Benefits of Green Tea Extracts for Skin

Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds. Black tea, oolong tea, and green tea all come from the same plant, but green tea does not undergo the same withering and oxidation process used to make the other teas. Green tea originated in China, but its production has spread to other countries in East Asia. It is one of the most popular teas consumed around the world.

Green tea extract is its concentrated form, which contains a load of antioxidant properties, like polyphenols. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet. Their total dietary intake is much higher than that of all other classes of phytochemicals and known dietary antioxidants.

Now you may be wondering, what impact do polyphenols have on our skin? Let’s look at the benefits of green tea extract and how it works wonders for your skin health:

Prevents Aging by Providing Moisture

Green tea extract contains polyphenols, such as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is known to be effective in the fight against free radicals. Free radicals are the culprit for premature aging, because they break down our skin’s collagen which leads to saggy skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. A study claims that applying a skincare products that contains at least 6% green tea extract to the skin of participants increased moisture over a month-long period. This shows that the using green tea extract consistently can help your skin replenish moisture and retain hydration. Having moisturized skin is essential to avoid cracked, irritated and painful symptoms associated with dry skin.

Combats Acne

Nobody likes to wake up with a face full of blemishes. Acne can reduce confidence, and prevent people from living their best lives. If you’re searching for a natural solution to combat acne breakouts caused by clogged pores, green tea extract is the answer to your problems. When you touch the surface of your skin, you may notice an oily, waxy substance that coats your dermatitis. This is sebum that is excreted from your sebaceous glands. Sebum is the main cause of oily skin, and it tends to clog your pores with dirt and debris.

According to research, the polyphenol EGCG mentioned above also reduces sebum production. With less sebum wreaking havoc on your skin, the less pimples will be present. It’s also important to note that green tea extract provides several antibacterial properties, so if you already have acne it can combat the existing breakout and expedite the healing process.

Prevents Skin Cancers

I’m sure you’ve heard of people getting skin cancer from exposure to harmful UV rays. It’s important to use protection to prevent the development of solar UVB light-induced skin disorders. Research suggests that the polyphenols in green tea extract, when used topically or orally, prevented UVB-induced inflammatory responses, as well as immunosuppression and oxidative stress. These are the biomarkers of several skin disease states.

Clinical trials suggest that green tea polyphenols are photoprotective in nature, and can be used as pharmacological agents for the prevention of solar UVB light-induced skin disorders including photoaging, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.