Natural ingredients have always been attractive to skincare enthusiasts even with the advances in science over the last few decades. However, increased research and options, has made consumers much more discerning about what they put on their skin. One skincare ingredient that became more popular is green tea because of growing evidence showing its benefits to skin health. In this article we explore what does green tea do for your skin and uses of its extracts in skincare. We’ll also do a deep dive into the best ways to use green tea in your skin skincare routine.
The Science Behind Green Tea its Uses for Skin Health
Green tea, derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, has been consumed for thousands of years for its healing properties particularly in Asian and African cultures. Its remarkable health benefits are backed by both tradition and modern science. Rich in antioxidants, green tea supports heart health, aids in weight management and boosts metabolism as well as boasting protective effects against chronic diseases. Moreover, it has a natural ability to enhance mental clarity, reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Beyond its internal health benefits, green tea has also had uses for its potent skin boosting properties. This is due to its high concentration of antioxidants which helps protect the skin from environmental damage. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective in lowering irritation, reducing acne and promoting clearer skin. At the heart of green tea’s skincare benefits are its potent bioactive compounds. The most prominent amongst these are catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is celebrated for its powerful antioxidant properties. Green tea is also rich in polyphenols, a class of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. Additionally, green tea contains vitamins such as vitamin B2 and vitamin E, which are vital for maintaining skin health. Vitamin B2 plays a role in increasing collagen levels and improving skin firmness. Vitamin E supports new skin cell growth and acts as an intense hydrating agent.
Key Benefits of Green Tea for Skin
The components of green tea work synergistically to protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce inflammation and promote overall skin health. The benefits and main uses of green tea for skin include:
- Antioxidant capabilities: Free radical are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to premature aging, pigmentation and a host of other skin issues. Antioxidants in green tea can neutralise these free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to ingredient for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The polyphenols in green tea, can help reduce redness and irritation which soothes the skin and minimises the appearance of acne. This anti-inflammatory effect is also beneficial for conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
- Anti-Aging Effects: The antioxidant properties of green tea help to slow down the signs of aging by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, green tea has been shown to boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Acne Reduction: Green tea has antibacterial properties, which help to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Additionally, green tea helps to regulate sebum production. Studies have shown that green tea extract can lead to clearer and calmer skin.
- Skin Hydration & Brightening: The vitamin E in green tea provides intense moisture to the skin, making it soft and supple. Furthermore, green tea’s ability to improve circulation can enhance the skin’s natural glow, resulting in a brighter and more even complexion.
- Protection Against UV Damage: Although green tea should not replace sunscreen, it can serve as an additional line of defence against UV damage. Studies have shown that green tea can protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation caused by sun exposure.
Green Tea Extract in Skincare
If you’re looking to get the full benefits of green tea in your skincare routine, there are a growing number of skin products that can provide these. These usually use green tea extract as it provides a stronger dose of the active compounds, such as catechins and polyphenols. This higher potency allows skincare products to deliver more effective results in fighting oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and improving overall skin health. Additionally, green tea extract is more stable in formulas than regular green tea. As such these beneficial compounds remain active and effective in the product over time. You can easily find green tea extract in serums, creams and masks particularly in K-beauty and other asian skincare products.
The Best Way to Use it in Your Skincare Routine
With the growing popularity of green tea in skincare, numerous products are available on the market. When choosing green tea skincare products, ensure green tea or green tea extract is a top-listed ingredient for higher potency. Additionally, consider products with complementary ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to boost the overall benefits. In general, here’s are the best uses of green tea extract in your skin routine:
- Cleanser: Green tea extract in your cleanser help remove impurities whilst delivering antioxidant protection to shield the skin from environmental damage. It soothes and calms irritated skin, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin types or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
- Toner: Here green tea extract can help balance the skin’s pH levels after cleansing and controls excess oil. Its calming properties reduce inflammation and the appearance of blemishes and as such may be good for acne prone skin.
- Serum: This provides a stronger dose of antioxidants that combat free radicals. This helps to boosts skin elasticity, even out skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its a good targeted treatment for skin ageing and hyperpigmentation.
- Moisturiser: A green tea-infused moisturiser deeply hydrates the skin while delivering anti-inflammatory benefits. It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration. It also adds a layer of antioxidant protection for a youthful, healthy and glowing complexion.This is great for ageing, sun damaged and dry skin.
- Mask: This treatment provides intensive hydration and revitalisation for dull and tired skin. It detoxifies and purifies the skin by unclogging pores and removing impurities, whilst also reducing puffiness and soothing irritation. Green tea masks are useful for skin in need of repair especially after sun exposure or after professional skin treatments like peels.
- Spot Treatment: Gels or creams with concentrated green tea extract are ideal for targeting acne and blemishes. This harnesses the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea to reduce swelling and redness.
- Eye Cream: Here green tea extract can reduce dark circles and puffiness, giving a refreshed and rested appearance. It also hydrates the delicate under-eye area, preventing the formation of fine lines.
DIY Green Tea Skincare
If you prefer to make your own skincare, then you’re in luck! Here are a few simple yet effective green tea-based skin treatments that you can make at home:
- Face Mask: Create a hydrating and soothing face mask by mixing two tablespoons of cooled green tea with one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of plain yoghurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This mask is excellent for hydrating the skin while calming any redness or irritation.
- Toner: To make a refreshing green tea toner, brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool completely. Pour the cooled tea into a spray bottle and add a few drops of tea tree oil if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Use this toner after cleansing your face to tighten pores and balance your skin’s pH levels.
- Eye Pack: Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. After brewing two green tea bags, let them cool in the refrigerator. Once cool, place the tea bags over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.
What You Should Know About Safety & Side Effects
Whilst green tea and its extracts are generally safe for most people, in rare cases it can cause mild irritation or allergic reactions. This is most likely if used in high concentrations or if the product contains other sensitising ingredients. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should always perform a patch test before using new green tea-based products. If you experience any adverse effects, stop use and consult a healthcare provider for guidance. If you’re pregnant or breast feeding, it is also important to check with your provider as the safety of many skincare products have not been established in these periods.
Green tea has many uses for for healthy, youthful and radiant skin. This is because its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties provide a range of benefits for skin health. This versatile ingredient is tolerated by most people and you can find it in an increasing number of skincare products as well as DIY recipes. As with most things in beauty, there are no silver bullets. Green tea extract has many benefits in a balanced skincare routine. You’ll get the most from it through consistency and appropriate use along side other products that can treat, repair and protect your skin.
At City Skin Clinic, we are devoted to personalised skincare and hair growth treatments. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective individualised treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing and hair loss. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
