Green tea is undoubtedly one of the most popular herbal teas consumed in the US today. Packed with phytonutrients, it’s famous for its healing properties, detoxing power and ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

This powerful ingredient isn’t just a healthy beverage option, it also offers myriad benefits for the skin. Your skin can reap the benefits both from drinking the popular tea and applying it topically, although direct application means it can get to work that much quicker.
 


1. EGCG the antioxidant powerhouse

Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), from a potent plant compound called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins like EGCG may reduce inflammation and help in the prevention of chronic conditions, ranging from diabetes to heart disease to some cancers.

The presence of potent antioxidant EGCG is what makes it possible for green tea to fight DNA damage from harsh UV rays. Drinking green tea and adding green tea skincare products to your regimen can play a part in protecting your skin from environmental stress. Whether drunk hot or cold or applied topically, it works to fight the signs of aging by battling the effects of pollution and sun damage.  


2. Green tea calms and soothes

Another reason why green tea is so widely used and loved is for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a high number of catechins, which are a form of polyphenols. These plant-derived nutrients are highly effective at reducing irritation and bringing down swelling and redness.

If you’re dealing with sensitive or irritated skin, try applying a green tea product to calm and soothe visible signs of irritation.

3. Green tea contains caffeine to brighten up mornings and eyes

Are dark circles and puffy eyes keeping you from looking rested and dewy fresh? Try applying a green tea eye cream. Green tea extract is often used in eye creams because it contains caffeine, which is a vasoconstrictor that helps shrink the appearance of the blood vessels around the eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness from too many late nights.
 

4. Green tea extract can help treat blemishes and unclog pores

In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, green tea also boasts antibacterial properties again thanks to EGCG, which can play a role in reducing the bacteria that lead to breakouts.

Recent studies have shown that participants who took 1500 mg of green tea extract for a month saw a significant improvement in their acne. Acne occurs as a result of excess sebum clogging up pores and leading to bacterial growth, and EGCG is effective at reducing the level of sebum production in the skin. This can, in turn, lead to a reduction in future breakouts.

The polyphenols within green tea fight against infections and bacteria. Using a green tea skin product like a moisturizer formulated for oily skin can help combat the bacterial growth that leads to acne. It can also help unclog the pores by reducing the signs of inflammation, leaving you with smoother skin and a more even complexion.
 

5. Boost skin health with vitamin-rich green tea

Green tea is brimming with vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, and E, and healthy minerals including Potassium and Manganese. Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E are both essential nutrients that can help maintain optimal skin health.

Studies have shown that a combination of topical and oral green tea can lead to an improvement in skin elasticity. Topical green tea application can also reduce skin damage caused by sun exposure, which further helps maintain skin youth and clarity.


How to use green tea for your skin

To reap the many benefits of nutrient-dense green tea for your skin, we suggest both drinking it and applying it topically. Try a moisturizer like Beta-C or Derma Bríte or an eye cream like Eye Proté or Eye Firmé for a boost of soothing green tea hydration and protection from environmental stress.