Owing to its many healthy properties — from promoting weight loss, being rich in antioxidants, to aiding brain and heart health — green tea has become a much-loved beverage. But this you know that green tea is also beneficial for your skin? Yes, that’s exactly why you may have come across various skin care products that claim to have green tea extracts. In a similar vein, Dr Aanchal Panth, a dermatologist, wrote on Instagram, “Green tea extract or EGCG, when applied on the skin, has antioxidant, UV protective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It also potentiates wound healing and skin repair. It also improves skin hydration and protects against skin wrinkling”.

Benefits of green tea for skin

Green tea has been widely recognised for its numerous health benefits, including its positive effects on the skin. Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist CARE Hospitals Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad, shared some of these as:

Antioxidant properties: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help reduce signs of aging and improve overall skin health.

Anti-inflammatory effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. It may be beneficial for conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.

UV protection: Green tea contains polyphenols that have been shown to provide some protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While it shouldn’t replace proper sun protection measures like sunscreen, it can complement them.

Anti-acne benefits: The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of green tea may help in the management of acne. It can potentially help reduce sebum production and the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

How to incorporate green tea in your skincare routine?

To incorporate green tea into your skincare routine, you can try the following things as suggested by Dr Priya.

Green tea cleanser: Look for cleansers that contain green tea extracts or brew a cup of green tea and use it as a facial cleanser.

Green tea face masks: Mix green tea powder or brewed green tea with other beneficial ingredients like honey, yoghurt, or clay to create a face mask. Apply it to your face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse off.

Green tea toner: Brew green tea, allow it to cool, and use it as a toner by applying it to your skin with a cotton pad.

Green tea moisturiser: Look for moisturisers that contain green tea extract or green tea seed oil to hydrate your skin and enjoy its potential benefits.

Things to keep in mind

When incorporating green tea into your skincare routine, keep the following things in mind:

Patch test: Perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying green tea products to your entire face to check for any adverse reactions.

Quality of green tea: Use high-quality, organic green tea products to ensure you are getting the maximum benefits and avoiding any potential contaminants.

Sensitivity: If you have extremely sensitive skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before introducing green tea into your skincare routine.

Do’s and don’t when introducing green tea to skincare

Do’s:
– Start with a small concentration of green tea in your skincare products.
– Use sunscreen along with green tea products for adequate sun protection.
– Stay consistent with your skincare routine to see potential benefits.

Don’ts:
– Don’t use green tea products excessively, as it may cause dryness or irritation.
– Avoid using green tea products if you are allergic to tea or caffeine.
– Don’t rely solely on green tea products for all your skincare needs. It’s important to maintain a balanced skincare routine.

Can drinking green tea also be beneficial for skin?

Along with topical application of green tea, consuming green tea internally can also contribute to healthy skin. “Drinking green tea regularly can provide your body with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and promote overall skin health,” shared Dr Priya.

DIY remedies with green tea

Green tea can be used in various DIY skincare remedies. “You can create your own green tea-infused toners, face mists, or even ice cubes to soothe and refresh your skin. Just remember to perform patch tests and use fresh ingredients to avoid any potential contamination,” shared Dr Priya.

She concluded, “Remember that skin care is not just about external treatments. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper hydration, and adequate sleep, can complement the benefits of green tea and contribute to healthy, glowing skin”.