the mask to your clean face for fifteen minutes, then rinse and continue with your usual treatment. Another idea to be made with the leftover tea infusion after making the mask? Apply green tea on the face with a cotton pad, just like a tonic, then spread the serum oil and / or cream!
