Many studies have shown that drinking green tea helps to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, and in some cases even reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease. That’s because green tea is loaded with antioxidants, called catechins, which assist in warding off cellular damage caused by free radicals. But it isn’t just great for your insides, it also works wonders for your skin. Here are just a few of the skincare benefits of green tea:
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties
According to an article in the Archives of Dermatology, the antioxidants and other properties found in green tea can fight inflammation and carcinogens when applied to the skin. In the article, dermatologist Hasan Mukhtar, PhD, and colleagues present evidence that the compounds in green tea helped protect mice from skin cancer caused by UV radiation. His team also conducted studies on humans, and found that the polyphenols in green tea had anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties when applied to human skin.
In the articles conclusion, Mukhtar’s team notes that “The outcome of the several experimental studies suggests that green tea possess anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic potential, which can be exploited against a variety of skin disorders.” They go on to say that “supplementation of skin care products with green tea may have a profound impact on various skin disorders in the years to come.”
Fighting Acne
Inflammation is a major cause of breakouts and acne, so the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea make it an excellent acne fighting resource. In fact, several studies have shown that skincare products containing green tea can significantly reduce pimples and acne-related blemishes. In one study, participants experienced a 58% reduction in their total acne blemishes, and a 39% reduction in the severity of their pimples after applying green tea lotion twice per day for 6 weeks.
Ward off acne with these skincare products.
Reducing Oily Skin
The natural tannins found in green tea act as an astringent which shrink pores. But green tea’s oil fighting properties go even further than that. Where other oil reducing products simply remove the excess oil (known as sebum) produced by your skin, green tea fights oily skin at the source, by actually helping to reduce the production of sebum in the glands of your pores.