Green Tea in Skincare
Nothing tastes as good as a cup of green tea on a busy day. It’s an amazing antioxidant: helping boost your metabolism and supporting your cardiovascular system are some of the many benefits of drinking it every day. Did you know that it can also be used in skincare? Many brands take advantage of its beneficial qualities. Let’s learn all the tea about green tea.
Beneficial qualities of green tea
Green tea is drunk by millions of people everyday. It is a beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The same species is also a source of different types of tea, such as oolong, white and black. One of the differences between the types is that green tea is not fermented before steaming and drying, whereas black tea is.
The benefits of drinking green tea make it a popular choice amongst the tea drinkers. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains many antioxidants and amino acids. It also contains valuable vitamins and micronutrients such as calcium, potassium and zinc. Green tea is not fermented, so it retains most of its beneficial properties. It is a great source of polyphenols and catechin. Polyphenols are responsible for prevention of cardiovascular diseases and slowing down the multiplication of free radicals. Catechins have an antioxidant effect, while also helping to maintain healthy body weight and structure of the bones.
A lot of people use green tea in their weight loss journey. The compounds of green tea make your body burn fat faster and limit the absorption of fats through the digestive system. Green tea is also said to suppress appetite, while the caffeine contained in its leaves boosts the metabolism. It also supports proper function of the liver. Additionally, its diuretic effect helps cleanse the body of toxins.
Drinking green tea protects your cardiovascular system. It lowers the level of triglycerides in your blood and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. Previously mentioned catechins also help lower the blood pressure. Incorporating green tea in your diet might improve your memory and concentration. Sometimes it is used as an extra measure in the treatment of conjunctivitis.
Can everybody drink green tea? Well, almost. It is not advised for people who take blood pressure lowering pills, as it may interfere with the medication. Drinking it excessively can also lead to calcium deficiencies and poor iron absorption. Pregnant women should have it in moderation, as it contains a large dose of caffeine and weakens absorption of folic acid, which is crucial for the proper development of the fetus.
Green tea in skincare
As you’ve read above, green tea has many amazing qualities and it’s definitely worth it to incorporate it into your diet. Moreover, it can be a part of your skincare routine. How can it help your skin?
- it protects the skin against free radicals from the environment (free radicals cause wrinkles, premature aging, loss of firmness and elasticity),
- it helps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation (it helps to delay the photoaging process of the skin, protects against irritation and discoloration caused by UV rays),
- it helps to reduce the signs of sun damage, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture,
- it unclogs pores and helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin,
- its antibacterial properties help to fight with skin imperfections and acne,
- it influences the functioning of sebaceous glands and reduces overproduction of sebum,
- its anti-inflammatory qualities help to soothe the skin in conditions such and eczema and psoriasis,
- it brightens the skin,
- thanks to caffeine, it reduces the dark circles and eye puffiness,
- it soothes the skin, reducing redness and irritation,
- green tea extract inhibits the activity of enzymes contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin,
- tea promotes the natural processes of epidermis reconstruction and accelerates the skin healing process,
- it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, preventing them from breaking and forming spider veins.
How to use green tea in your skincare routine?
There are many cosmetics with green tea available on the market. Green tea extract can be used on all skin types. If your skin is dry, you might take advantage of the moisturizing and nourishing effects of using green tea. If it’s sensitive, you’ll be grateful for its soothing and protective qualities. Oily skin will love green tea cosmetics for stopping overproduction of sebum, mattifying and unclogging pores.
Green tea extract is also an amazing ingredient in anti-aging skincare. It protects the skin against free radicals, UV damage and excessive breakdown of collagen and elastin. It also can reverse the signs of aging that are already there. It will work wonders for hyperpigmentation, fine lines and evening out the skin texture. Used in treatment of acne-prone skin, it can help to prevent the formation of acne breakouts and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Green tea extract can also be included in body care cosmetics, where it helps to firm and smooth the skin and can be your ally in the fight against cellulite. When used in haircare, it stimulates hair to grow, which makes it a perfect ingredient for people struggling with excessive hair loss and baldness.
To learn more about natural ingredients in skincare, check out my article.
