What Is Green Tea For Acne?
Green tea contains polyphenols which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds inhibit the production of certain enzymes involved in inflammation. Polyphenol rich foods such as green tea may reduce the severity of acne lesions caused by sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.
The anti-inflammatory effects of green tea are due to its flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant chemicals that contain phenolic rings, which bind with specific receptors in the body. Flavonoid receptor agonists have been shown to decrease cell proliferation and stimulate apoptosis in various types of cancer cells.
In addition, polyphenols found in green tea may reduce the formation of free radicals (unstable molecules). Free radicals are believed to contribute to the development of many diseases including acne.
It is well documented that drinking green tea can improve mood and promote relaxation. It has been reported that green tea consumption improves blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels, increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol, lowers triglycerides and decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Studies show that it can lower high blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
It should be noted that green tea has been found to contain small amounts of caffeine. In addition, some studies show that high concentrations of EGCG can increase metabolism and thermogenesis in the body. This means drinking green tea can increase your energy levels and help you burn more calories.
Recent research also shows that green tea may protect against several types of cancer including prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Green tea may also help prevent several types of infection.
Green tea may be a promising treatment for skin conditions like acne. For example, green tea has been shown to prevent sebaceous gland over production. It may also improve the symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Finally, green tea can be used as an antibacterial agent as well as an astringent.
How Does Green Tea Help with Acne?
Green tea contains several active ingredients that have a positive effect on skin. These include:
Antioxidants help your body fight free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to healthy cells and may lead to skin conditions like acne. Antioxidants help eliminate the effects of free radicals in your body.
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in green tea. Polyphenols have an anti-inflammatory effect that may help reduce the redness and swelling caused by inflammation.
Polyphenols may also prevent over production of the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland is a skin structure that produces sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes your skin. Over-production of sebum can result in clogged pores and lead to acne.
EGCG, one of the main active ingredients in green tea, has also been shown to have anti-carcinogenic effects. This means it can help prevent certain types of cancer. EGCG has been show to slow or prevent the division of skin cells that have become cancerous.
EGCG may also help prevent pre-cancerous lesions, or areas of potentially abnormal tissue changes, from developing into cancer. Green tea extract has been shown to be an effective treatment for high risk individuals who are unable to receive standard therapy for these types of lesions.
How Can You Use Green Tea for Acne?
Green tea can be consumed as an herbal tea.
You can take green tea extract as a dietary supplement in pill or liquid form.
You can use concentrated green tea to make a face mask that can be applied topically to the skin.
How Should You Use Green Tea as an Acne Treatment?
You can test the effects of green tea on your skin by applying a face mask made of green tea extract. Follow the directions on the label of your green tea face mask product and apply daily for several weeks. Watch for changes in your skin such as reduction in redness, scaling, or oil production. If you see improvements, continue using the face mask for at least several more weeks.
If after several weeks, you do not see any improvement in your skin, you may want to stop using the face mask.
If you experience intense burning, stinging, or itching while using the face mask, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor. These are signs of an allergic reaction.
Where Can You Buy Green Tea Products?
Green tea extract can be found online and in stores that sell dietary supplements. It is available in pill or liquid form. If you choose to consume green tea as a dietary supplement, follow the directions on the packaging
Green tea can be found online and in stores that sell health and beauty products. It is also available in pill or liquid form. If you choose to consume green tea as a dietary supplement, follow the directions on the packaging.
Green tea extract is available online and at some drugstores and health food stores.
Sources & references used in this article:
10 Natural Solutions for Acne by HDIHM Gut – nicolepanethere.com
Green tea polyphenols: versatile cosmetic ingredient by SD Patel, S Shah, N Shah – J Pharm Sci Biosci Res, 2015
Hyaluronic acid by K Sandeep, S Nisha – … of Advanced Research in Pharmaceutical & …, 2012 – go.gale.com
A randomized controlled trial of green tea beverages on the in vivo radical scavenging activity in human skin by …, FS Care, S all Conditions, I More, A Vera, G Tea – …, 2014 – drbaileyskincare.com
Green tea in dermatology–myths and facts by I Megow, ME Darvin, MC Meinke… – Skin Pharmacology and …, 2017 – karger.com
Professional Skin Care by A Zink, C Traidl‐Hoffmann – JDDG: Journal der Deutschen …, 2015 – Wiley Online Library
Quintessence Skin Science by GT Toner – akiuae.com
Great green tea ingredient? A narrative literature review on epigallocatechin gallate and its biophysical properties for topical use in dermatology by GT Toner – akiuae.com
