In the pursuit of beauty and health, nature almost always stands out as a contributor and offers the best solutions. Among these, green tea has stood out as a concoction not just for its benefits on metabolic health, but on skin health too. A constant right from ancient traditions to being backed up by science now, green tea is fast emerging as a skincare staple around the world.
Made from the lightly steamed fresh leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, green tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, – and used for skin care in a variety of ways. It is one of the active ingredients found in many cosmetics and skincare products, thanks to its multiple benefits on the skin.
Join us as we unravel how green tea could be skin nourishing too, with every sip and application!
Minimizes Acne
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which have high anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help combat the bacteria responsible for breakouts. Additionally, drinking green tea regulates sebum production, thereby reducing clogged pores and thus minimizing acne formation.
Externally, applying green tea on the skin aids in minimizing acne too. Green tea contains polyphenols which are bioactive compounds that reduce the lesions caused by acne causing bacteria and also provide a soothing effect when applied on skin.
Brightens Skin
The antioxidants present in green tea help in neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that disrupt skin health as well as the internal health of the body. These molecules damage skin cells, which makes the skin look dull and have an uneven skin tone.
When there are a lot of free radicals in the body, the body is said to be in oxidative stress. Antioxidants present in green tea help in neutralizing these free radicals, thus rendering a state of balance in the body. By reducing oxidative stress, green tea helps in maintaining the skin’s radiance and brightness.
Inflammation in the skin can lead to skin discoloration and uneven pigmentation. By calming this inflammation, green tea helps in soothing skin and thus irritation and redness of the skin is reduced, helping one have a more even and brighter complexion.
Did you know green tea contains compounds that help regulate melanin production on skin? Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin pigmentation and an excess of melanin can cause uneven skin. By inhibiting the production of melanin, green tea helps in promoting an even skin tone.
Not only does it regulate melanin production but it also boosts collagen production in the body. Collagen is the protein that helps in maintaining skin elasticity. Boosting collagen production and increasing cell turnover helps shed dead cells and reveal brighter looking skin.
Reduces Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Inflammation can contribute to fluid retention and puffiness under the eyes. Also, oxidative stress can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. The antioxidants present in green tea and its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing puffy eyes and dark circles.
Decreases Irritation and Redness
The polyphenols present in green tea help in reducing irritation and soothe the skin, thus preventing irritation and dryness. Additionally, drinking green tea can decrease systemic inflammation, thus addressing the root cause of skin irritation and redness as well, in some cases.
Prevents Premature Ageing
Free radicals- the one group of molecules that can bring in a number of harmful effects in the body. When free radicals are not neutralizxed and there is oxidative stress in the body, it can cause the body to age faster. But, the antioxidants present in green tea can help neutralize these free radicals thus diminishing premature ageing. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea serve in maintaining skin’s structural integrity and elasticity, thus combating premature ageing.
Furthermore, green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant that promotes skin cell regeneration and repair. EGCG stimulates collagen synthesis, improves skin texture, and enhances overall skin tone, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Additionally, green tea has been shown to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which is a leading cause of premature aging. The polyphenols in green tea act as natural sunscreens, helping to block UV rays and mitigate sun damage, including sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging.
Conclusion
From promoting overall health to increasing the vitality of skin, green tea proves to be a powerhouse. Skincare is one of the most basic forms of self-care, a projection of oneself. Whether it is the topical application on skin, or the internal effect of it, green tea is a superfood. So, go ahead and make green tea mocktails or indulge in green tea face masks, because, how much skincare is too much skincare?!
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