You may have heard of the therapeutic properties of green tea : it acts as a great antioxidant, activates the immune system, lowers cholesterol levels, prevents cancer, and provides many other benefits.
If you want to know more about them, see our article: Green tea and Matcha tea: Double benefit for your health!
But what many people do not know is that green tea also has cosmetic properties , which provide many benefits for our beauty. Faced with the potential benefits, the beauty industry has launched soaps, shampoos, creams and moisturizers based on green tea.
Index
Benefits and properties of green tea for the skin
The substances contained in green tea help repel acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation . Green tea also reduces the chances of having dry, itchy skin and contact allergies. Ideal for those who have oily hair, who simply should use green tea as a rinse after washing their hair.
Due to the flavonoids present in its composition, green tea (when applied topically or orally) reduces the adverse effects that occur on the skin from exposure to UV rays , such as skin damage, erythema and lipid peroxidation, redness and also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
The consumption of green tea improves the hydration, firmness and elasticity of the skin . Flavonoids also improve blood flow, that is, they improve microcirculation that facilitates the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This produces an increase in elasticity and a decrease in surface roughness, in addition to providing an improvement in skin moisture.
Other structural characteristics of the skin that are positively affected by the use of green tea, including elasticity, are roughness, density, and water homeostasis. The studies have shown that green tea polyphenols act after taking it in blood flow and oxygen supply to the skin. The polyphenols in green tea have also been shown to protect the skin against UV radiation and help improve the overall quality of women’s skin .
Heals burns, has healing power for reddened skin and heal wounds . You can prepare a home remedy that suits any skin type.
It is good for teeth and gums, the fact of drinking this wonderful tea ensures a much better oral health than those who do not. At the same time, the levels of periodontal diseases are also reduced , as its elements attack bacteria and control the inflammation that may occur in the gums. In addition, it reduces the risk of losing teeth because they are in good health.
It works against psoriasis, by applying this natural remedy topically to the skin, it automatically reduces redness and irritation . This is because green tea reduces those excess cells that are in the skin and cause this condition. It has the same positive effect against dandruff.
Eliminate stretch marks , we know that stretch marks are quite unwanted on the woman’s body. Therefore, the catechin present in green tea helps to stimulate and regenerate cells that appear as stretch marks.
Goodbye dark circles, its application is excellent to reduce wrinkles, crow’s feet , eye bags or any element that specifically shows aging in this area. How does it work? Being in the presence of the ‘theine’ immediately activates blood circulation and ends with dark circles because the blood vessels contract. Its application is very simple, place cotton moistened with green tea on the eyes and you will see the reduction of these dark circles. If you want, see also these tips to eliminate dark circles .
Against alopecia, according to a study carried out by Koreans, green tea has the ability to stop hair loss thanks to the presence of catechins EGCG that acts directly on hair follicles and the scalp, thus stopping hair loss. hair and helping its growth and lengthening in a healthy way and totally free of residues. Check out the 65 Causes of Hair Loss for men and women .
It fights cellulite, as well as helps to lose weight, considerably reduces the dreaded cellulite, since it gets rid of localized fat and has anti-inflammatory power. However, this result is only possible if its consumption is complemented with a healthy and balanced diet.
Conservation and preparation of green tea
To preserve all the properties of green tea, it must be stored in a dry and ventilated place as well as a closed, dark and cool place.
The exact point where the water should be when preparing the tea is when it begins to boil , after this you will only have to leave the bag in the water for a time of 5 minutes. It’s that easy, right?
Ways to use green tea to improve skin health and appearance
It is advisable to consult a dermatologist before applying or ingesting this product to get benefits for your skin.
Face masks
One of the ways to apply it to your skin, specifically on your face that is especially delicate is through the preparation of facial masks where you will only need green tea, drinking water, honey and aloe vera.
What should you do?
- Make a cup of green tea that is highly concentrated, but you cannot let the water boil as the tea loses important properties . Adding five tablespoons of green tea will be more than enough.
- Add rice flour and mix until a very homogeneous semi-liquid mixture is formed.
- Quickly place on your face with clean hands or a brush (whichever is most comfortable for you) and leave on for 30 minutes or so and remove the mixture with warm water. You must remove all excesses and particles from your face.
There is another way to make a mask in a simple way, you can take your moisturizer for the face and mix it with crushed green tea leaves and place it on the face for 10 minutes. After this it must be rinsed.
You can also do a green tea steam facial, boiling water and then placing the green tea leaves directly into the water. Put a towel around your head and lean your face near the bowl of warm water, but at a safe distance for only five minutes.
Green tea smoothies
They can become a good substitute for breakfast and you can prepare it in different ways:
- With melon: its flavor is refreshing, this mixture works as a diuretic and to provide you with a large amount of antioxidants.
- With passion fruit: mix green tea with the pulp of the passion fruit and if you think that the result is very acid, add a little orange juice. This shake for being quite light can help you with the heat at any time of the day.
- Matcha green tea and peach: it has a great satiating effect so it is perfect to drink it in the morning. Place orange juice, two peaches and a tablespoon of matcha in the blender. Add ice and enjoy.
- Matcha green tea and red berries: a powerful mix of antioxidants if you mix ½ cup of strawberries, ½ of blueberries, a cup of water and a tablespoon of matcha.
Infusions
In principle, it is always recommended not to abuse the excessive consumption of these infusions that have little aroma, have a slightly bitter taste and their color is greenish. The enough idea is to drink three cups a day , no more, to achieve the desired benefits.
Green tea capsules / pills
If you are one of the women who do not like infusions or teas, you can go for the option offered by pharmaceutical companies who offer pills usually indicated for weight loss and that have the same active functions of green tea but in another presentation .
For this it is important to consult your doctor which is the best brand that will bring the desired benefits to your body according to the needs and objectives that you want to achieve and achieve at the end of taking them.
Can it be used to treat skin diseases and injuries?
Without a doubt, yes. The use of this remedy helps prevent important diseases such as cancer. This is possible due to the high amount of antioxidants it has (catechins) that reduce the negative consequences produced by free radicals. So the cellular oxidation that these produce stops and that leads to skin cancer.
For skin with rosacea it is also recommended to use it , this disease affects the skin of the face specifically and in some cases the eyes (but to a lesser extent), it affects women who are already in menopause, people with very white skin or those who They are between 30 and 60 years old. The advice is to apply a facial cream with green tea extract, twice a day, for four weeks and you will begin to see the changes.
There is another disease called vitiligo in which the production of melanin and pigments in the skin is prevented because the immune system is responsible for eliminating and attacking these producer cells, forming white spots in certain parts of the skin. To help improve this condition, you should eat a healthy diet combined with certain skin care. The consumption of green tea helps to protect the cells that are healthy and that in this way they are not attacked by the immune system.
Contraindications to its use on the skin
As the saying goes, we know that “everything in excess is bad” , no matter how many benefits it gives to our body, it is important not to abuse the consumption of certain products or foods.
In the case of green tea, this drink is highly recommended and consumed in infinite forms and ways, but there are certain precautions that must be taken into account, especially related to its caffeine content, which is important to note that its levels are not much more. lower than that of coffee or black tea, but it is not without adverse effects.
- Consuming large amounts may cause vomiting, headache , diarrhea , irritability, sleep problems , tremors, heartburn, dizziness, strange heartbeats, ringing in the ears, and other symptoms that are quite unpleasant.
- It is not recommended before bedtime as it may cause insomnia , nerves or anxiety . If you suffer from hypertension, you should totally avoid its consumption.
- It can demineralize the body due to its effective diuretic action , where fluids are expelled but electrolytes are eliminated.
- It is not indicated for children or pregnant women as it can cause higher effects than in adults due to caffeine.
- It is not recommended if you suffer from anemia , as it can decrease iron absorption.
- If you are under treatment or are consuming any medication of regular use, it is important to know if there will be adverse and collateral effects that cause unwanted symptoms.
Homemade beauty recipes with green tea
In practice you can be more precise, with some homemade recipes made with tea.
Green astringent tonic tea
- Put 100 grams of green tea in half a liter of water and let it steep for an hour.
- Strain.
- Go over the face with a cotton ball in circular movements and avoid contact with the eyes.
You have more information about the Importance of Toning the Skin and the Difference between Tonic and Astringent.
How to remove blackheads with green tea
- Steep 100 grams of green tea in a liter of boiling water.
- Boil for five minutes, let cool and then place in the fridge.
- Soak two cottons in the iced tea and pass them over the eyes for 15 minutes.
More info in our article on Cleaning the skin: the treatment that removes blackheads and millium cysts
Green tea face mask for oily skin
- Separate a teaspoon of green tea (it can be sachet : tear the bag to get the juice after preparation)
- Put a tablespoon of honey in a bowl
- Mix the green tea juice with the honey (if desired, it can be mixed in a blender).
- Apply with a gentle massage on a clean and dry face. Then let it rest for about 20 minutes and then remove it with cold water.
Other different recipes in: 16 Best Homemade Facial Mask Recipes: Anti-wrinkle, Moisturizing, for Acne, Blemished and Oily Skin
Green Tea Rejuvenation Mask
- Remove with cold water.
- Pass this mixture on the face and leave for an hour.
- Some grapes with skin
- A small piece of ginger
- A tablespoon of green clay
- A tablespoon of honey
- A tablespoon of plain yogurt
- Mix together the following ingredients:
- Mix half a cup of coffee with green tea
The best anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams: We analyze the most effective ones.
Green tea against enlarged pores
If you have large pores , take a look at this tip: Ice with green tea.
When added to a vitamin E capsule, it works very well for those who suffer from enlarged pores. Through the contact of ice with green tea and vitamin E on the face, the pores are closed and the skin becomes smoother, deflating the tissue and eliminating blackheads and pimples.
This is also a great treatment to prevent premature aging of the skin.
Prescription:
- Green tea (about half a liter)
- 1 vitamin E capsule (net)
- Ice.
After cooling the tea mixture with the vitamin E capsule. Place the mixture in a container with ice. Leave in the freezer until all the mixture is frozen and at that time it is ready to be applied to the face.
Where to buy green tea for homemade recipes
Green tea can be easily found in any food sales area, both small and large, matcha is more complicated if you live outside of Argentina. If you prefer to buy it online, we leave you a list with the most recommended:
- Organic Green Tea – 200 tablets of 400 mg
- Hornimans – Green Tea – Pure – 100 sachets
- Matcha Green Tea Powder – Powerful Organic Japanese Culinary Grade Antioxidant – 4 oz (113 grams)
- Ambivitalis – Matcha Organic balanced green tea powder, 100 gr. in a zip-lock bag
All types of green tea and their different varieties can be found at this link .
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.