Everything You Need To Know About Camellia Sinensis Benefits For Skin

A very common plant grown in Southeast Asia, camellia sinensis is the plant from which a number of teas are derived. Most common teas that are derived from this plant include green, white tea and black tea. Different processes of oxidation are used to derive the different types of teas from the same plant, thereby ensuring that the core properties of each tea are properly retained so that the consumer can reap all the benefits. Owing to a large number of skin, hair and health benefits associated with this plant, it is now very commonly grown all over the world.

One of the major causes of premature ageing is oxidative damage. This damage is caused by free radicals produced by exposure to pollution, UV rays, dirt and other aggressors present in the environment. But just like green tea, camellia sinensis is full of antioxidants that help fight these free radicals quite effectively. This is the main reason why it can effectively keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.

Drinking green tea every day protects against environmental damage as well as strengthens your skin's barrier function. This aids the reduction of epidermal water loss, which is considered to be one of the main reasons why your skin looks dehydrated and dull. Oolong tea, another produce of camellia sinensis, is really helpful in this regard. It helps reduce the signs of eczema and thereby ensures that your skin looks moisturised and healthy.

Another benefit of camellia sinensis is its anti-inflammatory properties, especially found in green tea. By reducing the damage caused by UV exposure, green tea also calms inflammation and redness. Additionally, soaking a cotton pad in black tea and placing it on your eyes once a day also helps reduce signs of inflammation to a great extent.

White tea, a common camellia sinensis produce, is very well known for its astringent properties. Therefore, when applied topically to the skin after cleansing, it helps to clear and shrink pores, regulate sebum production and reduce the chances of acne in adults. Additionally, simply drinking white tea once a day also helps in preventing future acne.

Unprotected exposure to UVA/UVB rays is touted to be the major cause of skin cancer. The potent, natural catechins (these are nothing but strong antioxidants that fight environmental damage) present in all the teas produced from camellia sinensis work really well to protect your skin against damage and thereby prevent cancer.

Another benefit of camellia sinensis is its ability to intensely nourish, condition and nurture skin. Enriched with essential skin-loving ingredients like vitamins B2, E and C, this tea plant works really well to deliver the skin of your dreams. Additionally, enriched with zinc, camellia sinensis benefits your skin by gently exfoliating it to reduce build-up. This, coupled with the brightening properties of vitamin C, ensure that clear and glowing skin is yours to flaunt.

Now that you know about the various camellia sinensis benefits, it is time to find out about the different ways of using this wonderful ingredient in your skincare routine. Apart from drinking any of the teas from the plant, you can even use it as a part of your face packs, scrubs, cleansers and rinse.

**Step 01: **Soak a bag of green tea in hot water for about two minutes. **Step 02: **Take it out and cut open the bag. Add the green tea leaves to a mixing bowl. Step 03: Add about two tablespoons of honey to the green tea leaves and mix well. **Step 04: **Apply this mixture onto your face, and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes. Step 05: Rinse the mixture with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. **Why this works **– The antioxidant properties of green tea protect against environmental damage to keep your skin healthy and youthful. When mixed with the moisturising properties of honey, this** face mask** delivers instantly refreshed and rejuvenated skin in a single-use.

**Step 01: **Boil some water and a few bags of green tea and allow it to steep. Step 02 : Wait for 30 minutes or until the water has completely cooled down. Step 03 : Next, strain the water and transfer it to a clean bottle. Step 04 : Add a few drops of any essential oil (tea tree essential oil is highly recommended) and stir well to mix. Your toner is now ready. Step 05: Apply this toner to your face at least twice a day post-cleansing, before following up with the rest of your skincare products. **Why this works **– As discussed earlier, green tea is filled with natural astringent properties. This works to draw out impurities from your pores, and reduce their appearance over time. The antibacterial properties of green tea inhibit the growth of pimple-causing bacteria to keep your skin clear and flawless.

**A. **Drinking green tea with added sugar is not recommended if you are diabetic, whereas plain, unsweetened green tea is. Additionally, even though there isn't enough research about this, camellia sinensis is also sometimes linked with liver problems. For people with heart problems, it is best to stay away from green teas that contain caffeine, as this could lead to irregular heartbeat and higher blood pressure.

**A. **Yes, definitely. Green tea, which is derived from camellia sinensis, is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for a number of skin problems including acne. Rubbing green tea on your face works as a natural toner and helps regulate excess sebum production, keeps your skin matte as well as reduces and prevents acne.